Meet the Team

Helen Austin

Senior Financial Planning Administrator

Helen brings over 30 years of experience in financial services. She spent nearly 18 years with a major investment, pension and protection provider, followed by almost 15 years at a local financial adviser firm, building deep knowledge and strong client relationships along the way. Great customer service has always been at the heart of what Helen does. She makes sure clients feel supported every step of the way.

Outside work, Helen enjoys reading, swimming and spending time with family and friends, especially her young grandchildren. She also loves travelling, exploring new places and going to the theatre or concerts.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Jessica Sharp

Trainee Paraplanner

Having graduated with a degree in journalism, Jess joined FAS having worked as a finance journalist for Sky News. Jess is quickly becoming an established trainee paraplanner within our growing technical team, all of whom fully support her as she continues to develop her skills and experience. Jess is currently studying for her Level 4 Diploma qualification.
 
In her spare time, Jess enjoys exploring new places, spending time with her family and all things music. She loves turning her hand to anything creative and is known in her house for her spontaneous DIY projects.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Martin Hinman

Senior Paraplanner

An experienced paraplanner who has extensive experience working in financial planning teams within accountancy and discretionary investment firms, with a focus on delivering first-class client outcomes.
 
Outside of work, Martin has a keen interest in all things Japan. He enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family at weekends and loves to ‘escape’ through long distance running in the mountains.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Julian Brickwood

Operations Specialist

Working closely with our Directors and our various departments, Julian helps streamline workflows, maintain high operational standards and ensure our teams have the resources and support needed to deliver an exceptional client experience.

Outside work, Julian enjoys spending time with his family and friends. When he gets time away from his daughter, nieces, and godchildren, you’ll often find him at an early-morning gym session, working on a DIY project, or tinkering under his car. Currently, he’s adding British Sign Language to his repertoire.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Isobel Sugden

Paraplanner

After graduating with a degree in Economics, Issy strives to become an established technical paraplanner within a forward-thinking firm like FAS, one that values professional growth and will fully support her as she continues to develop and hone her analytical skills. She has fast become a welcome addition to our expanding paraplanning team, and with her keen thirst for holistic financial planning and investments, we are excited to see how Issy will continue to grow into the paraplanning role.

In her spare time, Issy enjoys attending lots of Indie and Pop concerts and exploring National Trust properties. She also follows the Boston Celtics in the NBA and watches their games whenever she can.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Raj Gurung

Paraplanner

After graduating with a degree in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Raj went on to successfully achieve a master’s degree in Finance before entering the world of financial services. Highly motivated and analytical, he is enjoying developing his technical expertise working within the growing FAS paraplanning team while continuing to study towards industry qualifications. He is focused on building a long-term career within a professional client centric financial planning firm like FAS.

In his personal life, Raj enjoys travelling to new places and exploring different cultures. He has always loved photography, which complements his passion for travel. When not travelling, he regularly plays golf and enjoys watching all things relating to sports.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Chris Harris FPFS

Head of Business
& Regulatory Risk

Before joining FAS, Chris had previously spent over 20 years performing various roles within Wealth Management, including providing financial advice to clients as a Chartered Financial Planner, and running client facing advice teams, before moving into senior leadership roles focused on risk and oversight. He has successfully designed, embedded, and ran risk functions and frameworks as well as implemented several material regulatory change projects, as well as significant business integrations. Working alongside the directors at FAS, Chris has a passion for promoting robust controls while delivering excellent client service. He is a fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

Chris enjoys hiking and is a keen, if occasionally wayward, golfer. He spends as much time as he can fundraising for a number of charities, including the occasional mountain climb or desert trek!

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Louise Moloney

Financial Planning Administrator

With over 20 years experience in financial services administration, Louise is a conscientious, professional and friendly member of the FAS team. She is highly organised and efficient with a precise approach to her work. Committed to providing a first-class service to our clients, Louise relishes working at FAS where every day presents new challenges.

