About Us
Andy Anderson Dip PFS
Director & Independent Financial Adviser
We know that big life events – like starting a business or retiring – can be daunting. That’s why we’re proud to have served local families and business owners since 1978.
In 2017, Andy Anderson faced a decision. His fellow partners at the business his father-in-law started were retiring - and selling their clients on to national firms. Andy believed that was the wrong direction.
He believes great client-adviser relationships are built on trust, and trust is built between people, not corporations.
That’s why BlackBear was founded in 2018. In a time when financial advice is becoming more corporate and less accessible, Andy chose to evolve the family business into a truly local, independent practice - directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
As a family-owned group of Independent Financial Advisers, we know the most important part of our work is building trust.
Why We're Independent
As Independent Financial Advisers, we believe true independence isn’t just a status - it’s a mindset, and we take it seriously.
Being independent gives us the freedom to do what’s best for you. We’re not tied to a large company with sales targets or strict criteria that turn people away because they don’t have “enough” investable assets.
At the heart of what we do is a simple belief: people should have access to financial advice, when they need it, at a price they can afford.
Being independent and family-owned allows us to deliver on that belief.
Its how we stay focused on delivering the best outcomes for you.
Our History
BlackBear’s story began back in 1978, when Sid Holding opened the doors of S G Holding & Partners in Little Sutton.
The business grew in both size and reputation as a local Independent Financial Advice firm, with a number of new advisers joining the firm over several decades.
Two of those advisers included Sid's daughter Karen and his son-in-law Andy.
After the original partners retired and the financial advice landscape began shifting toward corporate consolidation, Karen & Andy launched BlackBear - a fresh start that stayed true to S G Holding & Partners' founding values: independence, integrity, and long-term relationships.
Family Owned
Andy & Karen continue to lead the business today, with their two sons Guy & Max firmly embedded within the business to continue the family-ethos well into the future.
We're not just family owned. We’re proud to have a team advisers from a variety of backgrounds, which means we can match you with an adviser who understands your goals, your situation, and just "gets you".
With over a century of combined industry experience across our small team, you can have confidence in everything we do.
Andy Anderson Dip PFS
Karen Anderson MSWW
Company Director
Independent Financial Adviser
Company Director
Estate Planner & Professional Will Writer
Support Team Lead and Head of Operations
Guy Anderson BSc (Hons)
Independent Financial Adviser