Stuart Borthwick: From Dartmoor roots and ‘muddy boots’ to a national awards shortlist

A Dartmoor-based financial adviser has been named a finalist in a national awards programme recognising later-life lending, bringing attention to specialist support available for older people across rural Devon.

Stuart Borthwick, who runs Dartmoor Financial, has been shortlisted for Best Individual Later Life Adviser at the British Later Life Lending Awards 2026. 

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The British Later Life Lending Awards celebrate advisers who demonstrate high standards of care, ethics and technical expertise when working with older clients.

Stuart will have to wait until February for the ceremony in London, but his work is firmly rooted much closer to home.

He spoke to The Moorlander about his background, connections to Dartmoor, and why later-life financial advice is becoming increasingly important.

What is your background, and what led you into later-life lending?

“I’ve worked in financial services for 18 years. Early on, at Britannia Building Society and later the Co-operative Bank, I found myself drawn to conversations with older clients. About 12 years ago, I realised just how overlooked this stage of life was when it came to advice. People’s circumstances often become more complex as they get older, with retirement income, health issues and family considerations all playing a role. Yet these are some of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. I’ve always had a strong sense of fairness, and helping people at that stage felt like the right thing to do.”

What is your connection to Dartmoor, and how does working in a rural area shape your work?

“Dartmoor isn’t just where I work, it’s home. My family and I live on the edge of the moor, and Dartmoor Financial was built around rural values like trust, reputation and doing right by people. In a rural community, relationships really matter. Clients are often neighbours or people you bump into locally, and that brings a real sense of responsibility. It also means understanding older properties, rural access issues and what ageing looks like in Devon.”

ABOVE: Dartmoor is not just where Stuart works, but his home (Image: SB)

For readers unfamiliar with it, what does the award recognise?

“The award focuses on advisers who put people first. It’s not just about figures, but about real client outcomes, ethical standards and care. Being named a finalist means a great deal because I work from home and don’t have the backing of a big national firm. To be recognised alongside much larger companies is very humbling.”

Why is later-life lending becoming more important, particularly in Devon?

“Many people are asset-rich but cash-poor. Property values have risen, but retirement incomes often haven’t kept pace with living costs, care needs or helping family members. Later-life lending can help people stay in their homes, adapt them, or improve quality of life. It’s not right for everyone, which is why proper advice is so important. The focus should always be on exploring all options and keeping the client at the centre of decisions.”

Looking ahead, what does being a finalist mean for you and your work locally?

“I’m genuinely excited just to be part of it. The nomination came completely out of the blue. If anything, I hope it reassures local people that award-recognised advice is available right here in Devon. I’ll be a long way from muddy boots and a pasty when I head to London, but Dartmoor will very much be coming with me.”