Martin Hellier

I’ve been working in financial services for over 35 years, with 30 of those specifically in the employee benefits space. My career began somewhat unconventionally as a clerk of the court in the divorce courts, where I started working towards legal executive qualifications, before changing direction in the late 1980s to follow friends into life insurance.

I joined Sun Life at their Bristol head office, then became a broker consultant at Scottish Widows, followed by Friends Provident, before moving across to the advisory side with Alexander Forbes, Mercer, and Foster Denovo.

At Mattioli Woods, I advise a wide range of employers on pensions, group risk, healthcare, and wider employee benefits strategy. My day-to-day spans group risk and healthcare renewals, pension governance, and strategic projects such as harmonising benefits following group acquisitions. I also regularly advise on and implement salary exchange arrangements to help both employers and employees make the most of what is available to them in terms of tax and NI savings. Having worked on both the product provider and advisory sides of the industry, I bring a breadth of technical knowledge that allows me to navigate complex pensions legislation and translate constant regulatory change into clear, practical guidance.

I take pride in being a key influencer of corporate benefits strategy, sitting at the level where I can genuinely shape an employer’s approach rather than simply suggest options. I value being a safe pair of hands for the businesses I work with and believe that building long-term trust through reliability and technical depth, is what keeps these relationships strong over time. I’ve seen the industry evolve enormously throughout my career, from a fairly simple, one-size-fits-all market, to today’s far broader and more complex landscape where employees are better informed than ever. I see technology and AI as the next major shift shaping the profession.

Outside of work, I live in a small village near Salisbury, close to the New Forest, and spend much of my spare time walking in the countryside and catching up with friends in the village. I’m also a keen sports fan, following Bath and England Rugby as well as Chelsea FC.