Meet our brilliant team

Diploma in Financial Planning G60 Pensions

Pensions

From the outset, I knew I wanted to work in financial services. My first job was as a pensions administrator, and over the period of 10 years I worked my way through various roles, learning the pensions industry from the ground up – and this turned out to be crucial for what was to come! Eventually, I moved on to advising on corporate pensions and working with clients face to face and I started to realise that I had found my niche. I truly loved what I was doing, but I felt I could do it better if I could do it in my own way. I set up Brighton Williams & Partners along with Terry Williams in 1992. It’s been an amazing journey – we’ve had many successes and weathered difficult times in the industry. I think our success is drawn from taking the positives from both ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ and believing in the fundamental value of what we do.

As with any service industry, we’re here to help people and that’s really satisfying – but on top of that, we’re able to help people change the course of their future. That’s amazing! What I do for a living can make people happy, and that in turn makes me happy.

I’m a huge sports fan – cricket rugby, football (my favourite colour is blue!)

Unnecessary paperwork

Diploma in Financial Planning Cert SMP

Residential & Buy to Let Mortgages
Bridging Finance
Commercial Finance

I started off my career within stockbroking in 1987. I progressed to dealing with 'personal borrowing' in the banking arena before branching out into personal financial advice and becoming an independent adviser in 1996. I found that the dynamics of the mortgage world fired my enthusiasm, so I chose to specialise in this area, augmented by a holistic financial planning service. I joined Brighton WIlliams in 1996 and became an equity partner in the company in 2007.

I find it really exciting that my job lets me facilitate something as important as creating a home. I feel even better about it when I can pinpoint more effective mortgages for my clients. That doesn't always happen. Clients tell me of instances in the past where they haven't been made aware of the best deal on offer.

Judo - I've practiced the martial art since I was nine years old

Laziness

Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute Diploma in Financial Planning

Corporate Pensions Retirement Planning Investments Protection

My career in financial services spans over four decades, during which time I've specialised in corporate and individual pensions. I spent several years in the employee benefits section as Pensions Director for an international insurance broker, before setting up my own company giving independent advice to individuals and businesses at the highest level. I act as Trustee for a defined benefits pension scheme and use this experience to help other Trustees. I joined Brighton Williams in 2010 to head up the corporate section of the business.

I'm definitely a 'people person'. I'm at my happiest when I'm out meeting and socialising with others, so my job is perfect in this respect. There's no formula that you can apply when working with people because no one is the same and that's what keeps my job so interesting and filled with variety.

Good food and French wine

Cars – for me, they are simply a means to an end

Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning Award in Long Term Care Insurance Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

Retirement Planning At Retirement Advice Pension Transfers Training Co-ordinator

I began working for a leading high street Building Society in customer services. I moved to one of the biggest life insurance, pensions and asset management providers, and spent 19 years building experience in all things ‘pensions’. My move to Brighton Williams in 2007 as a specialist pension administrator gave me much more involvement with clients – and I loved that. I decided to change direction and work towards becoming an adviser. In 2013, I achieved this and have been working hard ever since. I became a Chartered Financial Planner in 2014.

At the core, I’m a problem solver. I figure out how to get people where they want be financially and this can have significant and positive impact on their lives. I find this is really satisfying. I also love learning, and I hope this enthusiasm inspires my colleagues as I help them progress through their professional qualifications. I am a bit bossy when it comes to ‘encouraging’ the ‘students’ to study, but always in a good way!

Lighting fires! (I’m a Scout Leader, so I’m allowed)

Litter – if I see someone drop it I’m compelled to give it back to them

Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning Fellow of the Personal FInance Society

Retirement Planning At Retirement Advice Investment Inheritance Tax Planning

When it was time to leave school I didn't really know what I wanted to do. This is not an unusual story I think, however I got lucky. I saw a job for a sales support role with a major provider, I applied, got the job and found that I absolutely loved it – I helped financial advisers help people for over twenty years. About 5 years ago I decided to cut out the middle man and help people directly! I became an adviser in 2013 when I joined Brighton Williams. Since then I have become Chartered and aim to keep on gathering qualifications.

