You deserve financial clarity
Managing money shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Yet for many families, professionals, and retirees, it often does. Between market headlines, complex financial decisions, and conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel uncertain about where you stand—or whether you’re making the right choices for the future.
At Cornerstone, we believe true wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for you and your family. Your finances should support your life—not add stress or uncertainty to it.
That belief is the foundation of everything we do.
Our purpose is to bring clarity to financial complexity, helping people feel informed, steady, and confident as they make life’s important decisions. Clients often tell us they come to Cornerstone feeling unsure—and leave feeling grounded, reassured, and more in control of their financial lives. Over time, many come to see us not simply as financial planners, but as trusted partners and confidants.
When finances are clear, something important changes. People gain the freedom to focus on what truly matters—their health, their families, and the life they want to live. Without that clarity, uncertainty can linger, stress can grow, and important opportunities can be missed.
With the right guidance, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Cornerstone exists to help people replace financial confusion with understanding, and anxiety with confidence. The outcome we strive for is simple but meaningful: clarity about where you stand, confidence in every decision, and peace of mind about the road ahead.
That’s what true wealth looks like. And it’s what we’re here to help you build—with care, perspective, and a trusted partner by your side.
meet Our TEAM
Mitch Hopkinson
CEO & Chartered Financial Planner APFS, Certs CII
Mitch has spent nearly four decades in wealth management and is a Level 7 Chartered Financial Planner. He has held various roles, including Head of Advice and Director. He also won the UK Independent Financial Advisor of the Year Award. He decided to create Cornerstone because he wanted to do things differently and build a firm that truly puts clients first.
Richard Withers
Chief Operations Officer
With over 25 years of experience in financial services and operational management, Richard is a Chartered Accountant with an MBA and a passion for driving client-centric solutions. His expertise in strategic planning, technology integration, and regulatory compliance has been pivotal in scaling the firm and elevating the client experience.
James Franklin
Financial Planner DipPFS
James launched his financial services career in 2001 as a bank cashier and became a Financial Adviser by 2005. He’s passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals and thrives in the family-oriented atmosphere of Cornerstone Wealth Planning.
Carol Franklin
Head Paraplanner
Carol started her Financial Services career in the mid-90s as a part-time cashier, progressing to a mortgage adviser and then a Financial Adviser in 2001. For the past decade, she has been a paraplanner, providing technical support to clients and advisers. She is passionate about creating strategies that make a real difference for clients.
John Amor
Head of Governance and Compliance
John provides support in all matters related to Governance and Compliance. He has worked in financial services since 1984 in several UK roles, including as a Chartered Financial Planner, and as a Compliance Officer with major wealth management firms. His in-depth experience will be invaluable in building our proposition to align with the Consumer Duty.
John Martin
Estate Planner
John has worked in financial services since 1992, starting out as a mortgage adviser. John holds planning qualifications from the Society of Will Writers and from the Society of Trust and Estate Planning Practitioners. He is expert at will writing, creating Lasting Powers of Attorney, and drafting complex trusts.
Louise Hold
Head Administrator
Louise has worked in financial services for over 14 years, starting out processing mortgage and life cover applications before transitioning to a Client Relationship Manager role in 2011. She has detailed, in-depth knowledge of financial planning administration and client journey processes.
Zara Kirk
Financial Controller
Zara brings over 24 years of accounting experience to the firm. She started out as a Junior Accountant and progressed into financial management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Having already worked with Mitch for four years, she joined the Cornerstone team when it was founded.
Lianna Wood
Trainee Financial Planner
Lianna studied Business and Financial Management at university and has worked in the financial services industry as a Client Relationship Manager for five years. Lianna has always aspired to become a Financial Planner and she completed her Diploma in regulated financial planning in March 2024.
Kerry Cooling
Client Administrator
Jack Whitaker
Marketing and Executive Manager
With 20 years’ experience in financial services, Jack has held senior IFA roles including Head of Client Liaison, Client Liaison & Administration Manager, and Office Manager. He holds qualifications in Regulation and Ethics, Taxation, and Financial Protection, and joined Cornerstone for its client-first approach and commitment to work–life balance.
How it Works
1. Schedule your financial wellbeing review
Meet with a Cornerstone advisor who will listen to your goals, understand your situation, and identify where clarity is needed most.
2. Get a personalised financial plan
We organise your financial picture, outline your options, and create a clear, actionable plan designed to move you towards what matters most.
3. Move forward with confidence
With Cornerstone as your ongoing guide, you make decisions with clarity, stay aligned with your goals, and adjust your plan as life evolves.
Earned trust.
Real confidence.
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