Meet the Team
We believe that meaningful financial advice starts with genuine human connection.
Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and business owners to make confident, informed decisions that support their long-term goals and values. We don’t just manage wealth—we help shape futures. That’s why our team is built around a shared ethos of trust, integrity, and putting people before products.
We’re proud of the inclusive, collaborative culture we’ve fostered—one where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and professional development is encouraged at every level. We work as one team, united by a passion for doing what’s right for our clients and our community.
Whether it’s through thoughtful planning, insightful advice, or simply being there when it matters most, the Real Wealth team is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Swipe below to get to know the people behind the expertise — because who you trust with your future matters.
Hannah Crookston
Outside of work, I’m happiest exploring the outdoors. The Lake District holds a special place in my heart, it’s where I spent many childhood adventures with my grandparents and now enjoy walking the Wainwrights with my husband. Whether it’s camping under the stars, relaxing in a glamping pod, or discovering amazing local food, it’s my perfect escape.
I enjoy staying active, working out, and tackling home renovation projects that keep me creative and hands-on. I bring over a decade of experience in financial services, where I’ve worked closely with clients and advisers to ensure every interaction is efficient and stress-free. I take pride in being proactive and approachable, helping clients feel supported at every stage. Connecting with people is what makes my role rewarding.
Michelle Epstein
My happy place is when I’m canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding with family. Laughter all round, lots of fun and a bit of a challenge!
My real wealth comes in life’s simple pleasures, having time with my daughter and dog to relax, reading, or watching the latest movie. Having built a secure financial base, I now get to enjoy these guilt free.
Having worked across administration, paraplanning and advice roles I have thoroughly enjoy being able to support people in reaching their financial goals. Whether this is with a simple pension contribution to build a retirement fund or an inheritance tax plan to allow succession planning for the next generation. The ultimate satisfaction is speaking to a client knowing we have achieved their end goal.
John White
One of my happiest places is right at home: my dog and I can step out of the back gate straight onto the foothills of the Peak District. There’s something uniquely peaceful about that doorstep-to-countryside feeling — perfect for clearing my head, stretching my legs and soaking up whatever the British weather decides to give us.
When I’m not at home, I like to be close to water — lakes or the sea — and I love the buzz of open-water swimming. Being in or near water resets me and keeps me energised.
Outside of work I find my “real wealth” in sport and outdoor activities, also spending relaxed time with my family. I’m a founding Managing Director of Real Wealth, I support clients and colleagues to achieve strong, well-considered outcomes. I enjoy solving problems and finding the best route forward for people, and I’m motivated by doing the right thing, doing it well, and maintaining high standards.
Richard
My happy place: There is something very special about Eastbourne, and the International Lawn Tennis Centre. The grass tennis courts are world class, and there is a real sense of pride in representing Somerset in this event. Other than playing tennis, I’m happiest walking our dog in the woods and spending time with my family making memories.
I’ve worked in financial services since 2018, specialising in helping people plan with confidence and invest with purpose. Before finance, I was a professional tennis coach, a background which shaped my disciplined, goal centred approach. As a family man, I value long-term planning, balance, and supporting others to achieve their goals.
Sean Carney
One of my happy places is up a mountain because it’s where I feel completely at peace — and it proves the UK can be stunning… even if the weather is trying its best to convince me otherwise and the view is 90% clouds and 10% wishful thinking!
Outside of work, I find my real wealth in doing sport or anything that pushes me physically or simply spending time with my family. I work as Senior Client Support at Real Wealth, helping both clients and colleagues navigate challenges and land on smart, well-thought-out solutions.
I’m at my best when I’m untangling problems and figuring out the clearest way forward. I care about making thoughtful calls, doing quality work, and keeping standards high—because doing things properly matters.
Mike Toole
Travelling with my family is my happy place, and I have a particular soft spot for California, where the climate, culture, standard of living and sense of optimism for life and “having a go” really resonate with me.
Finding real wealth outside of work, I enjoy hiking in the Lake District, keeping fit through regular training, and coaching the local under-13’s cricket team, which I find hugely rewarding.
As a founding Managing Director, I am passionate about building high-quality firms that focus on genuine community — with clients, colleagues and the local areas we serve — to truly improve lives. I’m motivated by delivering advice that responds to societal change and its impact on individuals, helping people navigate complexity, make better decisions, and ultimately find clearer paths to greater happiness and wellbeing.
Ian Cooke
Ian Cooke brings over three decades of experience in financial planning and wealth management, with a career dedicated to improving outcomes for both clients and advisers.
Having built and scaled successful wealth management and platform group Benchmark Capital, Ian brings extensive expertise in growth strategy, operational scaling and value creation. A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, he combines deep technical and technology knowledge with a strong commercial perspective.
At Real Wealth, Ian supports the business as an investor and board adviser, providing strategic guidance to help ensure the firm continues to deliver high-quality, forward-thinking advice to its clients.