In her spare time, Louise enjoys travelling to new places and learning about different cultures. She is a football fan, supporting Charlton Athletic, attending matches whenever she can. She also loves participating in all manner of quizzes!

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Monica Casari

Trainee Paraplanner

With a positive, hardworking and methodical approach to her work, Monica provides an invaluable contribution to our growing paraplanning team. She is an ambitious, diligent professional who has transitioned from a previous compliance background to paraplanning whilst maintaining a high standard of regulatory adherence to procedures. She has a meticulous eye for detail and commitment to producing high quality work. Monica is relishing working for FAS where she can continue to develop technically whilst studying for her Diploma qualifications. She is a strong team player and always willing to help out wherever she can.

On a personal note, she loves anything Korean – K-Pop, skincare and all types of spicy food. She also enjoys eating out, catching up with friends for drinks and any form of puzzle or quiz (current favourites – Wordle, Connections and Sudoku).

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Alex Aldridge

Financial Planner

Alex joined FAS as a qualified Financial Planner, bringing valuable experience from a national financial advice firm alongside his academic background. He works closely with the Directors and other advisers to develop our professional partnerships and contribute to the continued growth and success of our businesses.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf and football, and making the most of days out across Kent and London. He also loves getting outdoors for walks with his Golden Labrador, Otto.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Jessica Abrahams

Finance Co-ordinator

As a qualified accountancy practitioner, Jess has been a welcome addition to our accounts department, working alongside Jen. Jess has already proven to be an asset to the team; she loves trouble shooting and diving deeply into financial matters with the aim of evolving procedures and improving efficiencies which has already impacted on some of what we do daily. She also loves be involved in client portfolio review work!

Jessica is a complete workaholic, but she does spend a lot of time at restaurants and then spends the rest of the time working out to counteract the effects…

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Jen Howden

Finance Co-ordinator

Jen first embarked on a career in banking before turning to a career in finance, joining FAS in 2016. Her excellent organisational, numeric and analytical skills stand her in good stead as Finance Co-ordinator for our various businesses. Working closely with Amanda on all financial and regulatory matters Jen is integral to the smooth running of our accounts department.

Jen loves to sing and had been a member of local choirs for many years. Another favourite activity is walking either across the local hills or planning a trip to the highest peaks of the UK. Any time left is spent enjoying time with her family.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Akua Adu-Nsiah

Team Leader, Client Portfolio Administration

With her degree in Economics and Business Finance, combined with an ‘off the scale’ attention to detail, Akua has been the backbone of our client portfolio administration for over a decade. Being a conscientious worker, with an unwavering focus on the finer details, her quality of work is outstanding. She continues to provide an invaluable service to our advisory team and clients in equal measure. She is a delight to work with.

Akua enjoys relaxing whilst watching documentaries about nature and wildlife. She is an avid reader and loves listening to music.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Michael Bowerman

Paraplanner

After leaving university with a master’s degree, Michael trained as a teacher and worked in education for 3 years before soon realising that this was not what he wanted to do the rest of his life. So whilst working as a teacher, he started to delve into the world of financial planning and the more he researched, the more interested he became. So much so, that in his spare time, he combined fatherhood with more studying and became Diploma qualified within a very short period. Since joining FAS as a trainee paraplanner, Michael’s, motivation, thirst for learning and personal development inspired colleagues. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and bubbly personality makes him a pleasure to work with. Testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work, Michael is now a fully-fledged Paraplanner and continues to work towards Chartered status.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys following his beloved Fulham Football Club and getting out on the golf course. He also enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new places abroad.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Jordan Mogridge

Paraplanner

During his time at university studying a Business & Economics degree, Jordan completed a 1-year placement with an independent advisory firm and it was here that embarked on a career in financial planning. His eventual aim is to become an independent Financial Planner so he is relishing working towards chartered status whilst gaining valuable knowledge and experience as part of the FAS paraplanning team, surrounded by highly technical colleagues.

