Welcome to Optimum Path Financial Planning

Formerly HA&W. We help knowledge workers and owners of knowledge businesses plan for, move into, and enjoy their early retirement with tech-driven, personalised financial planning supported by investment expertise.

Financial planning for

tech workers academics engineers analysts programmers researchers business owners knowledge workers

Wealth matters, made simple

For more than 45 years, we’ve been at the forefront of financial planning. Our vision is to be a trusted, innovative, and sustainable firm. And we’re confident we’re hitting the mark on all fronts.

We have some of the most talented people in the profession working for us, doing what they love the most – solving your problems and adding real value.

Tell me more

Are these traits familiar?

Technically
minded

Because of your profession, you believe numbers paint a better picture than words.

Seek early
financial freedom

As you near the culmination of your career, you long for clarity on when you can retire.

Looking
for affirmation

You know what needs to be done but you require expert guidance to get there.

You

Fuelled by insight, and backed by experience, we pave the way for technically minded individuals to navigate towards financial independence.

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Your team of experts

Managing Director &
Chartered Financial Planner

Alasdair Walker

Operations Manager

Jayde Scott

Chartered Financial Planner

Rob Handford

Chartered Financial Planner

Jacob Siara

Paraplanning Lead

Sue Taylor

Paraplanner

Suzi Beck

Trainee Paraplanner

Rob Dickie

Technical Administration Lead

Liz Yeoman

Technical Administrator

Liv Deeming

Office Coordinator

Louisa Chapman

Our values tie us together

Demand

Excellence

Think

Innovatively

Challenge

Respectfully

Speak

Honestly

Act

Fairly

The team’s accolades

Stories of appreciation

Every person we work with needs a personalised financial plan. Sometimes, we must let them do the talking and explain why you should come to us.

Mike Caine

I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend Alasdair and the team, not only the individual but the whole approach.

Sarah Ashby & Nigel Aston

We retired earlier than we'd hope.

Mike & Denise Bellingham-Young

Since working with Alasdair, I feel really confident about our retirement.

    
 
 
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   james cox 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Always a helpful and informative experience at our visits to this team.
  
 
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   Martin Hand 
 5 February 2026
 
 
  We’ve been very pleased with the advice regarding our investments, as well as the returns.
  
 
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   Paul Tompkins 
 6 January 2026
 
 
  Very professional help and advice with our financial / retirement planning. Would highly recommend
  
 
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   meryl shirtcliffe 
 18 November 2025
 
 
  A very assured and competent team especially when reviewing your personal finances. Never pressured and gave us the time and space to think credibly about our options.
  
 
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   David Leith 
 21 July 2025
 
 
  Have always had excellent dialogue and communication with them, they have been proactive in communicating with me when the markets have experienced shocks to keep me at ease
  
 
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   Nick “NickWBrown8” Brown 
 28 April 2025
 
 
  I have been with Optimum Path for many years, over that time I  have had, without exception, excellent help and advice. As a result I feel that my money and my affairs are in excellent hands. I have no hesitation in recommending this company for financial planning.
  
 
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   Sue Shaw 
 27 March 2025
 
 
  The advice I received was personalised and clear, giving plenty of explanation of the options available and the best way to proceed, with reference to my risk profile. I would recommend the company to friends and family.
  
 
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   Neil Bloor 
 14 November 2024
 
 
  I have received a really professional and very personal service, they really get to know their clients and work with you on your goals making useful suggestions.  Costs are very reasonable and the platforms used are logical and informative.  I would certainly recommend them for pension management and financial planning.
  
 
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   Philip Gee 
 30 March 2024
 
 
  Competent capable advisors who give a sense of comfort and professionalism needed. First class service from all the Team.
  
 
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   Simon Whitaker 
 19 March 2024
 
 
  I have been with the firm for over 8 years and have been impressed with range of advice they have been able to offer from pension advice , complex overseas bonds or simple  good financial housekeeping.  Alasdair, Liz and the team are quick to respond in person and follow ups are prompt. Very happy to recommend
  
 
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   Liz Marshall 
 28 February 2024
 
 
  We are a second generation client and would have no hesitation in recommending  to anybody. Advice is always provided in a friendly and easily understandable format. Superb
  
 
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   Phil P 
 24 January 2024
 
 
  Very helpful and knowledgeable team.  Alasdair has always provided good advice and help in our Pension planning.  Really freindly and relaxed approach to helping us.
  
 
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   alan underwood 
 6 November 2023
 
 
  Have been well satisfied with the service they have provided for a number of years
  
 
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   Caroline Beardsmore 
 17 August 2023
 
 
  My personal needs and investment preferences were fully considered in the advice I was give. I really appreciate the annual reviews, plus I know I can contact HA&W any time if I have questions.
  
 
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   Will Gadsby 
 20 May 2022
 
 
  Alasdair has helped with our financial planning for years. He's by far the most professional, responsive and friendly planner we've ever dealt with and the team are always very willing to deal with queries/questions.
  
 
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   Anita Lad 
 23 November 2021
 
 
  They listen to your requirement and invest & advice accordingly.
  
 
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   Hazel Aucken 
 10 December 2020
 
 
  It's been very reassuring to find a financial advisor who prioritises personal relationships over profit, and cares about his clients.
  
 
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   Trevor Riley 
 22 May 2020
 
 
  I consulted Alasdair at H,A&W for pension and retirement income planning and have been very happy with the advice and service which I received
  
 
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   Leigh tranter 
 2 April 2020
 
 
  Very professional
  
 
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   Michael.J. Rook 
 16 March 2020
 
 
  Excellent advice and Pension Planning with a very personal touch and empathy
  
 
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   Sean Curran 
 19 February 2020
 
 
  Having working in banking for 31 years with the last 25 years dedicated to financial advice / wealth management  I was very experienced in most aspects of giving financial advice - however with a chance of circumstances the roles were reversed and after an ex colleague recommended speaking to Alaistair from H,A&W I was very pleased and impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. I had spoken to at least 5 other advisers from other firms and none of them had given me the reassurance that I swiftly felt with Alaistair. We are around 80 miles apart but the distance is an irrelevance when it comes to sourcing competent incisive financial advice and that it was I receive from H,A&W.
  
 
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   John Bentley 
 20 January 2020
 
 
  In my dealings with the company and staff they have been 100% professional, friendly and efficient and very helpful.