Neill Anderson recently marked 10 years as a financial adviser with Truly Independent. Earlier this month, he caught up with our colleague Martha to reflect on the journey so far. Based on that conversation, here’s Neill’s story.
When I called Neill Anderson to chat about his 10-year anniversary with Truly Independent, he was as calm and measured as ever. Based in Clydebank, just outside Glasgow, Neill has been part of the financial advice world for over 30 years and adviser at Truly Independent for a decade this month. It’s a big milestone, and one that definitely deserves a proper spotlight.
We started by talking about how it all began. I was curious, why Truly?
Neill told me that the idea of being self-employed had real appeal, but it was meeting Andrew Goodwin, our CEO, that sealed the deal. You can hear the clarity in his voice when he recalls that moment.
“I felt completely aligned with the firm’s ethos and values. I’d worked as an adviser for many years with other firms, but I knew this was the right move. And it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
That sense of certainty stuck with me. And as we kept talking, I realised how much of Neill’s success has come from knowing what matters most to him and shaping his work around it.
“That flexibility has made all the difference. I can do the job I love but still be there when my family needs me. It’s something I really value and something this model has made possible.”
There’s a real thoughtfulness in how Neill talks about his work. He described himself not just as a financial adviser, but as a lifestyle planner. And when he said it, it didn’t sound like a slogan. It sounded like someone who genuinely cares.
“I take the time to get to know people. When you build genuine trust, those relationships last. That’s why so many of my clients have stayed with me long term and often refer others. It’s all built on trust and understanding.”
When we moved on to how the industry has evolved over the years, Neill spoke with the same calm clarity as before. There was a real sense of perspective in what he said, realistic about the challenges, but optimistic too.
“This profession is always changing. In recent years there’s been a lot of regulatory reform, and while that brings challenges, I’ve always felt supported by the team at Truly. The business itself is evolving too, and you can see the improvements in how advisers are supported day to day.”
And finally, we talked about what he’s most proud of. I could hear the smile in his voice.
“That’s what I’m most proud of. Seeing clients enjoy the retirement they worked so hard for, and knowing I’ve played a small part in helping them get there, that’s what makes this job so worthwhile.”
After we finished chatting, what stuck with me was just how steady and thoughtful Neill is. No fuss, no drama, just someone who genuinely wants to help people make good decisions and feel confident about the future.
Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary. You’ve built something special, and it’s been a real pleasure getting to share your story. Here’s to the next chapter.
