WE’RE HERE TO HELP MEET OUR TEAM
Lee Clayton
FPFS, CertPFS(DM), CertsCII (MP & ER), MCSI Chartered Financial Planner Managing Partner (Financial Consultant)Before co-founding CHN I was Financial Planning Manager for NatWest Bank between 1999 and 2004. As a Qualified Chartered Financial Planner of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society (PFS), I act as both Managing Partner at the firm in addition to providing regulated financial advice in all areas of financial planning.
Lee Clayton
Chartered Financial Planner Managing Partner (Financial Consultant)
Richard M Holmes
FPFS MCSI Chartered Financial Planner Partner (T & C Supervisor)A founding Partner of CHN, and a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society. Richard does not provide regulated investment and pension advice via CHN, his main responsibilities revolve around the training and development of consultants.
Paul Naisbitt
APFS Certs CII (MP & ER) Partner (T&C Supervisor) & Chartered Financial PlannerPaul is a founding Partner of CHN. Prior to this he spent 23 years working for NatWest Bank in the development of its Yorkshire region corporate financial advisory division. Paul does not provide regulated investment and pension advice via CHN, as his focus is around the management of the company’s financial activities plus consultants training and development.
Steve Ramsden
Head of Business SupportSteve leads our back office team and is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the business. Steve took up this new position in January 2014 and CHN was delighted when Steve accepted an invitation to become a Partner in 2018. Having led support teams for over 20 years, across the financial services and audit sectors, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role.
Sophie Thornhill
BA (Hons) FPFS FCSI Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, Associate Financial ConsultantJoining NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland on the Private Banking & Advice Graduate Programme in 2008, this saw me work across a number of areas in the bank, before becoming a qualified Private Investment Manager and then moving to HSBC Premier before joining CHN in January 2014.
Areas of Expertise: Investments, Personal Protection, Retirement Planning, Wealth Management, Inheritance Tax.
Sophie Thornhill
Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, Associate Financial Consultant
John Hughes
DipFA Cert CII Associate Financial ConsultantWith over 24 years’ experience in Financial Services as a Financial Adviser, I find my role very rewarding and pride myself in treating my customers fairly, helping people to protect and save money. I offer individuals all areas of Financial Planning, Family Protection, Mortgage & Income Protection, Retirement Planning, Savings & Investments and also Auto-Enrolment for businesses.
Shehzad Bashir
DipPFS Associate Financial ConsultantWith over 25 years working in Financial Services, my career began at Pearl Assurance before moving on to work with NatWest Bank as a Business Financial Planning Manager, providing advice to both businesses and their owners. I was with NatWest for over 19 years working with Private Banking Managers, dealing with their high net worth clients, providing holistic financial planning.
Matthew Kay
DipPFS CeMAP Associate Financial ConsultantWorking for Santander for 7 years I then moved to CHN 5 years ago, working mainly out of the Aire and Wharfe Valley. I have a wide and broad client base of both private individuals and also corporate clients, advising a number of Businesses and Business owners in the area. We offer a professional and personalised approach to financial planning and are always willing to give people time to get the most from our meetings and the best outcomes.
Rajiv Mehta
DipPFS Cert CII (MP) Associate Financial ConsultantSpending 8 years as a Specialist Financial Adviser at NatWest, I headed up a high performing team of 5 relationship managers, with full responsibility for their training and motivation, keeping them informed of NatWest’s financial products before then joining CHN in June 2016.
Areas of Expertise: Investment, Pension, Protection, Inheritance Tax and Mortgage Planning.
John Arnold
CeMAP Compliance ConsultantGaining valuable experience whilst working for a major high street bank, understanding people’s needs in all aspects of finance allowed me to provide a professional dedicated service to my clients. Having now moved away from advising, I now create and review compliance procedures for the firm, consulting with advisers and staff, ensuring that these processes are fully understood and followed.
Graham Burton
DipPFS Associate Financial ConsultantWorking in financial planning for NatWest Bank for 30 years I then joined CHN in November 2012. I offer services in all areas of financial planning for individuals and also specialise in giving business and corporate advice on key person protection, director/partnership share protection as well as retirement planning, Nest/workplace pension planning.
