Financial Planning with You in Mind

About The Cosgrove Partnership.

The Partnership was originally founded in 2007: the result of an amalgamation of individuals who shared a common purpose in how best to deliver bespoke financial planning solutions.

Our commitment to understanding each client's unique needs has been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to deliver exceptional service and innovative strategies. Together, we strive to create a brighter financial future for every individual we work with.

Meet the Team

Graham Russell

020 3729 0756

Graham graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a Masters degree in Economics in 1997.

Graham became an independent financial adviser for the national intermediary Bates Investment Services in 2000, and subsequently became a founding partner of The Cosgrove Partnership in 2007.

Graham covers all areas of financial planning, and holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, and is a Chartered Financial Planner.

In addition to his role as a client adviser, Graham is also responsible for the firm’s regulatory compliance.

In his spare time Graham enjoys music, travel and is a keen sports fan.

Matthew Brooks

0330 043 2609

Matthew started his working life at age 16 with Midland Bank (Now HSBC) as a trainee Bank Manager.

He left at the age of 20 to start a career with Britannic Assurance as a Financial Adviser before leaving at age 26 to first become an Independent Mortgage Adviser, then an Independent Financial Adviser and subsequently became a founding partner of The Cosgrove Partnership in 2007.

Matthew has a good knowledge around all areas of financial planning and specialises in Retirement and Investment advice.

Matthew holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and is a Chartered Financial Planner.

He is married with two young sons and enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is an FA qualified coach helping two young football teams.

Gary Cooke

01684 594765

Gary has been involved in the financial services sector since 1989 when he joined Lloyds Bank as a graduate.

For eleven years he worked in the corporate advice market before switching to the individual advice sector when he became an IFA for the national intermediary Bates Investment Services in 2000.

As a founding partner of The Cosgrove Partnership since 2007, Gary has developed strong relationships with his clients and offers long term solutions in investments and pensions, particularly for those in retirement.

Gary obtained an MBA in 1992 and holds the level 4 Diploma for Financial Planners, in addition to the level 6 Award for Pension Transfers.

He is an avid cricket fan and a passionate chef.

Ben Lancaster

0330 043 2609

Ben is a Partner at The Cosgrove Partnership LLP. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Planner (Chartered ALIBF) and Pension Transfer Specialist (AwPETR).

In November 2021, he was named by Citywire as one of the top 35 advisers in the UK under the age of 35 and, in 2022, was shortlisted for ‘Rising Star of the Year’ by Professional Adviser.
In additon, he is SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) qualified, which means he can advise those in later life regarding the issues that can occur.

Ben has benefitted greatly from working his way up the ladder at a large corporate financial planning business (Tilney, Smith & Williamson, now Evelyn Partners), culminating in him directly supporting one of the Partners in the Manchester office. After this, he worked at a senior level within Depledge SWM, before joining the Cosgrove Partnership.

Outside of work, Ben values quality time with his partner Sarah and their golden retriever. He is also a keen golfer and plays to a single figure handicap (when time allows).

Christopher Ireland

0330 043 2609

Chris has been working within the financial services sector since 1981. Before helping to set up the Cosgrove partnership as a founding partner, Chris worked for a number of major UK Investment companies as a holistic financial planner and investment adviser, including The David Aaron Partnership, Bates Investment Services, The Moneyportal group and Honister Partners.

Chris specialises in investment and retirement planning and has also assisted many clients over the years providing holistic advice across a broad range of financial planning areas.

This has enabled Chris to gain an in depth understanding of the following areas of Financial planning: Investment Planning, Pension and Retirement Planning, Inheritance Tax planning and mitigation, Family Protection, Business Protection

Chris has a Law Degree from University of the West of England and has achieved the qualification of level 4 diploma for Financial advisers and as such is recognised as a fully qualified adviser with the Financial Conduct Authority.

At Cosgrove Partners, we believe choosing the right independent financial advisor (IFA) is crucial for your personal financial well-being. Unlike advisors who are restricted to a limited range of products, our independent status gives us access to the entire market. This allows us to provide you with truly unbiased, whole-of-market advice that is specifically tailored to your unique circumstances and financial goals.

We take the time to understand your complete financial picture, including your current situation, your tolerance for risk, and your long-term aspirations. By doing so, we ensure our recommendations on pensions, investments, and other financial products are not just suitable but are genuinely aligned with your best interests. This bespoke approach is how we help you build a robust financial plan that is right for you.