Meet the team ...
James Smith
Senior Partner
Chartered Financial Planner
James joined the company in 2015 and has since achieved his Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and holds the title of Chartered Financial Planner.
James deals with all aspects of financial planning, including investment advice, pension and retirement planning, trust advice, protection, tax planning and equity release.
Outside the office James enjoys being part of his Church community; and is a keen musician. He also enjoys dog walks with his wife, son, and their cocker spaniel Bunty. At other spare moments James can be found playing tennis, football, or golf, and on occasion representing Essex at badminton.
Oliver Salmon
Senior Partner
Chartered Financial Planner
Ollie joined us in 2019 after graduating from the University of Manchester with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Modern History with Economics. He has achieved his Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, and for his efforts, Ollie was awarded a NextGen Planners award for displaying dedication and focus to his professional development. In 2022 Ollie was also awarded the CII Sanderson prize for the best exam results in Chelmsford and South Essex for the Advanced Diploma.
Outside the office, you will normally find Ollie on the golf course or, when the weather is not great, playing a good board game.
Jeremy Salmon
Paraplanner
Jeremy joined us in 2023. He graduated from Durham University in 2021 achieving a 2:1 in Psychology BSc (Hons) and in 2023 completed a master’s degree in Law and Legal Practice with BPP University. He is continuing to work with the firm whilst he undertakes the Barrister Training Course with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy.
Outside the office, Jeremy enjoys beating Oliver on the golf course and noodling on the guitar.
Daisy Rathbone
Financial Planning Assistant
Daisy joined us in 2023, following successful careers in professional dancing and events management.
Daisy has joined our administration team and brings a high level of organisation and attention to detail from her previous careers.
Outside of the office Daisy still enjoys dancing, as well as baking and spending time with her two cats Reuben and Raphael.
Ollie Arden
Financial Planning Assistant
Ollie grew up in Devon and studied English Literature at the University of Swansea, graduating with a 2:1. He went on to complete both a Law Conversion and a Master’s in Law at The University of Law in Exeter.
Ollie joined our team in November 2024 as a Financial Planning Assistant, following time spent travelling across East and Southeast Asia. He is currently working towards his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, and his focus on building trusted relationships and delivering excellent client service is central to his role.
Outside of the office, Ollie is a keen sportsman. He enjoys rugby, cricket, and regularly competes in triathlons.
Helen Seaman
Office Manager
Helen has worked at David Smith Financial Services for 25 years. She is a qualified administrator which is her main role in the Office. She deals with all aspects of client servicing, account settlements and enquiries.
Helen works alongside David in the administration of the CII Golf Days and the Chartered Insurance Institute Election to Fellowship.
David Smith
Consultant
David retired from advising clients at the end of September 2022, after founding the company in 1977 and almost 60 years in the industry. He is still involved with the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Fellowship Assessment Board, as well as being the local Chartered Insurance Institute Golf Secretary and Organiser.