In his spare time, Jordan enjoys going to the gym, playing football and taking his dog down the beach. He is also training for an Ironman in September, which is no mean feat!

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Nicole Waldman

Paraplanner

After graduating from university, Nicole entered the world of financial services, where she discovered an interest in financial planning and a desire to help people make the most of their circumstances and plan for the future. With over 9 years’ experience at FAS, supporting our financial planning team, she has got to know many of our clients and thoroughly enjoys interacting with them whilst providing ongoing support to the advisers.

Combining a career with motherhood, Nicole certainly knows how to organise her time. When spare time permits, she enjoys keeping fit and spending time with family and friends.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Ajay Gurung

Senior Paraplanner

Since joining FAS over 9 years ago with an honours degree in Mathematics, Ajay has become a highly valued member of our technical paraplanning team. Having initially worked in client portfolio administration before progressing to paraplanning several years ago, he has developed considerable expertise in holistic financial planning and is now involved in researching some of our most complex and technically demanding client cases.

His analytical approach, attention to detail and commitment to delivering excellent client outcomes make him an important part of our advisory support team. Ajay continues to develop his professional qualifications as he works towards Chartered status.

Outside of work, he has an active sporting and social life, frequently playing golf and watching rugby and cricket. He loves travelling to exotic places, sampling a variety of culinary delights and cultures.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Layla Antony

Senior Financial Planning Administrator

To say Layla is a hard-working conscientious worker is an understatement. She is exceptionally organised and very client focused. With a positive ‘can do’ attitude, she proactively seeks to improve procedures with a view to making them more efficient. For Layla, its all about coming to work and doing a really good job, which is all we can ask for. She is a joy to work with, and her contribution is appreciated by everyone around her.

Layla loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys travelling to historic and beautiful parts of Britain, her favourites being the Lake District and Cornwall. She is a fan of comedy, films and football and particularly enjoy spa treatments, listening to music and baking.

She finds inspiration from healthy eating and spending as much time outside in nature as possible.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Amanda Jones-Reid

Senior Financial Planning Administrator

With a long-standing career in banking behind her, Amanda was looking to reduce her hours and work for a local professional advisory practice. It has been a few years since she joined FAS and we have not looked back as she soon excelled at being part of a busy office, working alongside the rest of the team in Maidstone. Amanda throws herself into all that she does, always rising to the challenge. She is hardworking, diligent and the ultimate professional. Her work ranges from general administration, client portfolio management to being involved in various paraplanning duties.

Amanda balances work with a very active calendar including caring for her grandchildren, family holidays and a variety of sports activities.

She is passionate about golf and proudly plays for the Kent County Ladies B team. When not on the golf course, she loves to cook and listen to live music, regularly travelling at home and across Europe with her husband to listen to their favourite bands.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Hannah Hewson

Senior Financial Planning Administrator

With years of experience in financial planning administration, Hannah prides herself on doing what is right for our clients. She is an incredible support to our financial planners and paraplanning team and has a great relationship with clients, professional connections and third parties. Her joyful demeanor and positive attitude makes her a pleasure with work alongside.

Hannah’s personal life is very varied, family orientated and social. She aspires to become an accomplished baker and most of the time turns out the exquisite birthday cakes, known as the “Cake Maker of the Fam” at home.

She is extremely proud of her son and enjoys visiting historical places especially Royal Palaces and exploring new cities at home and abroad that have them! Hannah loves a sequin, she is a big music fan, regularly attending/dancing at festivals through the summer and other live music venues.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Lynell Sellwood

Senior Paraplanner

Since joining FAS in 2017, Lynell has been an asset to our paraplanning team, providing invaluable support to the advisers. With an acute attention to detail, she prides herself in producing an exceptional standard of work for our clients, often liaising directly with them. She enjoys the diversity of her role, with a keen interest in holistic planning.