I think that it's the diversity of the people I meet doing my job that I love the most, because that means every case I'm involved with is completely unique. I can never predict what each day will bring, as I will meet someone new, or meet existing clients with new ideas or changing priorities. Nothing stands still and that keeps me excited about what I do.

Mowing the lawn and getting a really good stripe effect

Mess

Diploma in Financial Planning
Cert CII (MP&ER)

Corporate Pensions Retirement Planning Mortgages Protection

My career started as Sales Support with a major provider. I then spent 6 years as a Financial Adviser with a high street bank, which was a brilliant setting for me to learn and build my skills. I wanted to diversify the advice I was able to give so joined Brighton Williams in 2007 as a then-independent financial adviser.

In a way, I see a lot of what I do as being a bit of a detective - I pull together lots of pieces of information, and figure out how to make a picture that reflects what the client wants. I really enjoy the 'figuring out' bit, but I like the 'happy client' bit even more when the finished picture I help to create points to a useable solution.

The Great Outdoors (especially with my family)

Reality TV

Diploma in Financial Planning

Retirement Planning
Investments
Protection
Tax Planning

I became a Financial Adviser in 1994 after graduating with a Business Management degree. I went on to work for five financial adviser practices, becoming an accomplished professional, before joining Brighton Williams in 2013.

Often, those who work with the public will tell you they love meeting people, and this is definitely true for me. However, what I really enjoy about my job is the sheer variety of those people I meet, and not just that, I get to know them – they share trust with me and I find that very rewarding.

Rugby Asian Cuisine History

Soap Operas

Diploma in Financial Planning

Pensions
Investments

I have been working in the financial services industry for over 35 years, and for the past 30 years I have been servicing my own client base. I look after a large number of, mainly retired, clients and deal with their lump sum investments and pension planning. A key part of this is making sure that they are receiving tax-efficient income where required. It is of the utmost importance to me that my clients always receive a highly professional and quality service.

People’s stories – I love to hear about people’s pasts: what’s important to them; where they’re headed. Everyone’s path is unique, and I can glean wisdom from each and every one of my clients. Strong belief in what I do – Planning for the future is SO important. Businesses establish plans so they can see how they are doing in the short- and long-term. Individuals and families need to do the same – possibly even more so! Planning is crucial because making small changes today can pay off in big ways later. Impact on clients’ lives – It is music to my ears when clients tell me about how I have had a positive impact on their lives. Usually, this is about good financial decisions, but sometimes I end up giving advice on other areas, like family, children, holidays and restaurants!! I say to myself again and again, “This is why I enjoy what I do”

Outside of work, I like spending time with my family and socialising with friends (normally over a glass of wine or two!). I am a keen sportsman and am still playing table tennis at a competitive level

Beetroot and Gherkins. Lack of courtesy.

Diploma in Financial Planning

Mortgages
Protection

I have been involved in financial services since 1987, primarily specialising in mortgages and personal and family protection. I spent 10 years as a mortgage adviser with an estate agent and this was a huge learning experience for me. Along with my clients, I experienced the countless obstacles, pitfalls and triumphs during the house-buying process. I took all that experience with me to one of the biggest advisory firms in the region where I worked for another 10 years, before joining Brighton WIlliams in 2016.

They say that "buying a house is the biggest financial commitment you'll ever make". Along with that comes the inevitable stress and disruption. What I love about my job is that I can do something to help ease the passage for my clients through all this. The most rewarding thing for me is the appreciation shown to me when I find a solution which enables people to realise their dream home.

Good conversation over a good dinner Watching Rugby

Reality TV shows in any format

Diploma in Financial Planning
BSc (Hons)

Investments
Tax & Estate Planning
Pensions

When I graduated from University, my focus was on sport and competitive running. My first job was at a gym as a personal trainer, but I found didn’t fit with my own training. I took a job in financial services as an administrator, which worked better with my training schedule. To my surprise, I found I really enjoyed it and thought “I could be good at this”. I decided to form a career in the industry and worked my way through various supporting roles before becoming a Financial Adviser in 2006. I joined Brighton Williams in 2009 and am currently working towards Chartered status.

I think it’s a really important job that we advisers do. I help people with the things that are important to them in life. Through the accumulation of wealth and assets comes security for themselves and their family. This journey can be long and varied, with lots of ups and downs. What I love about my job is going on that journey with them. Helping people to create that secure financial position which will provide well for them is really satisfying.