Richard Ramsden
Cert CII (MP) Associate Mortgage & Protection ConsultantWorking for NatWest Bank for over 13 years as a Premium Banking Manager, I left to work as Financial Director for one of my clients. I then went on to work for a local estate agent as their Mortgage and Protection Consultant before joining CHN in 2008.
Areas of Expertise: Mortgages, Protection
Peter Simpson
DipPFS Associate Financial ConsultantWith over 16 years’ experience in the Financial Services field, I began my career with Lloyds TSB as a Branch Advisor, before taking on the role of IFA with the Bradford & Bingley, covering the Yorkshire region. I then spent 9 years as a Whole of Market Advisor with Skipton Financial Services, responsible for over £50 million funds under management, specialising in both Investment Planning and Inheritance Tax Planning, before joining CHN.
Janet Comrie
DipPFS Associate Financial ConsultantI have been advising clients as an independent financial adviser for over 30 years, the early years with large financial advisory practices, and then running my own practice with my daughter.
Our decision to join CHN Financial Consultancy was born out of the synergy in our business principals and work ethos. Our combined areas of expertise, gives our clients solutions to every possible financial situation. I hold the advanced qualifications for pension planning.
Andrew Askwith
FPFS APFS DipPFS EFP CertPFS(Securities) CertCII(MP) CertPFS(DM) CertCII (FS) Chartered Financial Planner & Associate Financial ConsultantWith over 16 years’ experience working within the financial services industry, I joined CHN in 2014 from a high street bank, with a wealth of experience in dealing with complex financial planning issues. As a Chartered Financial Planner, I also hold the Fellowship title with the Personal Finance Society (PFS), and won the PFS 2017 Young Achievement Award.
Deborah Tate
DipPFS CeMAP Senior Financial ConsultantAfter spending 10 years working for large financial institutions in the Isle of Man, I joined CHN in 2010 as Protection Consultant. With full support from the firm and progressing to advising in all areas of financial planning, I have built fantastic client relationships. I offer bespoke solutions for both individuals and businesses from retirement planning, investments, protection to mortgages.
Bob Maycock
DipPFS PFA CeMAP Senior Financial ConsultantWith over 27 years’ experience providing financial advice to both corporate and private clients, I worked for a major bank for 25 years, developing a reputation for giving straight forward advice. My areas of expertise include pensions and investments, and offer services for both individuals and businesses.
Daniel Lees
DipPFS Cert CII (MP) Senior Financial ConsultantHaving previously worked as a Financial Planning Manager with NatWest Bank, I joined CHN in 2013 as a Financial Consultant. My areas of expertise cover both individuals and businesses and include retirement & inheritance tax planning, investment advice, protection, family & Ltd company mortgage advice and wealth management.
Syed Rizvi
BA (Hons) DipPFS Financial ConsultantWorking for 21 years as Senior Financial Planning Manager for RBS/NatWest Group, I provided advice to both high net worth individuals and clients within the Banks commercial & corporate sector. Joining CHN in 2016 I have continued to provide advice to these same clients. Areas of expertise include company director exit strategies, share holder protection, retirement planning, trust and tax planning.
Samim Mitha
DipPFS Financial ConsultantHaving previously worked in wealth management with HSBC, I joined CHN in 2013. I provide bespoke advice in investment planning, inheritance tax planning, retirement planning and director/partnership share protection. I can work with you over the long term to make sure your plans continue to reflect your lifestyle, goals and overall tax situation.
Sarah Dougal
DipPFS Financial ConsultantWorking in Financial Services since 1997, I have worked my way up from office junior to becoming an adviser in 2007.
Areas of Expertise are: Pensions, investments, long term care, corporate pensions. I have a broad level of experience working with both companies and individuals providing solutions tailored to their individual needs.
Simon Bingham
DipPFS Financial ConsultantWorking for over 25 years in Financial Services, I was with NatWest Bank for over 19 years and Pearl Assurance before that. With NatWest I spent most of my time as a Business Financial Planning Manager working with SME, providing advice to both businesses and their owners, with spells of working with the Private Banking Managers dealing with the banks high net worth clients, again providing holistic financial planning advice.
