About Stellar Circuit

Building trusted relationships through honest financial guidance since 2014

How We Started

Stellar Circuit was born from a conversation in a Brighton coffee shop. Three financial professionals, each with over a decade of experience in London's financial sector, were discussing what they'd observed throughout their careers. Despite the abundance of financial services available, many people felt disconnected from their own financial planning. Advice often felt impersonal, overly complicated, or simply inaccessible.

They decided to create something different. Moving to Brighton, they established a practice built on clarity, personal connection, and genuine long-term partnerships with clients. The name Stellar Circuit reflects their belief in continuous growth and cyclical review, ensuring financial strategies evolve alongside clients' changing lives.

What began as a small office in the Lanes has grown into a trusted practice serving hundreds of families and businesses across Brighton and beyond. Yet despite this growth, we've maintained the personal approach that defined us from the beginning. Every client still receives individual attention, and every strategy is crafted specifically for their unique circumstances.

Over the years, we've weathered economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and shifting market conditions. These experiences have deepened our expertise and reinforced our commitment to providing stable, thoughtful guidance regardless of external circumstances.

Our Core Values

Integrity Above All

We provide advice based on what's genuinely right for each client, not what generates the highest fees. This commitment to integrity has built trust that spans generations of families.

Clarity and Transparency

Financial planning doesn't require complex jargon. We explain everything in plain English, ensuring you understand both the strategy and the reasoning behind it.

Client-Centered Approach

Your goals, circumstances, and concerns drive every recommendation we make. We adapt our expertise to your needs, not the other way around.

Continuous Learning

Financial regulations, investment products, and tax rules constantly evolve. We invest heavily in ongoing education to ensure our guidance reflects current best practices.

Community Connection

Brighton isn't just where we work; it's our home. We understand the local property market, business environment, and the unique financial considerations of coastal living.

Long-Term Partnership

We measure success not in transactions but in lasting relationships. Many of our clients have been with us since our founding, and their trust motivates everything we do.

Meet Our Team

Our experienced professionals bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to helping clients achieve financial security.

Catherine Wells

Founding Director

With over 20 years in financial planning, Catherine leads our retirement planning division. Her expertise in pension optimization and tax-efficient strategies has helped hundreds of clients prepare confidently for retirement. Catherine holds advanced certifications in financial planning and regularly contributes to industry publications.

Michael Okonkwo

Investment Specialist

Michael brings 18 years of investment management experience to Stellar Circuit. Specialising in portfolio construction and risk management, he helps clients navigate market volatility while pursuing their financial goals. His analytical approach and clear communication style make complex investment concepts accessible.

Sarah Patel

Business Financial Advisor

Sarah works exclusively with business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the unique challenges of managing business and personal finances simultaneously. Her background includes corporate finance and small business consultancy, providing practical insights that bridge financial theory and business reality.

Thomas Ashford

Protection and Estate Planning

Thomas specialises in wealth protection and estate planning, ensuring clients' assets are preserved and passed on according to their wishes. His sensitive approach to inheritance planning and protection strategies provides families with peace of mind during life's transitions.

Elena Kowalski

Client Services Manager

Elena ensures every client interaction reflects our commitment to excellent service. Coordinating between our advisors and clients, she makes certain that reviews happen on schedule, questions receive prompt answers, and the administrative side of financial planning runs smoothly.

James Harrison

Tax and Compliance Advisor

James keeps our practice at the forefront of tax efficiency and regulatory compliance. His detailed knowledge of UK tax law helps clients minimize tax liability legally and ethically while ensuring all our recommendations meet current regulatory standards.

Milestones and Recognition

2014

Foundation

Stellar Circuit established in Brighton with a vision to provide accessible, transparent financial guidance.

2016

Expansion

Grew team from three to eight professionals to meet increasing client demand and expanded service offerings.

2018

Community Recognition

Awarded Brighton Business Excellence Award for outstanding client service in financial services sector.

2020

Digital Transformation

Enhanced client experience through secure digital platforms while maintaining personal service standards during challenging times.

2022

Assets Milestone

Reached £40 million in assets under guidance, reflecting sustained client trust and growth.

2024

Continued Excellence

Celebrating a decade of service with 98% client retention rate and multiple five-star reviews.

Why Brighton Matters

Our choice to base ourselves in Brighton wasn't arbitrary. This city's unique character shapes how we approach financial planning. Brighton attracts creative professionals, entrepreneurs, young families, and retirees drawn to coastal living. Each group faces distinct financial considerations that London-centric advice often misses.

The local property market operates differently from other UK cities. Seasonal tourism impacts business revenues. The creative and digital sectors that thrive here often mean variable income patterns. These specifics matter when crafting financial strategies, and our decade-plus of local experience informs every recommendation we make.

We're also proud to contribute to Brighton's community beyond our client work. We sponsor local youth financial literacy programs, support small business initiatives, and participate in community development projects. Brighton has given us much, and we're committed to giving back.

How We Work Differently

No One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

We don't have standard packages or predetermined portfolios. Every strategy starts with understanding your specific situation, goals, and concerns. This personalised approach takes more time initially, but it produces better outcomes over the long term.

Education Alongside Advice

We want you to understand the reasoning behind our recommendations. When you comprehend why a particular strategy makes sense for your circumstances, you're better equipped to make informed decisions and stay committed to your financial plan.

Regular, Meaningful Reviews

Life changes constantly. Career shifts, family developments, health events, and market movements all impact financial plans. We schedule regular reviews not as formalities, but as genuine opportunities to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your current reality.

Fee Transparency

You'll always know exactly what you're paying and what you're receiving in return. No hidden charges, no surprises. Our straightforward fee structure reflects our commitment to honest, transparent relationships with every client.

Let's Start a Conversation

Discover how our personalised approach to financial planning can help you achieve your goals.

Contact Us