about us
Meet The Team

“I’ve always wanted to run a business focussed on those who are enjoying, preparing, or planning ahead for their retirement.
The financial services industry has always focussed its attention on people who are accumulating savings and investments but has neglected those who want to make use of that money to fund their spending, once they have stopped work.”


Our Family
Meet the team behind Sussex Retirement Planning

Philip Wise
Managing Director
I set up Sussex Retirement Planning so that I could help clients make the most of the resources they have for retirement, using the knowledge and experience I have acquired during my working life. I have worked in financial planning since I graduated from Leeds University, taking up a variety of roles and then settling for 17 years as managing director of Spofforths Financial Planning. In my role there, and, subsequently, with Skerritts and Informed Choice, I developed a specialist knowledge of retirement income planning and found that I particularly enjoyed that work.
I was one of the first group of Chartered Financial Planners in the UK, and I'm also a Certified Financial Planner (this qualification demonstrates an ability to make practical use of the knowledge required for the Chartered qualification). I've also completed the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners qualification. I believe that it is important to continuously learn about your profession, and I particularly enjoy learning from international academic papers about retirement income.
Louise, Olly, Felicity and I live in Chichester, between the Downs and the beach along with Sid, our elderly poodle. You'll usually find me on a racing bike at the weekends and I enjoy baking too. I'm trying to learn to play the piano in 2021.
Professional Qualifications
Chartered Financial PlannerCertified Financial Planner
STEP (Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners) Certificate for Financial Services (Trusts & Estate Planning)

Jamie Shuck
Financial Planner
I have worked in financial services since 2015, initially as an administrator at a small Brighton-based firm. I met Philip when we both started working for Skerritts in 2017 and we quickly formed a good working relationship.
I achieved my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2020 and I helped Philip establish Sussex Retirement Planning in 2021. I now provide advice to our clients alongside Philip and I am studying towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner.
I achieved a 3rd degree black belt in karate and in 2019 I travelled to Japan to compete on the international stage. I now enjoy a range of sports such as swimming and bouldering.
Professional Qualifications
Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Michelle Ferris
Financial Planning Assistant
At the start of my career I worked at a building society and subsequently moved to a couple of large financial services organisations. I then went to work for a local IFA practice before taking time out to be a mother to my two daughters. I returned to financial services on a self-employed basis in 2015.
I met Philip many years ago and when I heard he was looking for someone to join his team, felt it was the right time to come back into the office environment.
I live with my husband and two daughters in Worthing. I belong to a local running club and enjoy finding new places to run. One of my highlights was completing the London 10k Winter Run - the atmosphere was amazing!
Professional Qualifications
Certificate in Financial PlanningMortgage Advice Qualification

Paul Thatcher
Finance Director
I am a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ experience providing a range of accountancy services to individuals and businesses on the South Coast. I pride myself in helping businesses plan and increase value for owners and stakeholders.
Over the last 25 years, 10 were spent as a partner in a large regional firm. My portfolio grew to one of the largest in the practice, due to my efficient and personal approach to client service. From an audit perspective, I have significant experience in providing this service to clients particularly in the property, technology, manufacturing and service industries. I have worked with a number of clients in providing finance director roles, helping businesses to raise capital, set up financial systems and assisting in exit strategies.
In my personal time I like to keep active and am a particularly keen cyclist. When I am not exercising you can normally find me socialising with friends and family. If you would like to arrange a free consultation with Paul to better understand how THL might be able to help, please feel free to get in touch.
Professional Qualifications
FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant)Bsc Hons