Katherine Ramsden
CeMAP Mortgage & Protection ConsultantWorking in the banking sector for 20 years, I began my career in a mortgage centre for the Abbey National before going on to become an in-branch Customer Manager. In 2001 I joined NatWest and have worked there for the last 17 years carrying out financial reviews in the branch for a portfolio of clients. I qualified as a Personal Development Coach in 2017 and in 2018 qualified as a Mortgage and Protection Consultant before coming on board with CHN.
David Sharples
Senior Business Development ConsultantMy career began with NatWest in 1981 where I spent 9 years undertaking various clerical duties and enhancing my overall banking knowledge. From there I became Assistant to the Chief Manager looking after corporate connection, before then running the Customer Services team in Harrogate. The next 10 years was spent in a personal banking role providing customers with a first-class service offering products most suited to their needs, before then moving to CHN.
Ishwarlal Lad
Business Development ConsultantWorking within financial services for a number of years from both an independent and retail banking perspective, I have a huge amount of experience and knowledge within this sector.
Areas of Expertise: Networking, tailored introductory solutions, lead generation.
Services for Individuals: Mortgages, protection, investments and pensions.
Services for Businesses: Director share purchase, pensions.
John Daniels
Business Development ConsultantOpening an insurance brokerage in 1970 I became I.F.A. with the advent of The Financial Services Act.
Areas of Expertise: Giving friendly advice and a re-assuring nod to clients listening to the Consultant.
Alex Cowell
Business Support ManagerWith a degree in Economics and an Investment Advice Diploma from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments, I am currently working towards my CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Working in Financial Services since 2016, I completed a 12-month work placement for a Wealth Management firm based in Leeds. I am currently working towards becoming a Paraplanner and achieving my IFA status thereafter.
Jonathan Gibson
Operations ManagerJoining CHN in 2011 I have held various roles, including gathering information, producing reports and processing mortgages and protection applications. Responsible for the day to day administration requirements I ensured Pension, Investment and Protection submissions were dealt with in a timely manner.
My current role is Operations Manager. Responsible for smooth running and implementation of the businesses systems and facilities.
Sammie Brambles
Marketing ManagerWith over 30 years’ marketing and event management experience working predominantly within the Health Care sector, previous roles have included National Event Manager for NHS England, The Cambian Group PLC and more recently Marketing Manager at Exemplar Health Care.
Areas of Expertise: Event management, experiential events, marketing, branding, web
Karen Waite
Compliance ManagerWith many years’ experience working in financial services, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise along the way. I was previously a financial consultant on the advisory side, in addition to training & development within the compliance arena.
Before joining CHN I worked for HBOS, Barclays, Lloyds, AXA Wealth and HSBC.
Lisa Astbury
Finance ManagerI joined CHN in March 2007. Since joining the company, I have undertaken various job roles including Mortgage & Protection administration and Pension & Investment administration. My role involves overseeing the day to day running of the accounts and reporting department. I also manage the company’s data reporting & back office system.
I am also the Charity Lead for the company.
Ian Brough
DipPFS Research ManagerWorking in financial services for over fifteen years, 10 were spent as a financial adviser (including seven years as an IFA) and six years in specialist financial projects throughout England and Scotland.
I have a broad knowledge of general IFA work, with a concentration of IFA and project work surrounding investments. My project work additionally included interest rate hedging.
Emma Clegg
Cert CII (FS) Business Support ManagerJoining CHN in 2012 as Receptionist, after 20 years’ experience working within the private sector, I have worked my way up through various support roles before moving into my current role as Business Support Manager to Lee Clayton, covering all aspects of financial planning. I am working towards gaining my Diploma in Paraplanning and hope to have qualified by the end of 2019.
Deanda King
Business Support ManagerBefore joining CHN as Business Support Manager I worked for an IFA practice for 6 years dealing mainly with investments & pensions – I have also been an office manager/PA to 2 directors.
I am working towards achieving my Diploma in Financial Planning having already passed R01, R03 and currently revising for R04!
