Ballymena financial firm enters new era as new Director targets growth

Liam Wilson (left) with David Mitchell at the company’s premises in Ahoghill

A long-established Ballymena financial advisory firm is entering a new chapter after appointing a new Director with ambitions to expand its reach across Northern Ireland while keeping its strong family-focused approach at the centre of the business.

Mitchell & Wilson Financial Planning has confirmed that Liam Wilson has become Director of the Ballymena-based firm, taking over leadership as the company prepares for what it describes as its next phase of growth and development.

The move marks a significant transition for the business, which has spent two decades building a client base across the region and now looks after around 200 families, many of them spanning multiple generations.

Wilson, who is also Vice Chairman of Ballymena United Football Club, moved to Northern Ireland from Australia just over a year ago after reconnecting with his family roots in Ballymena.

From Australia to Ballymena

Born in New Zealand and raised in Queensland, Wilson previously built and led a successful financial advisory practice in Australia before relocating to Northern Ireland.

His move into financial planning followed the end of a promising provincial rugby career after suffering a serious injury — a turning point that ultimately led him into the financial services sector.

Now based in Ballymena, he says the sense of community he experienced growing up in Australia is something he has quickly recognised locally.

“One of the most important things to me back in Queensland was the community I came from, and it meant a lot to see the impact of my work on the people I lived amongst,” he said.

“I’ve felt the same sense of community and welcoming over the last few years in Northern Ireland, so I’m grateful to give back.

“My grandparents moved to Australia from Ballymena, and I was always raised with an affinity to my heritage. We feel very lucky to have made this move and I feel proud to be working with such great clients, helping them with their goals and making them a reality.”

Founder remains involved as firm plans expansion

The leadership transition also represents a major milestone for founder David Mitchell, who established the business in May 2006 and helped build it into a recognised name in financial planning locally.

Mitchell will remain closely involved in the business, with the firm stressing that continuity for clients and staff remains a key priority during the transition.

He said Wilson had already demonstrated the experience and leadership needed to guide the company forward.

“It has been clear from the outset that Liam is exceptionally well placed to lead our firm into its next chapter and I’m proud to be working alongside him for that journey,” Mitchell said.

“His experience has helped ensure a smooth and reassuring transition for everyone involved.

“What’s been especially encouraging is the shared commitment we have to our clients and to the future of the practice. I look forward to continuing to work together and being part of what the future holds for the firm.”

Focus on local families and future growth

Mitchell & Wilson Financial Planning specialises in pensions, investments and inheritance tax planning and operates as a partner practice of St. James’s Place, one of the UK’s largest wealth management organisations.

Wilson says the firm’s immediate focus will be on building on its existing foundations while expanding support for more local families, professionals and business owners.

“This is about honouring the legacy that has been built by David, while positioning the firm for the next phase of its journey,” he said.

“Over time, I’d like to see us expand our presence to support more local families, business owners and professionals to plan confidently for their futures.

“If we can grow the business while making a genuine difference in people’s financial confidence and wellbeing, that will be a real success for us.”

With the founding team remaining involved and longstanding client relationships continuing across the region, the Ballymena firm is now positioning itself for further growth while maintaining its emphasis on personal, relationship-led financial advice.