Staffordshire University alumni Wes Wilkes is testament to the fact that you don’t have to leave your home city to build a successful career.

Born and raised in North Staffordshire, he’s the founder of  IronMarket and the Net-Worth Ntwrk which includes wealth management company IronMarket that he founded in 2013, a recruitment business he co-founded in 2019 and a risk management business he co-founded in 2020.

Post-university he joined the graduate scheme at The Royal Bank of Scotland where he developed his passion for finance and investment advice and went on to work with major financial institutions and a mortgage brokerage.

In 2014 he expanded his qualifications to become a certified investment manager, adding discretionary management to IronMarket’s services. This move set IronMarket apart as one of the few wealth management firms with both investment management permissions and advisory capabilities, underscoring Wes’s commitment to offering comprehensive financial solutions.

IronMarket has a 50% female board and a 60% female senior management team, reflecting Wes’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. His supportive approach has provided life-changing opportunities for many within IronMarket, cultivating a loyal and motivated team.

His vision extends beyond wealth management. Recognising the importance of continuous professional development, he has facilitated apprenticeships and training programs, helping team members advance their careers. This commitment to growth and mentorship has established a pipeline of future leaders within IronMarket.

During the pandemic Wes demonstrated strategic resilience. He successfully launched and sustained IronMarket Risk and IronMarket Talent, leveraging his network to navigate the crisis. These ventures have since flourished, contributing to the overall success of IronMarket.

In 2021 Wes led the North Star Project to redefine IronMarket’s goals and values, creating the Net-Worth Ntwrk.

Wes’s passion for educating the next generation is evident in his latest venture—a soon-to-be-launched app aimed at young investors. Partnering with Staffordshire University, he is working on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to support the app. This initiative aims to inspire and educate Gen Z on the importance of investing, offering them ESG-compliant portfolios to make a positive impact.

Wes Wilkes has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards and has entered IronMarket into the Small Business of the Year category.