Lynell enjoys spending time with family, going on walks and exploring historical sites. On her days off she is a volunteer gardener at a local charity, Dandelion Time.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Fynn Ruane

Investment Analyst
& Senior Paraplanner

With a degree in Economics and a keen interest in politics and investments, Fynn is an integral member of the FAS Investment Committee as well as the senior paraplanning team. He thoroughly enjoys working on complex technical cases that involve analysing data whilst keeping everyone updated with the current economic climate. Working alongside other members of our investment committee, he closely monitors FAS investment performance and regularly meets with fund managers.

Outside of work, Fynn is an avid Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioner, specialising in German longsword. When not training or competing, he enjoys tackling DIY projects – often with more enthusiasm than planning.”

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Grant Collins APFS

Chartered Financial Planner

Now an established Chartered Financial Planner, Grant advises a growing number of clients with complex financial affairs, providing holistic advice across investments, retirement, trusts and wider financial planning. He also works closely with our professional connections, helping clients navigate more sophisticated planning matters. Grant continues to develop his expertise as he works towards Fellowship.

Outside work, Grant is a keen sports fan, particularly Liverpool FC, and enjoys countryside walks with his family and dog.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Bo Lei APFS

Senior Wealth Planning Specialist & Chartered Financial Planner

For over 10 years, Bo has provided exceptional support to the advisory team in all aspects of technical paraplanning. Her attention to detail is outstanding and equalled by her desire to always deliver a high quality of work. She loves being part of a growing business and has a particular interest in complex holistic cases that are challenging.

Bo has a Masters degree in Business and is a Chartered Financial Planner. Outside of work, she is passionate about family life and loves spending quality time exploring the great outdoors on scenic hikes.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Tony Smith FPFS

Head of Financial Planning & Chartered Financial Planner

Tony has over 20 years industry experience at advisory firms of varying sizes, both national and those based solely in the South East. As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of The Personal Finance Society, Tony has the experience and knowledge to deal with most technical situations he is presented with. He is Head of the Paraplanning team and works closely with Amanda on compliance and staff development, as well as Adviser training and competence.

Outside of work, Tony is kept busy by his 5 dogs, growing different fruit and the occasional attempt at brewing cider from apples in the orchard!

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Anita Churchill-Cole

Mortgage Adviser

Anita has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with Mortgages and related Protection. She thoroughly enjoys meeting clients to assess their borrowing requirements and researching the market to help them find the best mortgage deal. Keeping abreast of the market also enables her to assist clients with their life assurance needs to ensure they remain protected and feel financially secure in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For Anita, looking after clients’ interests and making sure she delivers a professional, personal service are paramount. Her attention to detail, calm and considered approach to her work combined with her bubbly personality, make her a joy to work with.

Making sure she makes full use of her spare time, Anita continues to play netball (she is the Captain and does all of the admin!!). She enjoys horse riding, going to the gym, reading psychological thrillers and spending time with the family. She is also a Charlton Athletic Supporter but she is not sure if she should admit to this!

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Steven Purchase

Financial Planner

Steve’s career in financial services began many moons ago so he has experienced a few changes in our industry, particularly in the past 15 years. Prior to FAS, Steve was a Director of another Kent based advisory firm, where he looked after many of his long standing clients whilst fulfilling a demanding compliance role. Looking to his own future, Steve joined FAS in 2015 and brought his clients with him so they can benefit from being a part of FAS and its professional approach to holistic financial planning. Steve’s attentiveness and good sense of humour make him a well-liked and respected member of the team.

Married to Jan, Steve spends his time socialising with friends and is a great sports enthusiast albeit mainly from the comfort of his settee in front of a TV these days! He enjoys the occasional round of golf and is a season ticket holder at Manchester United. He loves travelling to South East Asia to visit and holiday with his son and beautiful granddaughter.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Angela Davis

Financial Planner

In recent years, Angela decided to leave her successful banking career in the City to work towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner. She joined FAS in 2018, having become disillusioned with other Kent based advisory firms. The main focus of her work is financial planning for our private clients and she specialises in investments, retirement planning and tax planning.

