Ian is one of the founding shareholders of Vela Wealth, establishing the business in 2012 having spent many years in the wealth management industry. Ian initially trained and qualified as an investment manager with Gerrard Stockbrokers before moving into financial advice, corporate finance and credit structuring during senior roles with Barclays Wealth, Kleinwort Benson and Coutts.

Over the last 25 years, Ian has worked closely with founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, company directors and senior executives across many industries to help structure, preserve and achieve their financial objectives. Ian has particular expertise in providing personal financial advice and planning to high-net-worth individuals and their families, helping them protect, preserve and grow their wealth.

Ian is a board member of Develop North PLC; a main market London Stock Exchange-listed public investment company focused on providing investment into the North of England and Scotland and is a Chartered Fellow and Wealth Manager with the CISI. He is also a director and shareholder of Tier One Capital Fund Management, an institutional investment adviser in the North of England.

Away from business, Ian is a keen supporter of the region and sits on the Business Development Board at the highly respected Newcastle United Foundation. He also enjoys spending time with his family, coaches two junior football teams and loves to read, travel and exercise.