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With a rich 45-year history, we seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, positioning ourselves at the cutting edge of our profession. Being Chartered and Accredited, financial planning is at our core, and we have a strategic approach that maximises efficiency, effectiveness, and success.

We embrace technology to better serve our clients, while remaining mindful of our community and the environment.

What they mean for you

Our unique edge

Chartered and Accredited firm

We’re one of a small group of UK firms who hold both Chartered and Accredited status. This recognition sets us apart as a trusted partner.

Modern yet traditional

We are a progressive and dynamic firm that adheres to the old-fashioned principles of professional integrity and personal service.

Focus on client outcomes

We rigorously test ideas and issues behind the scenes to ensure we consistently make the right decisions, driven by measurable outcomes.

Long-standing firm

For more than 45 years, our journey has been defined by a commitment to doing what's right, even when it's not the easiest path to take.

More than just a business

Whether volunteering or leading initiatives within the community, we make a positive impact beyond our day-to-day operations.

Understand your objectives

We know our niche. We know the services we provide. But most importantly, we know we work best with people who share our values.

1920s
1978
1990-1999
2000-2009
Early 2010
2010-2019
2019
2023
1920s

Not many people know this, but our history actually began more than 100 years ago, in the 1920s.

Starting out as an insurance broker, the business was founded by Arthur Bown after the first world war under the trading name Arthur Bown & Co. However, a lot has changed since then, as you will see.

1978

Fast forward more than 50 years, and Neil Harpham came in and moved the business away from insurance towards financial services, trading as Arthur Bown & Co (Leicester) Ltd. During this period, the financial services profession was ignited due to the introduction of retirement annuities and many insurance brokers set up small financial services businesses.

1990-1999

A fresh-faced adviser named Jim Aitkenhead arrived at the offices of Arthur Bown (Leicester) and declared the company name too old-fashioned. He had it changed to the snappier Arthur Bown Financial Services. At the time, the firm acted as a mortgage broker, managed company pension schemes and dealt with a wide variety of personal and corporate clients.

Jim initially started with one administrator and one secretary (who had the company’s first-ever PC – an Amstrad).

2000-2009

A new millennium brought about change and the company changed hands.

Neil sold the business to Peter Martin and the business was renamed Martin Bown Financial Services Ltd. The business ticked along quite nicely during the next few years under Peter’s leadership.

Early 2010

During the next 10 years, the business grew organically. Jim had three administrators and a secretary, and he was very busy. Fortuitously, Jim’s bright, ambitious nephew, Alasdair, showed an interest in employment in financial services. Jim offered him a position as a trainee financial adviser.

The business changed over the years; Jim had switched our service offering to one that provided all clients with an annual review. The provision of mortgage advice was dropped, and we no longer arranged endowment policies.

2010-2019

Peter retired in 2010 and Jim bought the company from him, breaking the link with the insurance broking firm. We moved from Leicester City Centre to Brook Park near Rearsby.

Staff numbers steadily increased during this time and Rob Handford joined and became our third financial planner and director. When Rob joined, we renamed and became Handford Aitkenhead & Walker Chartered Financial Planners, earning the industry’s highest accolade and acquiring Chartered status.

2019

We won the prestigious “Money Marketing IFA Firm of the Year”. A great accolade for the whole business. At this point, we serviced around 300 clients and slowly began expanding again to support future growth. Jim also set his sights on retirement and plans to leave the company in his late 60s.

2023

Another fantastic year for the team. Alasdair won the coveted “Certified Financial Planner of the Year” award.

Reflecting our focus on financial planning, we decided to change the company name to Optimum Path. We use cutting-edge technology to create financial plans for all our customers and instead of a rusty old Amstrad, every member of staff has a high-tech portable laptop computer and sits in front of a bank of three computer screens.

Questions we will help you with

When can I
afford to retire?

We get it. You don’t want to work until you’re too old to enjoy retirement. Our expertise lies in guiding you to uncover the optimal time and method to transition away from work.

Our approach to financial planning begins with our ability to truly understand you and ask questions no one has asked before. We like debates and encourage you to ask questions, too. This is your life; we’re just here to set out the best course of action and support you along the way.

How can I keep
track of my pensions?

Think of your pension pots as the threads that need pulling together to align your finances with your retirement goals. People often come to us with multiple pensions from various jobs throughout their careers, and have varying questions about what to do with them.

A financial plan puts your pensions into context. We may recommend that they are moved together, but only if there is a clear benefit to your financial plan.

Can I afford to
give money to loved ones?

You’ve reached a point in life where you wish to pass money on to children and grandchildren, and you will find joy in witnessing the benefits of your gifts. However, you might be concerned about jeopardising your own financial security, particularly if you're in retirement or actively saving for it.

Our team offers specialised expertise in estate planning, grounded in decades of experience.

We understand the intricacies involved in crafting a plan that not only fulfils your wishes but also ensures the financial wellbeing of your loved ones.

How can I
maximise my income?

Whether you are in your 40s, a few years away from retirement, or in retirement, maximising your income is vital.

Adapting to economic changes and making smart financial decisions at each stage is key to maximising your income over time. We clear the fog and remove the villain in your life: confusion. With clarity and guidance, you can confidently find the optimum path for your finances.

The team’s accolades

Our work in the community

We feel a sense of responsibility to use our skills and expertise to help the wider community. The little things we do can add up to make a huge difference.

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Sustainability in action

Beyond our client commitments, we're dedicated to safeguarding the planet's future. Every action we take is geared towards meeting present and future needs.

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