SM Advice has launched a strategic advisory board offering guidance, challenge and support on key decisions and priorities.
The board consists of:
- Stephanie Charman, chief executive officer, Association of Mortgage Intermediaries
- Alan Knowles, managing director and founder, Cura Financial Services
- William Lloyd-Hayward, chief executive officer, Brightstar Group
- Justine Randall, chief commercial officer, Tatton Investment Management
- Keith Richards, chief executive officer, Consumer Duty Alliance
The board will meet once per quarter and act as a trusted resource to the leadership team, the firm said.
All members are joining the SM Advice strategic advisory board in an individual capacity. Their involvement is separate from, and does not represent the views or endorsement of, their current employers or professional affiliations, it added.
SM Advice was launched in January by Setul Mehta, intially as a social media management company dedicated to supporting the UK’s advisory community.
It has since added foreign languages and British Sign Language (BSL) translated content and expanded its services to include broader operational support for advisers and business owners.
In June Mehta was appointed protection market lead by insurer Royal London.
He subsequently stepped back to a strategic role with the SM Advice business but retained full ownership, with Chris Miles taking on the role of managing director in August.
While SM Advice’s core proposition was founded on social media, it said its growing client base of advisers, business owners and network relationships had highlighted a strong appetite for wider operational support.
Chris Miles, managing director of SM Advice, said: “This is a really exciting step forward and gives us access to brilliant minds who believe in what we’re building.
“I’m incredibly grateful to these individuals for contributing their time and insight at such a pivotal stage of our journey. The board will be an invaluable source of accountability and inspiration as we finalise our plans for Q4 and into 2026.”
Randall added: “It’s exciting to be able to contribute to the growing success of SM Advice – a business focussed on the needs of financial advisers today, simplifying the world of social media and digital engagement.
“I feel strong personal alignment with the team – we have a shared commitment to understanding advice firm priorities and SM Advice are leading the market in delivery of tailored solutions to help advisers implement leading social media footprints.
“I’m looking forward to being part of this advisory board to help shape future progress and accelerate the progress already delivered.”