Lorraine Parkin
Business Support ManagerWorking in the Financial Services industry for the past 20 years, I have worked for a number of companies, from insurance companies to IFA’s. This has given me the knowledge and skills required for my role as an administrator.
Areas of Expertise: Business processing, account queries, compliance.
Nikki Inkster
Business Support ManagerWorking as an Administrator for over 20 years, 15 of those have been in the Financial Services industry. I joined the team in September 2013, just prior to us joining CHN. With my many years’ experience within the industry, I know the importance of having a keen eye for detail, and am a meticulous and well organised individual.
Kerry Loy
ParaplannerWorking in Financial Services since 2006 after finishing my degree at Teeside University, where I studied Business Management, I then completed my Diploma in Financial Planning in 2011. Working on services for both individuals and businesses from Retirement Planning, Investments and Protection, my areas of expertise are in research, analysis, report writing, new business processing & ongoing account administration.
Chris Robinson
CertPFS Business Support ManagerWith 27 years Financial Services experience working in a Support/Administrative role, I am now heavily involved in client servicing and am responsible for the annual and drawdown reviews. My areas of expertise include analysis and research for pensions, investments and protection, report writing and ongoing clients services across all areas.
A member of CII/PFS, I also hold the qualifications Cert PFS and RO1.
Elizabeth Sheeran
Compliance Support ManagerHaving over 15 years’ experience within this sector, I joined CHN in March 2010, and have undertaken various roles from Business Support Manager, to my current role as Compliance Support Manager.
Areas of Expertise: Wide ranging – SIPP/SSAS / Investment & Pensions / File Review / Compliance Support.
Nathan Raja
Business Support AssistantI joined CHN in June 2015 and have been working alongside Matthew in our Bingley Office since. I came straight to CHN following completion of my A-Levels and I am now working towards achieving my diploma in Financial Services. The majority of my tasks are administrative, however, in addition to this I also do investment research, speak with clients and liaise with providers.
Vakas Mirza
Business Support AssistantGraduating from The University of Bradford in 2013 with an Accounting & Finance degree, I have subsequently worked at two large financial services firms. I have since been lucky enough to continue this interest in financial services with a position at CHN, where I hope to gain more knowledge in my current role and work towards completing my Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), Financial Planning exams.
Areas of Expertise: Pensions.
Olivia Jackson
Business Support AssistantJoining CHN in November 2017 as a Business Support Assistant to Peter Simpson and Sophie Thornhill, my previous role was with Morrisons, where I initially started working part-time whilst completing my A level’s, before progressing to a full-time position as an admin and cash office assistant, so I am no stranger to working in a financial office environment.
Areas of Expertise: Microsoft Office and cash management.
Stephanie Brown
Business Support ManagerI was with Lloyds Banking Group for 25 years in various retail roles, but most of my career has been in commercial banking, both in the relationship support teams and area office. After accepting voluntary redundancy to spend more time with my two children and run our family business, I decided to restart my career with CHN and my current role is Business Support Manager to Richard Ramsden who is an Associate Mortgage and Protection Consultant.
Beverley Murphy
Compliance Support AssistantWorking in customer services for many years, I have managerial experience in the retail and dental industry. I joined CHN in April 2017 as Receptionist before being promoted in to my current position in 2018 as Compliance Support Assistant.
Area of Expertise: Managing conflicting priorities whilst delivering a first-class personal customer service experience in a busy working environment.
Shabana Kausar
Business AdministratorOffering a variety of work experience in a number of roles ranging from Marketing and Events Officer to Office Administrator roles. I was very pleased to join the team at CHN Financial Consultancy in March 2017.
Areas of Expertise: Events management, marketing, administration, client relationships, customer service, sales, payroll and retail.
Samantha Ellis
Business AdministratorIn 2009 I began my career working in retail where I remained for over 5 years. I then decided on a change of direction and followed a different career path and began working as an Administrator at Keepmoat. I then joined CHN in January 2017 as a Business Support Assistant before then changing to my current role as Business Administrator.
Areas of Expertise: Microsoft Office software, organisational skills, providing correct information to clients and Consultants.
