About silicon-drone

Financial guidance rooted in understanding, not sales targets

Built on a Simple Frustration

In 2012, our founder Sarah Mitchell sat across from a bank advisor, hoping for guidance on managing an unexpected inheritance. Instead of listening to her goals or concerns, the advisor spent forty-five minutes pushing products that would generate the highest commission.

That experience stuck with her. After fifteen years working in corporate finance, Sarah left to create something different—a consultancy where the client's interests genuinely come first. No products to sell, no quotas to meet. Just straightforward advice from people who understand both the numbers and the anxiety that often surrounds them.

What started as a one-person practice in a shared office on Dean Street has grown into a team of five consultants. We've helped over 850 clients across Newcastle and the wider North East, from university graduates starting their first jobs to business owners planning their exit strategies.

The principle remains the same: listen first, advise second, and always explain the 'why' behind our recommendations.

Our Core Values

Patience Over Pressure

Financial change takes time. We set realistic timelines and celebrate incremental progress rather than pushing for dramatic overnight transformations that rarely stick.

Transparency in Everything

Our fees are clear and agreed upfront. We explain our reasoning, share our calculations, and never recommend something without showing you why it makes sense for your situation.

Judgement-Free Support

Everyone's financial journey is different. Whether you're clearing debt or growing wealth, we meet you where you are without criticism or condescension.

Independence First

We don't sell financial products or earn commissions. Our only income comes from consulting fees, so our advice is always in your interest, not ours.

Meet Our Team

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & Lead Consultant

Former corporate finance director with 20 years' experience. Specialises in retirement planning and complex financial restructuring. Certified Financial Planner.

Marcus Chen

Business Finance Consultant

Background in small business accounting and startup advisory. Helps entrepreneurs build sustainable financial foundations. Particularly skilled with cash flow forecasting.

Emma Okonkwo

Personal Finance Specialist

Expert in household budgeting and debt recovery strategies. Previously worked with Citizens Advice on financial capability programmes. Passionate about financial education.

David Pearson

Property & Investment Consultant

Fifteen years in property investment advisory. Helps clients evaluate rental yields, manage portfolios, and plan property-based retirement strategies.

Claire Hughes

Client Services Manager

First point of contact for new enquiries. Coordinates appointments and ensures clients have everything they need for productive consultations.

Key Milestones

2012

Foundation

Sarah Mitchell establishes silicon-drone in a shared office space, taking on her first ten clients through word-of-mouth referrals.

2015

First Office

Growing demand leads to our first dedicated space on Pilgrim Street. Emma Okonkwo joins as our second consultant.

2017

Business Services Launch

Marcus Chen joins to lead our new small business division, responding to requests from clients who run their own companies.

2019

500 Clients Milestone

We celebrate helping our 500th client while expanding services to include property investment advisory with David Pearson.

2021

Grey Street Move

Relocation to our current Grey Street offices, offering more private consultation rooms and accessible ground-floor access.

2024

850+ Clients Served

Continuing to grow through referrals, maintaining our 97% client retention rate and expanding our reach across the North East.

Our Approach to Financial Consulting

01

Understanding Before Advising

Every engagement starts with listening. We need to understand not just your numbers, but your priorities, concerns, and what financial security actually means to you. A recent graduate saving for travel has different needs than a couple planning for children's education.

02

Practical Over Theoretical

Financial theory is useful, but real life is messy. We design strategies that account for human behaviour—the occasional splurge, the unexpected expense, the goals that shift over time. Rigid plans fail; flexible frameworks succeed.

03

Education as Empowerment

We want you to understand your finances well enough that you could eventually manage without us. Every recommendation comes with an explanation. We never use complexity to create dependency.

04

Long-term Relationships

Financial management isn't a one-time fix. Life changes—jobs, relationships, health, markets. We build ongoing relationships so your strategy evolves with you, not against you.

14 Years Serving Newcastle
850+ Clients Individuals & Businesses
97% Retention Client Return Rate
£2.4M Saved For Clients in 2025

Ready to Work With Us?

Start with a conversation. We'll discuss your situation, explain how we might help, and you can decide if we're the right fit.

Contact Our Team