At the end of September 2026, after 29 years with FPC, Bernice will retire.
Since joining FPC in 1997 and becoming a Partner in 2010, Bernice has played a hugely important role in shaping our technical approach and supporting generations of clients through some of their biggest financial and life decisions.
Her particular expertise in pensions and retirement planning, combined with her care, judgement and meticulous attention to detail, has made her a hugely valued adviser, colleague and mentor.
“Where have these 29 years gone! I can honestly say it has been great in so many ways, not least because of the people I’ve met both professionally and personally.
“I will be forever grateful to Mark and Moira for bringing me into the team at a time when I thought it would be impossible to continue doing the work I loved with two small children and a shift-working husband.
“We have done so much fabulous work together, navigating changing legislation and helping to make our clients’ lives simpler as well as wealthier.
“And to all the clients I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know over the years, thank you for allowing me to join you on your personal as well as financial journeys. We have shared so many happy, and sometimes sad, times and it has been a privilege to be part of your lives for such a long time.
“I’m retiring, but I’m not cutting all ties, so I hope to hear how you and your families are doing in the years to come. Please don’t forget me.”
Moira O’Shaughnessy added: “Bernice brought something very special to the partnership. Her maths background, analytical approach and pensions expertise gave us a real technical edge, and her commitment to clients and colleagues has made an enormous contribution to FPC. On a personal level, I will really miss the steadfast support I have always been able to rely on.”
FPC founder Mark Ralphs also remembers inviting Bernice to interview when she was six months pregnant.
“She asked me if I was serious. Decades later, I can reflect on what a good move FPC made. Bernice has brought so much to clients, the team and her fellow partners. We could always rely on her considered opinion and her deep sense of care for clients.”
Retirement certainly won’t mean slowing down. A passionate runner, Bernice has set herself a challenge for the year ahead, using her running events to raise awareness and funds for Alfie’s Squad, which supports children and families affected by suicide bereavement.
Any support, whether through a donation or simply sharing her page, would mean a great deal – it is here!
We will of course be keeping in touch with Bernice and look forward to sharing some of her adventures and running exploits over the coming year.
For now, we would simply like to thank her for everything she has contributed to FPC, our clients and the wider profession, and wish her a very happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement – with many happy miles ahead.
