Authors | Helm Godfrey Partners Ltd

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Ian Thomas

Jenny Crossland

Graham Cross

I have been Helm Godfrey’s Managing Director since January 2011, following two years as head of operations. I have been involved in financial services for over 30 years, both as an IFA and in writing computer based training software for the financial services industry. My aim is to achieve growth and efficiencies whilst ensuring Helm prioritises the well-being of both clients and staff. The challenges associated with the next major restructuring of our industry are huge but I strongly believe that the company is well positioned to take full advantages of the opportunities that will arise.

Away from the office I enjoy music (having always had the wish to conduct an orchestra), reading, sports and long walks with my dog.

Jemma Brackley MCP

I look after the IT network and ensure that users can connect and work seamlessly.

I ensure that Helm Godfrey’s network is running smoothly so that there are no breaks in client/adviser communication and that all nature of documents can be sent/received electronically.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends.

Bruce Wilson ACA FIFP CFP DipPFS

I am a founding director of Helm Godfrey as well as head of the company’s Wealth Management Division. I believe money is an enabler for the life my clients want to lead. I help my clients achieve peace of mind and financial happiness through making sensible decisions about their money.

Away from work, I practise yoga and am an ironman triathlete.

Danby Bloch

I am the non-executive chairman of Helm Godfrey.

I help the board to decide the strategy for the company. A company like Helm Godfrey is made up of bright and independent minded people with strong views and personalities to go with them. So being the chairman is a constant challenge but an enjoyable and often fascinating one. I was an adviser myself for many years, so I have a good insight into their work. I have held the chairmanship job in several organisations and Helm Godfrey has proved to be one of the most worthwhile and exciting.

My work at Helm Godfrey involves more than just chairing the monthly board meetings and other committees. I also need to be a thinker, strategist, mentor and confidant. The role requires me to ask difficult questions about what we are trying to achieve and the ways that we do things. My work with Taxbriefs Financial Publishing and the Chartered Insurance Institute has helped to keep me abreast of the changes in regulation, professional education as well as tax and other financial issues. Working as a non-executive director of the wrap platform company Nucleus Financial Group has provided me with an overview of one of the key developments of the decade for financial advisers.

I am chairman of the Oxford Playhouse; so we are at the theatre at least once a week. Being Pro-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University means I get to lots of interesting events in and around Oxford. And playing with our young grandchildren keeps me from getting too pompous – I hope.

Mark Finster DipPFS

Mark is married with two children, a founding director and is a member of the Personal Financial Society. At a board level, he is a strategic thinker and decision maker. Mark works with both corporate and private clients.

Mark runs employee benefit schemes for a wide range of employers, to include lawyers, publishers, civil and structural engineers as well as a charity. Mark’s private client work involves developing strategies with them to both create and manage wealth. He has an undoubted skill in helping clients focus on their financial aspirations and through determination, imagination and innovation, ensures that their goals are achieved.

Away from the office Mark enjoys travel, golf, the gym, tennis, skiing and good food and wine.

Susie Foottit DipPFS

I am a Director of Helm Godfrey and, as such, am involved in the strategic planning and direction for taking the business forward. As an experienced financial adviser with Helm, I am passionate about advising businesses, individuals and their families on all aspects of wealth management.

I work closely with my clients by getting to understand their aims, ambitions and needs and exploring solutions for the many financial issues they may have. My starting point is that financial advice should not be boring and I therefore try to make what is sometimes perceived as a ‘dry’ subject a bit more enjoyable and fun.

I am also Vice-Chair of the Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer and related diseases by providing specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals. I have completed several treks to raise funds for the charity, including the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador. My last ‘adventure’ was a horse trek in Patagonia/ Argentina.

Stephen Powell BSc(Hons) DipPFS

Stephen is a founder shareholder and also a director of Helm Godfrey. He has a financially focussed entrepreneurial approach and genuine curiosity for how businesses and individuals meet their goals and objectives.

He works closely with his clients in order to understand their objectives, helping them to develop a plan to ensure their goals are met.

Away from the office, Stephen is an enthusiastic golfer and has a keen interest in food and wine.

Daphne Schogger

I joined Helm Godfrey in 2001 and I deal with compliance at the firm.

Away from the office, I am a member of a reading group, a keen bridge player, enjoy entertaining and when time permits I love going to the theatre. Many years ago, I was the first person to run a dinner party dating agency which was before the use of networking sites!

