Mr Sparkes has worked in financial services for more than 30 years and joins from Francis Clark Financial Planning where he worked initially as a Paraplanner and latterly as a Financial Planner. 

Prior to Francis Clark he worked as a Financial Planner at Barclays Life and NFU Mutual. He is a member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute.    

Tilney Smith & Williamson’s Exeter office earlier this year added a locally-based investment management capability for the first time with the appointment of Will Matthewman as an investment manager.   

The office has also recently appointed Neil Thornton as a Financial Planner. 

Mark Wilkins, managing partner of Tilney Smith & Williamson’s Exeter office, said: “I am delighted that Neil is joining Tilney Smith & Williamson at this exciting time for our Exeter office. As we continue to see growing demand for our services from across the West Country, it is essential that we continue to expand our team by appointing good people like Neil to work with our clients. Neil has extensive financial services experience and I know he will bring an enormous amount to our business and clients.”  

Mr Parkes said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining such a fantastic organisation whose vision and values are closely aligned to my own. I look forward to providing clients both new and existing with the best possible service and financial advice to help them achieve their financial goals.”