Our Heritage & Ethos

Independent Advisers With a Passion for Clients' Best Interests

"We want to be as important to our clients as they are to us." Founded in December 1995, Timothy James & Partners provides conflict-free wealth stewardship from Shell Mex House on London's Strand.

Founder's Conviction

Rejecting Corporate Jargon Since 1995

When Managing Director Tim Whiting founded Timothy James & Partners in December 1995, retail financial services in the UK were plagued by opacity: high-street banks and building societies pushed proprietary products, charged hidden exit penalties, and incentivized salesmen through aggressive commission targets.

Tim set out to create a fundamentally different practice. Advice would be delivered solely by salaried consultants with zero sales bonuses. Costs would be quoted in plain monetary terms ("pounds, shillings, and pence"). The firm would operate strictly on a referral basis, accepting business solely through existing clients, partner solicitors, and chartered accountants.

"At Timothy James & Partners, we believe that strong, long-term client relationships can only be built on solid foundations. We believe in what we do. That’s why we’re so driven on your behalf."
— Tim Whiting DipPFS, Founder & Group Director

Timothy James & Partners Meeting Suite at Shell Mex House
Three Decades of Stewardship

Milestones in Our History

A continuous record of fiduciary advice, client advocacy, and regulatory recognition.

1995 Dec

Establishment of Timothy James & Partners

Founded by Tim Whiting in Central London. Authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (and predecessor regulators). Instituted our strict referral-only protocol and 100% salary compensation model.

Core Milestone Founding Fiduciary Charter
2005 Year

CW Financial Consultants Integration

Welcomed Philip Steer FPFS, Paul Kippin FPFS, and Angela Jarvis FPFS following the acquisition of CW Financial Consultants Ltd, substantially expanding our chartered advisory and technical paraplanning bench.

Expansion Chartered Team Growth
2014 Year

Legal & Accountancy Referral Network

Formalized institutional collaboration with leading London legal practices and chartered accountancy firms, establishing our specialized advisory practice for equity partners, corporate exits, and trust governance.

Specialisation Partnership Advisory Focus
2019 Year

FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advisers

Recognized by the Financial Times / FTAdviser among the premier financial advice practices in the UK, evaluated across a 2-year rigorous performance and qualitative matrix covering wealth managers, private banks, and IFAs.

Accreditation FT Top 100 Recognition
2021 2022

Adviser Firm of the Year — London

Won the prestigious Professional Adviser Award for Best Independent Adviser Firm in London out of more than 1,300 candidate firms, securing the title in consecutive years.

Industry Winner Professional Adviser Awards
2023 Dec

Partnership with Söderberg & Partners

Formally joined leading Nordic wealth management group Söderberg & Partners (founded 2004) alongside the Fidelius Group. Enhanced our analytical research infrastructure while fiercely protecting TJP's bespoke independent ethos.

Institutional Scale Nordic Wealth Partnership
2025 May

Relocation to Shell Mex House, 80 Strand

Relocated our headquarters to the iconic Art Deco Shell Mex House on London's Thames Embankment, providing state-of-the-art client consultation suites and expanded facilities for our 50+ staff.

Headquarters 80 Strand Flagship Office
Institutional Excellence

Söderberg & Partners: Scale with Preserved Independence

In December 2023, Timothy James & Partners became part of Söderberg & Partners, a preeminent financial advisory and wealth management group originating in the Nordic region. Founded in 2004 by CEO Gustaf Rentzhog with backing from Per-Olof Söderberg, the group manages over £60bn in client assets.

This partnership allows TJP to combine the intimacy of a bespoke London practice with institutional-grade risk analytics, enhanced due diligence across global fund managers, and robust balance sheet security—all while our London advisory team maintains 100% operational autonomy and independent fiduciary status.

Shell Mex House 80 Strand Thames Neoclassical Facade
Governance & Executive Leadership

The Board & Senior Leadership

Our governing directors combine over a century of regulatory compliance, investment acumen, and institutional wealth governance.

Tim Whiting

Managing Director & Founder DipPFS (QCF Level 4)

30+ years leading TJP. Directs strategic growth, corporate financial structures, and maintains continuous personal fiduciary relationships with 400+ clients.

Ian Fowler

Group Chief Executive Officer Appointed CEO 2024

Joined in 2013 as Finance Director, becoming COO in 2020 and Group CEO in 2024. Oversees institutional strategy, digital evolution, and national operational infrastructure.

Dawn Buckland

Group Director DipPFS

Joined 2004 from BDO Stoy Hayward's wealth division. Specialist in complex defined benefit pension schemes, corporate transitions, and client relationship continuity.

Philip Steer

Group Director FPFS · Fellow of PFS · Chartered

Joined 2005. Former Canada Life specialist. Leads technical inheritance tax preservation, whole-of-life trust instruments, and high-value equity release advice.

Samantha Hay

Chief Operating Officer Joined 2016 · Appointed COO 2025

Directs facilities, HR governance, enterprise software systems, and our Central Administration Team across our London headquarters.

Richard Armstrong

Head of Governance & Compliance 30+ Years UK Regulatory Experience

Leads legal operations, FCA compliance adherence, and regulatory auditing to maintain unblemished fiduciary standards across all advisory files.

Cultural Patronage

Van Gogh Alive & Charitable Giving

We are passionate supporters of the arts and essential medical causes across London and the UK.

Van Gogh Alive London Experience Supported by Timothy James and Partners

Van Gogh Alive – The Experience (London)

In Summer 2021, Timothy James & Partners acted as headline sponsor for Grande Exhibitions' Van Gogh Alive – The Experience in Kensington Gardens, London. This breathtaking sensory exhibition welcomed hundreds of thousands of art enthusiasts and raised £25,000 for Kingston Hospital Charity's dedicated pediatric cancer ward.

Four private client evenings hosted by broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth brought together clients, advisers, and medical professionals to celebrate art, community, and philanthropic partnership.