Financial Advisor in Dunstable
Patronus Partners provides independent financial advice to individuals and families in Dunstable and South Bedfordshire, with a particular focus on pensions and retirement planning.
Owned by its staff since it was founded in 2015, the firm has no products of its own to sell. Our recommendations are based only on what is suitable for each client.
Financial Advice in Dunstable
Dunstable grew up where Watling Street meets the Icknield Way, beneath the Dunstable Downs. Today it is home to many people who work for large employers in the town, in Luton or along the M1.
For employees, a workplace pension is often their largest asset after their home. As retirement approaches, the decisions become more involved: whether to take a tax-free lump sum, how to draw an income, and how long the money needs to last. The minimum age for accessing most private pensions is also due to rise from 55 to 57 in April 2028.
We work with clients in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Caddington, Kensworth, Totternhoe and Eaton Bray. Meetings can take place by telephone, by video call or in person.
What we do
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We take time to understand each client’s position and objectives, and then build a plan that uses the available allowances in a tax-efficient way. Plans are reviewed regularly as circumstances and rules change. We do not charge initial fees for financial advice.
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Our investment managers build portfolios suited to each client’s objectives and attitude to risk, and adjust them over time. With no in-house funds to promote, every investment is chosen independently.
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We also offer execution-only trading and custody for clients who prefer to manage their own investments. Our trading desk executes for hedge funds and family offices.
A Different Approach to Financial Advice in Dunstable
At Patronus Partners, our approach is shaped by a clear philosophy — one that places clients ahead of convention.
“We are all escapees from large firms and feel that clients no longer want the bland industry stereotype but prefer a smaller firm whose interests are aligned with theirs. The industry is ever- homogenising and unfortunately seems to focus more on shareholders than on clients".
— James Barton, Spear’s magazine.
This philosophy underpins how we work with clients in Dunstable, providing independent advice that is considered, aligned and built around long-term thinking.
The Unspoken Truth…
is that many large financial advice firms are structured around scale, rather than client outcomes.
As an independent financial advisor serving Dunstable, we are not constrained by in-house products, excessive client volumes or the pressure to meet shareholder expectations — all of which can limit the quality of advice.
Our focus remains entirely on what is most appropriate for you.
We recommend only what we believe represents the highest standard of thinking and investment opportunity, with the aim of delivering meaningful, long-term results.
"Patronus’ from the original Latin, is a person who stood as a protector to another, who was called his ‘client’. It struck a chord with us.”
— Paul Kavanagh CEO
Why Choose an Independent Financial Advisor in Dunstable?
Choosing the right financial advisor in Dunstable is about more than performance — it’s about independence, clarity and long-term alignment.
Independence
We are owned by the people who work here, with no outside shareholders or sales targets to influence our advice.
Freedom
Our advice is drawn from across the market, with no requirement to use particular funds or providers.
Performance
While past performance cannot be guaranteed, our portfolios have consistently outperformed industry benchmarks since inception.
Our focus remains on delivering sustainable, long-term results.
Experience
Members of our team have spent their careers at banks, hedge funds and investment firms, often in senior roles.
Close Relationships
We limit the number of clients we take on, so that each client has direct access to the people managing their affairs.
Fees
There is no initial fee for financial advice. Any ongoing fees are agreed with you in writing at the outset.
How We Can Help
We can advise on areas including:
Workplace pensions and additional contributions
When to retire and how to draw a retirement income
Taking a tax-free lump sum from a pension
The review of pensions held with former employers
Investment management across pensions, ISAs and general investment accounts
Inheritance tax planning and the transfer of wealth to future generations
Financial Advice FAQs
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For most private pensions the minimum age is currently 55, rising to 57 from April 2028. The right time to start drawing depends on your plans, your other income and how long the money needs to last.
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Yes. We are happy to meet clients in person in Dunstable, and meetings can also be held by telephone or video call. Our offices are located in the City of London and at Arlington Business Park, Reading.
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Nothing. The initial consultation is free of charge, and there are no initial fees for financial advice.
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![Smiling man wearing glasses and a white shirt sitting in a room with a blurred background.]()
Paul Kavanagh
Director
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![A man in an office setting working at a computer with multiple monitors displaying financial data and graphs.]()
Jeremy Steinson
Director
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![Smiling woman sitting in an office with a blurred background.]()
S-J Kavanagh
Operations
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![Man wearing glasses sitting at a table with abstract art in the background.]()
James Barton
Investment Director
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![Person smiling in a meeting with a laptop and glass of water visible in the foreground.]()
John Prior
Director, CIO
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![Two men in an office setting, one is gesturing with his hands while discussing, wearing glasses and a white shirt.]()
Kareem Khouri
Director, COO
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![Bald man smiling in a white shirt against a plain background]()
Dan Dowding
Head of Wealth Management
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![Black and white selfie portrait of a woman outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sky.]()
Penny Rooney
Head of Compliance
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![Portrait of a smiling man in a suit and white shirt, black and white photo.]()
Richard Griffiths
Trading Manager
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![Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long hair]()
Harriet Harrison
Operations
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![Black and white portrait of a man in a suit with a neutral expression.]()
Jonathan Jackson
Head of Research
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![Black and white portrait of a man in a suit]()
James Blackmore
Trader
Arrange a Free Consultation
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Recognised Among the UK’s Leading Wealth Managers
Patronus Partners has been recognised for its approach to independent wealth management, reflecting both the experience of the team and the strength of its long-term investment philosophy.
“One of the top 10 Wealth Managers in the UK. Barton is a dichotomy... An affable bonhomie, but with a sharp, disruptive, forward-thinking mind. His preference for questioning the rules, combined with his friendly nature, is why clients seek his insightful advice and why he is regarded as one of the top practitioners in the industry"
— James Barton Investment Director Review in Spear’s
This level of recognition reflects the standard of advice we provide to clients in Dunstable, combining institutional expertise with a more personal, independent approach.
Serving Clients in Dunstable and Beyond
While our offices are based in London and Berkshire, we work with clients across Dunstable and South Bedfordshire.
Berkshire
1650 Arlington Business Park, Reading, Berkshire. RG7 4SA
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