Dronfield financial planners Belmayne have taken on Matt Spivey as a trainee financial planner, after a career change that began when he was made redundant in 2025. The firm announced his appointment on 11 May 2026.
Matt spent the previous 25 years in sales roles for firms such as Vodafone, and Belmayne said he would use his telecommunications experience to help clients from similar backgrounds. After his redundancy he gained a Diploma in Investment Advice from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and built his own website setting out his approach and ambitions.
Found through a podcast
Belmayne financial planner Alex Napier came across Matt through The Real Advisor Podcast (TRAP), after one of its hosts mentioned him by name in a January episode and praised the effort he was making to stand out. Alex then contacted him for an initial chat.
Alex said: “Matt has a healthy appetite to do well and an approach that genuinely complements his previous experience.”
Matt is now studying to become a Chartered Financial Planner under the guidance of Belmayne partner Ben Smalley, and at the time of the announcement aimed to reach competent adviser status within 12 months.
TRAP co-host Alan Smith said: “This is evidence that if you apply a thoughtful and systematic approach when undertaking a career change, you can secure an ideal-fit role.”
Belmayne provides financial planning to individuals and businesses. It also took on Greg McMillan as its second trainee financial planner. More appointments are in our people section, and more from the region’s financial firms is in finance.