1993 Our founding Director, Stephen Morris, joins a National Financial Services Company. Over the next few years he studies and becomes a fully qualified adviser, offering a selection of financial products.

1997 Having established a loyal client base, Stephen decides that becoming a Financial Adviser (IFA) would enable him to offer a broader choice for his clients. Using his knowledge, the company is born from his front room in Barnstaple.

2000 Due to expansion, Stephen Morris Associates moves to their new premises in Mill Street, Bideford. Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland is recruited as a trainee IFA after graduating from Oxford Brookes University.

2001 Andrew is now fully qualified and Mark Cox also joins the team as a mortgage adviser, after he graduates from Chilterns University College.

2003 After showing early success in their careers Andrew and Mark are made Directors of the company.

2004 This year sees the recruitment of Catherine Brown, a Cardiff graduate, who previously worked for a High Street bank. Keen to be able to offer advice, Catherine joins us as a mortgage adviser. Due to continued expansion we also move to our current riverside offices in New Road, Bideford. Bucklandville had been the previous location of a local firm of accountants so was ideally laid out for offices.

2006 James Buckland, upon graduating from Swansea University, joins as a trainee mortgage adviser.

2008 This was probably the hardest year in recent history for our company. With the onset of the world-wide ‘credit crunch’ lending becomes severely restricted. Fortunately the firm has placed itself well over previous years and is financially secure.

2009 To improve their overall knowledge the advisers undertake to study for more specialist qualifications. The FCA had previously stated that by 1st January 2013 all IFAs would have to meet a higher level of professional achievement than ever before.

2010 This year saw Emilia Vanstone join the team of administrators and begin her journey with Morris Shapland.

2011 Both Andrew and Stephen have successfully managed to pass all of the exams required by the 2013 deadline. Their success has spurred Catherine and James (whilst not required for their roles as mortgage advisers), to study for and pass some of the specialist exams themselves.

2012 Despite the ongoing economic issues, particularly in the Eurozone, Morris Shapland Financial Services continues to remain buoyant for the future.

2013 Extensive refurbishment commences on Bucklandville our riverside office.

2014 Catherine successfully completes the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK.

2015 After 18 years as an appointed representative Morris Shapland becomes directly regulated by the FCA. All of the Directors are excited at the prospect of being directly regulated and welcome all existing and prospective clients to their offices to discuss ongoing financial planning matters. Sophie Lace joins Morris Shapland as a mortgage adviser.

2016 Morris Shapland enjoy their first year as a directly regulated firm. Director, Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland, runs the London Marathon for North Devon Hospice.

2017 Andrew has another tilt at the Virgin London Marathon this time raising money for Children’s hospice South West.

2018 After working with NatWest bank as a manager for 12 years Julian Baker joins the firm and takes over as head of the commercial finance part of the business. As well as this we also see Rachel Blackmore join as an administrator.

2020 A year that we expected to be very difficult with the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Morris Shapland made many changes to allow its staff to work from home which resulted in the company coming to the end of the year stronger than ever. Kiaran Tanton joins the team from another local firm as a trainee mortgage adviser.

2021 This year saw Morris Shapland continue to work around ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. This year saw both Rachel and Kiaran achieve their CEMAP qualifications to step up from administrators to mortgage advisers.

2022 Morris Shapland adjusts with the way it communicates and interacts with its clients following the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to continue to offer the best advice and remain accessible to all. Ethan Jeffery becomes the newest member of staff as an administrator.