Capelin Financial Management

Sam Lott FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Sam Lott is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), having joined Capelin in 2012. Before joining our profession, Sam worked in land acquisition for McCarthy & Stone, where he was closely involved in the financial analysis and viability modelling of development projects. This exposure to forecasting, budgeting, and investment appraisal sparked his interest in pursuing a career in professional financial planning.

Sam subsequently completed a degree in Accounting and Finance as a mature student, achieving First Class Honours — a reflection of his strong analytical ability and commitment to excellence. Sam has continued to develop his technical expertise and takes a leading role at Capelin with a focus on lifetime cashflow modelling for clients with complex requirements.

Sam’s advice is comprehensive, pragmatic, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. He works closely with individuals and families across a wide range of planning areas, including investment strategy, retirement planning, tax efficiency, and inheritance planning. Sam is known for his clear, down-to-earth approach, helping clients make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their financial journey.

Derek Capelin FCII FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Derek Capelin is the founder and Managing Director of Capelin Financial Management, an award-winning, Chartered Financial Planning firm built on integrity, independence, and enduring client relationships. A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), Derek has dedicated his career to providing clear, insightful, and forward-thinking financial advice to individuals, families, and business owners.

Derek began his career in pensions and retirement planning in 1979 and went on to establish Capelin with a clear mission: to create a proactive firm that puts clients first. His vision has shaped a business that combines technical excellence with genuine care — one that now advises on over £500 million of client assets.

Derek’s advice covers all aspects of financial planning, including retirement strategy, inheritance tax planning, investment structuring, and intergenerational wealth transfer. He has a particular ability for simplifying complex financial matters, helping clients make confident, informed decisions that support their long-term goals.

Derek has not only advised hundreds of families, he has also mentored the next generation of Chartered Financial Planners. Many of Capelin’s senior professionals — including award-winning planners — were trained under his guidance, benefitting from his wisdom, pragmatism and creative financial planning solutions.

Derek is responsible for Capelin’s strategic direction, compliance oversight, and the ongoing development of the firm’s culture and people. His leadership continues to inspire a team that shares his passion for being highly qualified and doing things the right way, on time and on budget.

Richard Cresswell FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Richard Cresswell is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS). He is a career professional in financial services since 2002, gaining his professional qualifications and developing a strong foundation in client advice and financial planning.

Richard holds a degree in Economics from Loughborough University, combining academic rigour with a practical, solutions-focused approach to planning. His deep technical knowledge and broad experience underpin the high standards of advice he delivers across complex financial scenarios. He has built lasting relationships with clients by providing clear, trusted advice through all stages of their lives.

Richard’s advice is comprehensive and highly personalised, spanning investment planning, retirement strategy, inheritance tax mitigation, and financial protection. He works closely with individuals and families to help them make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial confidence — with a calm, approachable style that clients greatly value.

Katie Read FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Katie Read is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), having joined Capelin in 2017 after graduating with a degree in Accounting and Finance. Her technical ability and dedication were recognised early in her career when she was named by the national magazine ‘Professional Paraplanner’ as their Paraplanner of the Year.

Katie also holds the prestigious Level 7 Certified Financial Planner™ designation from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) — a globally recognised mark of advanced financial planning expertise. Most recently, she has also achieved the STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trusts and Estate Planning, further enhancing her knowledge in estate and trust structuring when working alongside private client solicitors.

Katie’s advice is holistic and highly personalised, combining deep technical expertise with a compassionate and analytical approach. She works closely with multi-generational families, business owners, and clients navigating significant life events such as retirement, bereavement, or the sale of a business — always ensuring they feel confident, informed, and secure throughout their financial journey.

Idrees Muhammed FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Idrees Muhammed is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), having joined the Capelin team in 2021 after graduating with First Class Honours in Finance and Investment. Whilst studying at university, he completed an internship in financial planning and quickly fell in love with the profession — drawn by the opportunity to combine his interest in investments with his natural people skills.

Idrees has become a trusted adviser at Capelin for a broad range of clients. He is known for his clear communication, technical precision, and thoughtful approach to financial planning. His advice is holistic and tailored, drawing on a deep understanding of investment strategy, tax planning, and long-term wealth management.

Idrees works closely with individuals, families, and business owners, helping them navigate life’s key financial decisions with clarity and confidence — from retirement and estate planning to intergenerational wealth transfer and financial resilience.

Charlie Foort FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Charlie Foort is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), having joined Capelin in 2019, with prior experience in financial planning gained after graduating with first-class honours in Business and Management.

Charlie also holds the prestigious Level 7 Certified Financial Planner™ designation from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) — a globally recognised benchmark for advanced financial planning expertise. Charlie is committed to a programme of Continuous Professional Development to ensure that he continues to deliver the highest standards in professional financial planning for his clients.

Charlie’s advice is thoughtful, highly tailored, and underpinned by strong technical foundations. He works closely with individuals, families and business owners to support their long-term financial goals, with particular focus on investment strategy, retirement planning, tax efficiency, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Charlie is known for his calm, approachable manner and his ability to translate complex financial matters into clear, actionable advice — ensuring clients feel informed, empowered, and confident about their financial future.