Barry Brown BA (Hons) DipPFS

A friend recently asked me what she should expect if she met with a Financial Adviser. I said if she came to see me we would start by talking about what was really important to her and her family, so that I was clear about her plans and objectives; and therefore that any planning and investments, made on their behalf, were designed to help achieve their goals. She instantly warmed to an approach that put her and her family at the centre.

Money, investments, being financially well organised etc can be emotive, complicated issues and often important decisions about them need to be made in the midst of life changes. My job is to hold “my client’s hands” and guide them towards making considered, intelligent decisions with their investments and financial planning that take account of their dreams, plans, current circumstances and if they so desire their ethical, social and environmental concerns. And to review them on a regular basis.

Away from the office I like and have done a little Stand Up, play and love watching tennis, enjoy spending time with my wife, a good movie, book, walk, holiday and of course seeing my daughter grow up.

Alan Dickinson

I am one of the UK’s most experienced Independent Financial Advisers serving the needs of the UK’s Gay, Lesbian and Civil Partners.

I started my career in the City in 1989 working for one of the UK’s leading Merchant Banks, in their Private Client Division. Saddened by the homophobia of the city at the time and the discrimination faced by the Gay and Lesbian community in relation to everyday financial products, I left the City for Soho in 1996 to become one the most senior advisers at Massow Financial Services. This company was the first to provide advice to the Gay and Lesbian Community, as well as people living with HIV. In a relatively short time Massow Financial Services became the 10th largest IFA in the UK.

Years of campaigning and lobbying culminated in the outlawing of discrimination and the introduction of civil partnerships and in 2006 I returned to the City and joined Helm Godfrey. With my unique experience I now offer a holistic, creative and innovative approach to financial planning for everyone. To me “thinking out of the box” is the norm.

In my spare time, I cycle, play badminton and am the treasurer of a Gay and Lesbian sports club.

Michelle Gibbs BA(Hons) APFS

I am a Chartered Financial Planner with over 10 years experience in financial services and joined Helm Godfrey in 2001. My two key areas of expertise are in the lifetime wealth management process with a focus on tax savings and pension solutions and advising clients in delivering employee benefits.

My aim is to build long term relationships with clients and guide them through the complex financial decisions they have to make throughout their lives. I want to be able to take the worry away from clients regarding their finances.

In my spare time, one of the things I enjoy is visiting theme parks and I have also run, abseiled and sky dived for charities in recent times.

Edward Gold BA ACII

I advise on structuring investments in a tax efficient way within the context of a client’s overall financial planning. I aim to help my clients provide for themselves and their family, taking account of succession planning which requires a compromise between retaining ownership and passing on assets to the next generation.

I take a detailed account of a client’s present assets and liabilities. In discussing their aspirations I assess what level of risk can be applied to the investments which will be geared to achieving the desired result.

Away from the office, (now that squash has eventually given me up!) I am very much a family man. I enjoy relaxing as I walk on Primrose Hill and try to make time to catch up on my reading.

Dominique Jones

I specialise in Employee Benefits, and more particularly, with French companies established in the UK.

I am involved with Group Personal Pension Scheme, Private Medical Insurance, Group Life and Group Income Protection schemes.

As I am French I am well qualified to give advice to those companies.

My aim is to provide an excellent service support to both the Employer and Employees on a daily basis.

Away from the office, I look after my family.

Ian Leeson AIFP APFS

I work alongside the West End Accountants, SRLV, where together we provide a one stop shop from individuals and corporate entities for their accounting, tax and financial planning needs.

As a Chartered Financial Planner (the Gold Standard for Advisers) and with over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, I help clients find solutions to their financial goals in a clear and innovative way.

I like to spend time with my wife and daughter and together we enjoy sailing, skiing and amateur dramatics.

Simon Player

I have been an adviser since 2000, am a member of the Personal Finance Society and have been with Helm Godfrey since July 2007. I am also a Helm Godfrey shareholder. In addition to the Cert PFS qualifications, I have completed the industry Pension Simplification, Mortgage Advice Qualification and the Savings and Investments exams.

I provide holistic financial planning which focuses on developing strategies to create and manage individual client’s wealth specialising in family & business protection, investments and pensions advice as well as running a number of employee benefit schemes.