Running – it focuses my mind

Shellfish-(ness!)

Diploma in Financial Planning Mortgage Advice Qualification Award in Long Term Care Insurance

'Later life' Financial Planning

My first job was as an Office Clerk with an insurance company, and in 1974 I became a Financial Adviser when I joined a market leading Provider. I've worked for quite a few companies, but as the industry changed and demanded more of advisers, I changed with it and I have exceeded the requirements set for professional qualifications. I joined Brighton Williams in 2013.

I've had the fortune to meet many people over the years and a good many of those people have remained clients for a very long time. I have made some very good friends too. That's what I love about my job – getting out and about and meeting people. It's a real sense of freedom for me.

Watching Bristol City Playing golf (badly!)

Cheating

Diploma in Financial Planning Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice

Retirement Planning
Investments
Protection
Tax Planning

I used to be a professional footballer, but injury forced me to retire from the game. I got my first taste of the world of financial services as a Sales Consultant with a major provider. This whetted my appetite and I decided to become a financial adviser. I practiced for 6 years before joining Brighton Williams in 1999, working in the village where I was born!

A great many of my clients have been with me for a number of years and this, along with those clients I know from my footballing days, makes me feel like I spend my working life keeping in touch with friends. Who could ask for a better job than that?

Football, football, football Oh, and cricket

Traffic – I spend a lot of time negotiating today’s hectic world on the roads

Diploma in Financial Planning
BA (Hons)

Long-term Financial Planning
Mortgages
Protection

I started my career in the mortgage industry in 2002. I realised I wanted to work with people rather than providers so I became a mortgage and protection adviser. I became aware that my clients had a need for longer-term planning and more strategic advice - more of a 'for life' planning service and I knew I could provide this.

I love the fact that I build long-term relationships with my clients. I get to see their lives unfold, their families grow and I get to play a part in making this as successful a journey as I can from a financial point of view. I get such a buzz from helping people buy a new home, or fund their kids' university education, or look forward to a comfortable retirement.

Cooking for dinner parties and family get togethers BBQs in the sunshine

The Sunday night swimming lesson run

Financial Planning Certificate Financial Services, Regulation & Ethics Supervision in a Regulated Environment

T&C Coach

I have been working in the financial services industry since 1981, and specifically working in Compliance for more than 20 years. I’ve experienced ‘both sides of the fence’, having worked for Product Providers and Financial Adviser firms and this has given me a good all-round perspective.

The variety! Keeping on top of the ever-changing legislation, working with the individual personalities of our advisers, organising training, developing procedures, quality control – these are just a sample of the things I do day-to-day. I’m also quite fastidious by nature, so working within compliance is ideal for me.

History – we can learn so much from the past because history does tend to repeat itself

Bad manners – common courtesy costs nothing, so there’s no excuse

BSc (Hons)

IT Support
Design & Marketing
Dementia Friend

I've spent my career in graphics, publishing, science and tech. My roles have been varied, including senior designer and creative services manager. My move to the financial services sector was more by accident than by design, but 10 years later I'm still enjoying it.

The sheer diversity of my role. One day I'm designing a publication, the next I'm configuring our back-office system! I have many different hats and that keeps me on my toes and constantly learning.

The sea – in it, on it, beside it, whatever the weather.

Wasps

HNC Business & Finance
PMI Trustee Certificate

Pensions Administration
HR & Finance
Operations Management

I completed a commercial apprenticeship at British Aerospace where my final placement was in the pensions department. I liked this a lot and decided that a career in financial services was for me. I went on to have various roles at third party pension administrators. I was a senior administrator at Portland Pensions. At SBJ Benefit Consultants I moved up to pensions administration manager. This subsequently became Bluefin and then Capita Employee Benefits and I held a number of roles here, from managing large administration teams to setting and monitoring budgets and overseeing the finances of the office. I joined BWP in January 2018.

Because I never know what (or who) is going to turn up at my desk each morning! No day is ever the same.

Being outside (in the garden, on a dog walk or at the allotment) Flowers – growing them and arranging them.

Moaning and negativity.