Meet the Team

Sandra Wordsworth - Client Service Manager

Sandra began her career in 1988 at Norwich Union, now AVIVA, where she worked for 7 years in the business support department and built up an all round knowledge of life and pensions products. Sandra then worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland, at the Independent Insurance Services division head office, heading up the corporate pension administration team and where she obtained her full Financial Planning Certificate qualification.

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More recently Sandra has gained a wealth of experience working for a national firm of independent financial planners, dealing predominately in the employee benefits area of the business. In her spare time, Sandra is involved in the PTA at the local primary school, which her daughter attends.

She also enjoys walking, spending time with her family and going on holiday!

Kathryn Cuff - Client Service Manager

Kath joined Wilds Financial Planning in April 2007 as a Client Services Manager, to utilise her knowledge and experience in an essential support role. Kath has worked in the financial services industry since leaving school in 1980, starting her career in retail banking with Midland Bank (now HSBC). In 1983 she achieved part one of the BTEC National Certificate Banking examinations. Having left the banking sector in 1989, she joined a local building society as a cashier and mortgage adviser.

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In 1997 she joined a local firm of Independent Financial Advisers, initially as an administrator providing valuable support to three advisers. Achieving a pass in the Financial Planning Certificate in 1999, she became authorised to give advice to clients in all aspects of financial planning.

In 2003 she decided upon a career change and moved into a role, specialising in recruitment for the financial services industry. She returned to financial services administration in 2005.

On a personal note, Kath is married with two sons and in her spare time enjoys going to the gym. In the summer months she enjoys weekends away, camping & walking (weather permitting) although this

Richard Cross - Director

Richard graduated in 1980 with a joint honours degree in Geography and Economics and took his first position in financial services in 1981 as a trainee consultant with a life office. Richard has been involved in the financial services profession ever since and in 1986 moved over to the IFA sector, providing financial planning advice to employees of Blue Chip multi-national businesses such as Kodak; Smith Kline Beecham; and Astra Zeneca.

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In 1997 Richard was recruited to establish an Independent Financial Advisory faculty within a provincial accountancy practice, which was eventually absorbed within a National top 10 practice, and of which Richard was a Board member.

In 2004 Richard was headhunted to help resurrect the ailing IFA arm within a National Accountancy practice and this was subsequently sold in January 2010.

Richard has a Full Financial Planning Certificate and is studying towards the Diploma; in addition he has gained advanced qualifications in pension planning and investment planning. Richard’s intention is to become ‘Chartered’ in the next few years. Away from work Richard has an active lifestyle, invariably revolving around the sporting pastimes that his wife & 3 children pursue.

Having played rugby and cricket Richard now coaches’ junior rugby teams, one of which won the U14’s Lancashire Plate Final in 2009.

John O'Hare - Principal & Director

Having graduated from Leeds University in 1986 with an honours degree, John spent several years working within the private financial planning division of Prudential specialising in estate and investment planning for high net worth individuals and then later as an Independent Financial Planning Consultant within two large regional accountancy firms providing tax, pension and investment advice to business clients.

John and the partners of Wilds Accountants established Wilds Financial Planning in 2003 having recognised their clients requirement for a fully integrated financial planning service.

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John holds the Diploma in Financial Planning as well as advanced qualifications in pensions and taxation & trusts, as well as being an active member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society.

He lives in Manchester with his wife Gail and two children Ellie and Xavier.

John is a keen triathlete and golfer and loves the buzz of jumping off mountains on his snowboard. More importantly he is a season ticket holder at the Theatre of Dreams!