TBN Spotlight: Chris Mills, Director of Voyage Financial Planning

Meet Chris Mills, a Chartered Independent Financial Adviser and the Director of Voyage Financial Planning. We put Chris under the spotlight to find out more about him and his business...

Tell us about yourself Chris.

I have been married to my wife Amy since May 2013. We have 5 amazing children with the youngest 2 being twins who arrived at 31 weeks in November 2023. We have the perfect mix of 3 boys & 2 girls. On a professional front, I have worked within Financial Services sector for around 20 years, covering pretty much every aspect within financial services and banking.

Tell us all about Voyage Financial Planning.

I set up Voyage Financial Planning in January 2023 after working at my previous firm for close to 10 years. I had always dreamt of running my own independent financial planning business so that I could set up a firm based on my own morals and ethics whilst being able to leave a legacy for the next generation.

What are some of the services that you provide?

We like to view ourselves as the go to place for independent financial advice within Financial services. We offer independent advice from, Pensions, Investments, Savings, Retirement Planning, Inheritance Tax Planning, Pension Tracing services, Residential Mortgages, Buy to let mortgages, Insurance, Business Insurance & Equity Release.

Has there been a particular highlight to date in running your own business?

There are 2 which have meant a lot to me in different ways. When my wife went into early labour with the twins at 31 weeks, I had to down tools for 2 months instantly as I had to make sure I was available for the rest of the family. Whilst I wasn’t always available, the business was able to maintain the same level of service and not one client was affected due to my absence, which is something I have always wished for. From a work perspective, I would say the highlight’s come from helping clients. Each client has their individual needs and aspirations and no 2 cases are the same and nothing beats the pride you feel when people thank you for helping them achieve their goals.

Any exciting news to share for 2024?

Since my eldest was born, I have dreamt of completing the London marathon again before I reached 40. Unfortunately, reaching 40 will arrive much quicker than I anticipated, however, I am pleased to say, I will be completing the London marathon in April whilst raising money for the amazing charity which is ‘children with cancer’. My just giving page is www.justgiving.com/page/chris-mills-1705060144231

When you’re not busy working, what do you love doing in your time off?

As a father of 5, I like to make sure I don’t waste a moment. I like to ensure that I spend as much time as I can with our family. That could be watching Ollie’s rugby on a Sunday, taking Maisie shopping, Noah swimming or the 7 of us spending time together. On the odd occasion where it’s possible, Amy and I do enjoy the odd meal out.

Tell us about your favourite restaurant in Dorset.

Amy & I love going down to The Jetty Restaurant in Christchurch, where the food is always on point and the staff are so welcoming.

www.voyagefinancialplanning.co.uk