Pareto Financial Planning adds two new professionals to keep up with growth

Pareto Financial Planning, the award-winning financial services business based in the heart of Manchester, is delighted to announce the appointment of two new professionals to its growing team: Colin Wildman, who joins the Employee Benefits team, and James Mayo, who joins as an Independent Financial Adviser. Their combined experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to high-quality client outcomes further strengthen Pareto’s position as a leading provider of client-first financial advice in the UK.

Colin Wildman brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, including 12 years at Legal & General within the DC Workplace Pensions division. During this time, he developed deep expertise in Corporate Relationship Management and member communication strategies, supporting employers and employees across complex workplace pension environments.
His commitment to professional excellence has been formally recognised with the Worshipful Insurers Award for achieving the highest results in the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate. Specialising in Employee Benefits and Corporate Pension Schemes, Colin has built a strong reputation as a trusted adviser, known for delivering consistently high standards of service and for building long-term client relationships.

Colin Wildman, said, “I was drawn to Pareto’s strong culture, values, and reputation as one of the best financial advisers to work for. The opportunity to join Joe Warne and the wider Employee Benefits team, alongside Pareto’s commitment to community impact and ambitious growth plans following investment from the K3 Capital Group, made the move an exciting next step,”
Outside of work, Colin is a jazz musician and is well known for impromptu performances on public pianos, including appearances at Forsyths Music Shop in Manchester and London Euston.
James Mayo, Independent Financial Adviser, joined the financial services industry at the age of just 18 and has progressed through a number of junior roles to become a fully qualified Independent Financial Adviser within seven years. He holds the Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services and the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, and is currently working towards achieving Chartered status with the Chartered Insurance Institute as part of his continued professional development.

James’ expertise spans financial planning for both individuals and businesses. He is passionate about helping clients achieve peace-of-mind and confidence in their financial future, recognising first-hand the stress that money can create when plans are unclear. He takes pride in seeing the advice he gives make a tangible difference, helping clients reach milestones they once thought unattainable and building long-term trust-based relationships.

Commenting on his decision to join Pareto, James Mayo, said, “The firm’s strong industry reputation, including numerous industry awards, as well as its culture of professional development and positive client outcomes made it seem like an obvious opportunity.” In addition, James noted that “He was also attracted by Pareto’s charitable initiatives and the collaborative working environment at the firm’s Manchester headquarters.”

Looking ahead, James aims to achieve Chartered status over the next three to five years while continuing to support his clients in achieving their long-term goals. Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic hiker and hopes to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc in the future.

Paul Stones, Managing Director at Pareto Financial Planning, said, “We’re delighted to welcome both Colin and James to the Pareto team. Colin’s depth of experience in employee benefits and workplace pensions, combined with James’ ambition and client-focused approach to financial planning, will add further strength to our growing business. Both embody the professionalism, values, and people-first mindset that define Pareto, and we’re excited to see the contribution they will make as we continue to invest in our people, our clients, and our future growth.”

Pareto Financial Planning manages over £1 billion of assets and continues to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading financial planning firms.