About Chelsea

Quality, independent fund research, award-winning funds and excellent customer service.

Chelsea was founded in 1983 by our present Chairman, Dr John Holder and we were the first intermediary to discount initial charges on unit trusts and bonds, and later PEPs and ISAs. Over the past forty years or so, our clients have saved tens of millions of pounds they would have paid in charges had they bought direct from investment companies.

Over the years, our business has grown and evolved, so that today we are known for our quality, independent fund research and personal service.

Through our extensive fund research we identify those funds that we believe will do well for their investors over the long term. Find out more by reading our most recent Viewpoint. For a complete investment solution you might like to consider one of the four award-winning funds designed by the Chelsea in-house research team.

We provide a service you can count on, with knowledgeable people you can talk to. Our clients’ children have ISAs with us and their grandchildren have junior ISAs.

1983

We offer a long established, well-trusted service to our clients
£47000+

raised for charitable organisations, since 2017
Over 80,000

self-directed, execution-only clients have invested through Chelsea

Chelsea is
not an advisor

Chelsea is not a financial adviser, but this doesn’t mean we can’t help you to invest. Rather than give you advice, Chelsea provides high-quality, independent research from our in-house team.

We investigate thousands of funds, meet and talk to hundreds of managers, and conduct regular sector analysis to find the funds we put on our research lists.

Find out more

“Chelsea provides fantastic customer service! Whether it’s by email or phone the team are all extremely organised. I was recommended to Chelsea many years ago, and now have my whole family with them”

Chris Bowden, Warwickshire

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Meet the team

Dr John Holder

Chairman

Dr John Holder

Chairman

After completing a PhD in Biochemistry at Hull University, I spent three years working as a teacher and a further two years working for a charity, before I moved to a City job with Hambro Life. Within a short time I identified that private investors would get a much better deal if sales volumes were increased and I could rebate some of the commission usually given to intermediaries. I founded Chelsea Financial Services in 1983 and discount-broking in the UK was pioneered. I handed over the day-to-day reigns to Darius in 2000 but I’ve retained a keen interest in the business and remain Chairman to this day. I spend my free time playing golf and skiing.
Darius McDermott

Managing Director

Darius McDermott

Managing Director

I joined Chelsea’s graduate training scheme in February 1996, after graduating from Birmingham University with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry. Somehow I am just starting my 28th year with the company. I was promoted to managing director in February 2000. As well as managing the business and being part of the research team, I have an active role in the financial media and am quoted regularly in both national newspapers and more specialist financial publications as well as TV and Radio.

In 2014, I helped to launch FundCalibre, an independent fund ratings and research business which has gone from strength to strength and is approaching its 10th anniversary.

From our research platform and to meet client demand, in June 2017 we launched a range of multi asset funds, the VT Chelsea Managed Cautious, Balanced, Aggressive and Monthly Income funds. It has been a pleasure to advise on these funds and assist our clients to grow their wealth.

I am the Chairman of the Association for Independent Discount and Non-Advisory Brokers (AIDB). The AIDB represents the views and interests of the discount broking, execution-only and non-advised sales community to the regulator, the fund groups and platforms and the general public.

I am also a member of the IA sectors committee and a judge on most fund manager awards including Investment Week and Portfolio Adviser.

Outside work (almost literally, as our office is a stone’s throw from the stadium) I am a dedicated Chelsea football fan. I am a family man with lots of interests, especially around sports.
Sam Holder

Operations Director

Sam Holder

Operations Director

Sam became Operations Director in 2013, which means that he is intrinsically involved not only in the day to day operations of Chelsea, but the strategy and future expansion of the company.

Sam has the prestigious Chartered Financial Planner title and has compliance oversight of the business. Many of our clients will have seen Sam move through the company over the years and will have spoken to him personally. He is a keen football player and has a growing young family.
Juliet Schooling Latter

Research Director

Juliet Schooling Latter

Research Director

I joined Chelsea after gaining a degree in economics from University College London. After working my way around various departments, I became head of research in 2001 and subsequently research director in 2013. Initially, I was instrumental in introducing the Chelsea Core Selection, the Chelsea EasyISAs and Fund Review. I also edit our popular Viewpoint magazine and help to provide investment commentary to the press.

I have interviewed thousands of fund managers over the years and in 2014 I helped to launch an independent fund ratings business, designed to help investors with their fund selection. FundCalibre’s Elite Rating is now widely-recognised, by both investors and the investment industry, as a mark of excellence.

More recently, in 2017, our research team designed and launched a range of multi-asset funds for those investors who prefer a one-stop investment solution, which they can buy and hold. The VT Chelsea Managed Cautious, Balanced, Aggressive and Monthly Income funds have gone from strength to strength and are extremely popular with our clients.

