Meet the Team

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

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

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

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

Assistant 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 has astounded colleagues. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and bubbly personality makes him a pleasure to work with.

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 7 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

Paraplanner

Since joining FAS over 8 years ago with an honour’s degree in Mathematics, Ajay has been integral to our growing team. He began working in client portfolio administration before becoming a fully-fledged member of the paraplanning team dealing in all aspects of holistic financial planning. His progression is testament to his hard work and commitment over the years which continues 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

Lynell Sellwood

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

Grant Collins APFS

Senior Paraplanner &
Chartered Financial Planner

After graduating with a first-class degree in Economics, Grant aspired to become a successful Financial Planner where he could forge long term relationships with clients and help them to achieve what they want in life by delivering a high level of independent advice. He has been a welcome addition to the senior paraplanning team, working alongside our existing financial planners to gain experience in advising. Grant has achieved Chartered status and is enroute for Fellowship.

In his spare time, Grant enjoys watching as much sport as possible, especially Liverpool FC, and walks in the countryside with his family and dog.

[email protected]
01303 273 273

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

Tony Smith FPFS

Head of Paraplanning & 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]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230

Amanda Reeves

Director & Co-Owner

Amanda’s career in financial services has spanned over 30 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

Bo Lei APFS

Senior Paraplanner & 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

Tim Elson

Senior 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

Lee Wood APFS

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

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

Jodie Colledge FPFS

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 | 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

Anita Churchill-Cole

Mortgage & Protection 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

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

Neil Thomson

Senior Financial Planner

With over 25 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 and follower of the Scotland football team. He loves outdoor adventure and being an active Scout leader for the past 20 years, has relished helping young people experience new challenges and developing a variety of skills.

[email protected]
01303 273 273 | 01622 238 230