About cherry-motor
Financial management services built on experience, trust, and genuine care for our clients.
From a Simple Idea to a Trusted Practice
cherry-motor began in 2009, founded by two former banking professionals who saw a gap in the market. Too many people were struggling with basic financial management, yet most advisory services were either too expensive or too focused on selling products rather than solving problems.
We started small, working from a shared office in Birmingham with a handful of clients who had been referred by friends and family. Word spread. Within three years, we had outgrown that first office and expanded our team to meet growing demand.
Today, we serve over 2,500 clients across the United Kingdom. Our team has grown to include specialists in personal finance, business accounting, and retirement planning. But our core mission remains unchanged: to provide practical, affordable financial management that helps people take control of their money.
What Guides Our Work
These principles shape every interaction we have with clients and every recommendation we make.
Transparency First
We explain everything clearly, including our fees. There are no hidden charges, no confusing terms, and no recommendations that benefit us more than you.
Education Over Dependence
Our goal is to build your financial literacy, not create reliance on our services. We want you to understand your finances well enough to make confident decisions independently.
Practical Solutions
Theoretical advice is easy; practical implementation is hard. We focus on what actually works in your real life, not textbook scenarios that ignore human behaviour.
Long-Term Relationships
Financial management is not a one-time event. We build lasting relationships with clients, adapting our support as their lives and circumstances evolve.
Respect for Every Client
Whether you are managing £1,000 or £1,000,000, you deserve the same quality of service and attention. Financial stress affects everyone, regardless of income level.
Continuous Improvement
The financial landscape changes constantly. We invest in ongoing training and stay current with regulations, tools, and strategies to serve you better.
The People Behind cherry-motor
Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in banking, accounting, and financial planning.
Michael Thornton
Co-Founder & Director
Fifteen years in retail banking before founding cherry-motor. Michael specialises in personal debt management and savings strategies. He leads our client relations and ensures service quality across the firm.
Priya Sharma
Co-Founder & Director
Background in corporate finance and investment banking. Priya oversees our business finance division and retirement planning services. She holds certifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
David Chen
Head of Client Services
Joined in 2014 after working as a financial counsellor for a national charity. David manages our client onboarding process and leads our team of financial management consultants.
Our Journey So Far
Key milestones that have shaped cherry-motor into what it is today.
Company Founded
Michael and Priya establish cherry-motor in Birmingham with a focus on personal financial management for working families.
First Office Expansion
Growing client base leads to new premises and expansion of the team from 2 to 8 staff members.
Business Finance Division
Launch of dedicated services for small and medium enterprises, recognising the need for practical business financial management.
1,000 Clients Milestone
Reach 1,000 active clients across the UK, with a 94% satisfaction rating in annual surveys.
Digital Platform Launch
Introduction of client portal for financial tracking, document sharing, and virtual consultations.
2,500+ Clients
Continue to grow whilst maintaining personalised service standards and client satisfaction above 90%.
Financial wellbeing is not about becoming wealthy. It is about having enough, understanding your money, and making choices that align with what actually matters to you. That clarity changes lives.
— Michael Thornton, Co-FounderHow We Differ From Traditional Advisers
Most financial services operate on commissions and product sales. We do not. Our revenue comes entirely from the fees our clients pay for our services. This means our recommendations are always in your interest, not influenced by which products pay us the highest commissions.
We also focus on the fundamentals that many advisers skip over. Before discussing investments or complex products, we ensure the basics are solid: budgeting, emergency savings, debt management, and clear goals. These foundations make everything else more effective.
Finally, we believe in teaching. Every session includes explanation and education. Our clients understand why we recommend certain approaches, which empowers them to make better decisions even when we are not involved.
Qualifications and Memberships
Professional standards we maintain to ensure quality service delivery.
FCA Registered
Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority for regulated activities.
ICO Registered
Compliant with data protection requirements and registered with the Information Commissioner.
CISI Certifications
Team members hold relevant qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Professional Indemnity
Comprehensive professional indemnity insurance protecting our clients.
Want to Learn More?
Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about how we might help with your financial management needs.
Contact Us