Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business of the Year entrant – Wes Wilkes and IronMarket
Born and raised in North Staffordshire, University of Staffordshire alumnus Wes Wilkes is 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.
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 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.
The business has experienced more than 50% growth in turnover, profit and assets under management in the last two years alone.
It was recognised as a Top Rated Advice Firm 2025 by VouchedFor, with additional accolades for advisers that stem directly from client feedback. Further validation came with winning the Business of the Year Award at the East Cheshire Chamber 2024 and multiple leadership awards for Wes including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Staffordshire Chamber Awards 2024 and Alumni Business Person of the Year at the 2024 University of Staffordshire Awards.
Wes Wilkes has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered IronMarket into the Small Business of the Year category.