Carol Astbury
Business AdministratorWorking in a building society for many years, I joined CHN back in March 2011. My role within the company includes general office administration and ensuring all files are entered accurately on to our back-office system.
Kath Gambles
Compliance Support AssistantWorking in the financial services industry for over 20 years, I have undertaken various administration roles, from Office Manager to Personal Assistant before joining CHN in March 2016.
Areas of Expertise: Investments and Pensions.
Gemma Close
Finance OfficerAfter finishing university and a brief spell as a corporate video editor, I began working in the hospitality industry. Here I gained valuable knowledge in administration procedures and customer service which I brought to CHN when I joined in April 2014. I now work in the finance department dealing with the day to day financials of the business.
Hannah Schofield
Partner SecretaryI joined CHN in June 2016, and although my first role in financial services, I was no stranger to administration and working in a busy office environment. Working directly for 2 of the partners, helping with dictations, client letters, booking appointments and chasing policy information.
I am keen to learn a lot more about the Financial Services industry and am looking forward to gaining more knowledge in this sector.
Susan Moss
Partner SecretaryPreviously working for a Solicitors and an Accountancy firm, I joined the CHN team in March 2017.
Areas of Expertise: Client letters, dictations, liaising with providers.
Chris Addy
Business Support ManagerI have enjoyed a successful career spanning over 30 years’ in Banking and Financial Services. I have worked within several divisions of NatWest Bank including Retail and Private Banking.
Areas of Expertise: Relationship management, operational & risk management and mortgage lending.
Thomas Wilson
Compliance Support AssistantI joined CHN in April 2018 after gaining over two years knowledge and experience working at Santander in Financial Crime. I have worked within other finance, sales and marketing roles before Santander and I have also achieved a National Diploma in Business at college.I have now joined CHN to bring my financial skills gained and contribute towards the day to day administration requirements for areas of the business such as Protection.
Areas of Expertise: Financial Crime and Compliance.
Karyn Van Mill
Finance AssistantAfter studying at The International Hotel School for three years, I received my International Diploma in Hospitality Management. I moved across from South Africa to work in the hospitality industry in the UK. Working at a Marriott Hotel helped me gain a lot of experience and I was pleased to join CHN in May 2018.
Areas of Expertise: Customer Care and Administration.
Lauren Ellis
Business Support AssistantI spent 6 years working in retail, leading a team of 20. Having an interest in finance I sought a fresh challenge within the industry and am pleased to join the team at CHN Financial Consultancy and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge within this sector.
Areas of Expertise: Customer service, cost management and organisational skills.
Victoria Haycock
Business Support ManagerI have worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years, having previously worked for NatWest. I progressed to working in Wealth Management at Coutts Bank for the past 7 years. I joined CHN in summer 2018 and I am now the Business Support Manager to Andrew Askwith, a CHN consultant whom I previously worked with in NatWest.
Leone Pearce
ParaplannerSince leaving university, I have gained 20 years’ experience in financial services working for a number of different financial institutions, from banks to insurance companies, the most recent being Zurich Financial Services. I have completed my Diploma in Financial Planning and am very close to becoming Chartered.
Areas of Expertise: Investments, pensions, protection and investment platforms.
Adam Firth
Business Support AssistantAfter completing my A-levels I studied Business with Finance Management for three years at Northumbria University. I have recently graduated and I am excited to have continued my interest in finance with a position at CHN.
Areas of Expertise: Microsoft Office and Business Management.
Francess Bell
Business AdministratorI began my working life in retail before deciding to complete an apprenticeship in Business and Administration. Starting in January 2014 whilst working at Wrigleys Solicitors, I completed my Level 2 and 3 NVQ before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. I have just returned to work after taking some time out to raise my daughter.
Areas of Expertise: Administrative tasks and organisation skills.
Kathryn Ryan
ReceptionistWith over 15 years’ experience working in a busy office environment I have worked in roles varying from secretary to receptionist to sales administrator. I have previously worked in the manufacturing industry and Corporate Finance. I joined CHN in December 2018 and I look forward to combining my experience and skills in my role as their receptionist.
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