Her passion is the history of World War II and military aircraft, she can often be found at Duxford! She also enjoys going to the gym and running.

[email protected]
01622 238 230

Tim Elson APFS

Chartered Financial Planner

As an experienced Chartered Financial Planner, Tim advises many of our private clients on all aspects of their financial planning including investments, portfolio construction, retirement planning, taxation and trusts. He is also involved in business development and looks after some of our professional partners.

In his spare time, he enjoys walks and bike rides with his family and as a keen sportsman, keeps fit through running, cycling, tennis and the occasional ‘adventure race’.

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230

Tracy Davies FPFS

Chartered Financial Planner

As a highly regarded holistic Chartered Financial Planner, Tracy enjoys advising and looking after many of our long standing clients. As Senior Paraplanner to Aaron, she is also frequently involved in complex technical cases and assists Amanda with staff training and development. Before joining FAS, she gained valuable industry experience working for other Kent based advisory firms in various different roles including Compliance and has achieved Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society. Tracy is well-liked by everyone and her professional outlook, integrity and work ethic make her an asset to the business.

Tracy enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming and has a particular love of Spa days!

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230

Jodie Colledge FPFS

Head of Technical & Chartered Financial Planner

Jodie is an integral member of the FAS team, having worked closely with Amanda and Aaron on many aspects of the business for a few years now, as well assisting them in advising their clients. As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Jodie’s qualification achievements to date already surpass many in our industry. Combine this with her many years of experience working for other reputable financial advisory firms in London and the South East, you have someone who is technically adept to deal with pretty much anything, which is why Jodie works closely with Amanda on Compliance and training matters, an ongoing support which proves invaluable to both Directors in a busy working environment.

When not at the gym, Jodie enjoys eating out with friends and family, as well as spending lots of fun time with her adorable nieces. With a keen interest in historical places and cultures, Jodie and her partner love weekends away where they can walk around and get a real feel for different cities.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

Neil Thomson

Senior Financial Planner

With over 35 years’ experience in financial services, Neil has extensive knowledge in advising business owners and high net worth clients in all areas of financial planning. When not advising clients, Neil assists the company in developing business by promoting all aspects of FAS and working closely with our professional connections in the accountancy sector.

Aside from enjoying time with his family, Neil is a keen sportsman albeit less participation and more watching now. He loves outdoor adventure, enjoys walking, hiking and whisky!

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230

Lee Wood APFS

Associate Director & Chartered Financial Planner

Before joining FAS, Lee had previously worked as an Investment Manager for 18 years within a solicitors practice, where he successfully ran their in-house Advisory Management Services. As a Chartered Financial Planner, Lee’s areas of expertise are investment management, pre & post retirement planning and advising Trustees on all Trust matters. Over the years, Lee has developed a personal interest in investment management and has written a number of professional articles relating to financial and industry matters.

Lee has a close working relationship with a number of our partners in the legal profession, is a senior member of our in-house Investment Committee, as well as working closely with the Directors promoting other aspects of the business.
When spare time allows, Lee is a keen golfer and follows all things sporting. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230

Amanda Reeves

Director & Co-Owner

Amanda’s career in financial services has spanned over 35 years starting with a banking career in London before moving to Kent. Prior to qualifying as a Financial Planner in 1994, Amanda had previously worked in banking, human resources and marketing, acquiring invaluable knowledge and skills that she continues to draw upon as a business owner and Managing Director of a busy financial advisory practice.

Having attained many industry qualifications, including advanced level, Amanda has gained a wealth of experience advising clients in all areas of advice. Although she continues to advise a select number of clients, most of her time is now spent running and managing all aspects of the business so she wears many hats! Her responsibilities include Compliance, staff training and competence as well as marketing and business development, to name but a few…

As a keen photographer, Amanda cherishes living in the country where she can explore all its flora and fauna, whilst enjoying country walks and gardening. She enjoys escaping to the Italian Lakes with her family, travelling to new places and browsing antique fairs.

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230