I combine this with looking after my three little girls, attempting to improve my fitness and on rare occasions getting out to the theatre.
Stuart McDermott

IT Director

Stuart McDermott

IT Director

After attending Nottingham Trent University studying Computer Science, I joined Chelsea as an adminstrative assistant, then Unit Trust Manager in 2000, before being promoted to Head of IT in 2001. My day-to-day responsibility is basically to make sure Chelsea’s website and systems are all functioning properly and securely and that we stay ahead of the game. With all the technological changes we see from year to year, it’s a busy job! Outside the office, I’m a big sports fan – both playing and watching.
James Yardley

Head of Investments

James Yardley

Head of Investments

I graduated from King’s College London in 2009 with a BA in War Studies. I have now been working at Chelsea for over a decade. I have a passion for investing and improving financial education. I work on asset allocation, portfolio construction, fund selection and investment trust research. A natural worrier, I look for the worst parts of any investment to reveal the truth. I conceived, designed and helped to launch the VT Chelsea Managed fund range for which I was awarded the Investment Week Trailblazer award in 2019. Most of my time is spent working on the VT Chelsea Managed fund range. I am a CFA charterholder. Outside of work I enjoy playing chess and poker.
Belinda Venning

Senior Research Support

Belinda Venning

Senior Research Support

I originally joined Chelsea in 2001 after graduating from Leeds University with a BA Hons in French and Italian. After leaving to pursue a career in cooking, I was lucky enough to rejoin Chelsea and am now a member of the research team, assisting with Viewpoint, Fund Review and supporting the team with various projects and day-to-day tasks. When not at my desk I am usually running around after my small child.
Peter Hicks

Research Analyst

Peter Hicks

Research Analyst

I joined Chelsea in 2017. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 with an MA in Ancient History, I also hold an MSc in International Business from the University of Dundee. I am responsible for VCTs and other tax efficient investments. I also hold the IMC and diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Joss Murphy

Research Analyst

Joss Murphy

Research Analyst

I obtained a first-class MSc at Bayes Business School in 2021 having finished my bachelor’s studies at Bristol University the previous year. I obtained full certification in the IMC in June 2023. My role comprises of fund research, producing daily valuations for the fund range and interviewing managers of funds, amongst other responsibilities.

I am a natural contrarian who seeks to find value opportunities when negative sentiment has resulted in assets becoming oversold. In my opinion the VT Managed Aggressive fund is where you will find exciting opportunities. Outside of work, I am an avid follower of sports. I particularly love going to the races and watching my beloved Arsenal.
Nafeesa Ahmed

Financial Controller

Nafeesa Ahmed

Financial Controller

I graduated from Kings College London with a BSc Honors in Mathematics and Business Management. Having completed the CIMA qualification I am chartered and hold an ACMA,CGMA. My main role at Chelsea involves preparing financial statements, analysing the company’s performance and making long-term forecasts. Working with all departments I help the management team make financial decisions, such as cost cutting and setting budgets. When not in the office, I enjoy eating out and shopping with friends.
Sarah Roberts

Head of Projects

Sarah Roberts

Head of Projects

I joined the Operations team at Chelsea in 2013. A normal day for me involves working on a range of projects in the business to ensure that our client’s experience the best service they can.

I also plan a number of events, from investment dinners, speed interviewing events with fund managers and larger charity events. A stand-out event was in 2018 when Chelsea raised a staggering £25,000 for Cancer Research UK, in association with CASCAID.

When I am not at work I love going to the theatre, travelling and eating good food.
Jamie Wainwright

Operations Consultant

Jamie Wainwright

Operations Consultant

From a young age I’ve had a keen interest in financial markets and pursued this interest at University where I graduated with a degree in BSc Economics. I started with Chelsea in 2022 and I very much enjoy being a part of such a talented team.

Outside of work I enjoy exploring different unique restaurants and traveling.
James Evans

Operations Consultant

James Evans

Operations Consultant

I graduated from The University of Exeter in 2019 with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining Chelsea I worked for a Wealth Management firm, giving me a good introduction to the financial sector.

I am a keen sportsman and currently play national level hockey.
Evie Talbot

Operations Consultant

Evie Talbot

Operations Consultant

I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2024 with a degree in BA History. Having had experience working at a startup financial services platform alongside my university studies, I developed an interest in financial markets which I was keen to pursue further. I joined the team at Chelsea in 2025, working as part of the team to manage the administration of client accounts and providing customer support. I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and acquiring qualifications in the sector.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling, fitness, and attending theatre performances.
Alex Shooter

Operations Consultant

Alex Shooter

Operations Consultant

I first joined Chelsea in 2016 after graduating from the University of Bristol. Since then, I’ve worked in the fintech sector, focusing on growing businesses and building strong client relationships. I’m now back at Chelsea as part of the operations team, supporting various projects across the business to help deliver the best possible service to our clients.
Aila Tayyib

Administration Assistant

Aila Tayyib

Administration Assistant

I graduated from the University of Westminster with an LLB Bachelor of Laws (Hons), where I also served as President of Law Society. Additionally, I was admitted as an Advocate by the Punjab Bar Council, Pakistan in 2019.

Having lived and worked in both Pakistan and Australia, I moved permanently to the UK recently where I joined Chelsea Financial Services. My role involves client account administration, supporting the directors and management team, handling client account transfers and analysing financial statements.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, theatre and art.

Giving back to the community

Each year, Chelsea hosts a charity darts event. The team first embarked on this journey in 2017, with a 24 hour dart-a-thon, in association with CASCAID.

Since then, the team has raised £45,671 for a range of causes.

About Chelsea

Chelsea is not an advisor

“Chelsea provides fantastic customer service! Whether it’s by email or phone the team are all extremely organised. I was recommended to Chelsea many years ago, and now have my whole family with them”

Chris Bowden, Warwickshire

Meet the team

Dr John Holder

Darius McDermott

Sam Holder

Juliet Schooling Latter

Stuart McDermott

James Yardley

Belinda Venning

Peter Hicks

Joss Murphy

Nafeesa Ahmed

Sarah Roberts

Jamie Wainwright

James Evans

Evie Talbot

Alex Shooter

Aila Tayyib

Giving back to the community

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Chelsea is
not an advisor