The primary benefit of my services is implementing a financial plan. This is usually achieved by the use of an investment wrap facility, together with reviewing family protection needs to include Wills & Trusts and ensuring that the available tax reliefs and allowances are utilised fully. This also provides time savings and eases the administration of a client’s affairs.

I help clients achieve their financial plan by establishing their attitude to investment risk and ensuring that their investment portfolio is in line with this. A further very important aspect of a client’s investment management is performing a regular review to ensure that the attitude to risk remains the same or amending it as required, and the re-balancing of the investments in order to maintain the appropriate risk level.

Away from the office I have a very understanding and patient wife and two sons aged 19 and 16 for whom I act as a free bank, for the eldest who is at university studying Business Economics, and taxi driver for my youngest. I also enjoy sport, primarily football and golf.

Eileen Race DipPFS AIFP CFP

I have been working with many of my clients for nearly 20 years.
As they grow older their needs have changed and I find myself adapting to advising on financial planning in later life. I have seen clients overwhelmed by their financial paperwork and practical help and support with this aspect of life has given them much needed peace of mind.

The demographics are changing and as we live longer there is a need for independent, empathetic information and advice on choosing and funding long term care.

As a well qualified mature female with excellent listening and communicative skills, I am a rare commodity in this increasingly complex financial world.

When not working I am involved with a local educational charity and enjoy gardening, entertaining and spending time with my family.

Linda Seely

As an Independent Financial Adviser with over 25 years experience, I assess my clients’ current financial circumstances and review how well their arrangements are meeting their objectives. Where there is scope to improve the current strategy, I make recommendations to ensure their savings and capital is in the best areas to meet their short, medium and long term goals. In addition, I consider potential threats to their financial security from unexpected illness or early death.

In order to help clients take care of their financial wellbeing, I regularly review their current circumstances and future objectives and make recommendations from the perspective of balancing risk and potential returns. I consider their income requirements and the tax efficiency of their arrangements, both now and their likely future needs.

Away from the office I regularly see my four grown-up children and pursue my interest in residential property development and renovation.

Neil Sims

I provide overall financial planning solutions for individual clients.
With over 25 years of experience and the Chartered Financial Planning qualification (the Gold Standard for Advisers) and also, importantly, the ability to express complex financial concepts in simple terms, I feel well equipped to provide this service.

Firstly, I endeavour to have a clear understanding of my clients’ short and long term financial objectives. I then design a plan to achieve those goals and help to implement the plan. This is then monitored at regular intervals to take account of any changes in the clients’ circumstances or objectives, conditions in the market place and the legislative landscape. Any necessary changes to the plan are then discussed, agreed and implemented.

Outside the office I enjoy motor racing, rugby, classic cars, Italian Opera, photography and art. Memberships include Friends of the Royal Academy, Goodwood Road Racing Club and the National Trust. I am married with two children.”

David Son BA (Hons) DipPFS

I advise clients, both individual and corporate, in terms of their financial planning requirements. My aim is to provide tailored solutions to meet those requirements on a cost effective basis.

I listen carefully to the financial planning requirements, aims and aspirations of clients and then set about developing appropriate financial planning strategies that will provide solutions in an understandable and cost effective way. This will leave clients free to lead their lives and/or run their businesses knowing that their financial planning needs are being professionally managed.

Away from the office I enjoy music, TV and the theatre.

Peter Taylor FIFP CFP DipPFS

My role in Helm Godfrey is to help my clients to make sense of their money, and make the best use of it so that they can achieve the things they want to in life. I am also involved in professional education, and am an examiner for the Institute of Financial Planning.

Most new clients come to us at a time of change in their lives, such as marriage, starting a family, changing jobs, starting a business, buying a house, private education to planning on retirement. They need someone independent and impartial who can help them make sense of their problems and then be an expert guide through the financial jungle. As a financial planner, I spend time getting to understand my clients objectives, and what they really want. I then look at their income and expenditure, assets and liabilities and use this to create a model of present and future financial position. This can then be used to test the likely effects of financial decisions. An important part of the process is how to invest financial assets for the best results. Finally, financial plans are reviewed regularly to keep abreast of changes.

Away from the office I take great delight in watching my three grown up children make their way in life. I combine a love of sport and outdoor pursuits with a love of cooking (and eating) and wine. Apart from playing some bridge, I am a trustee of local museum which is developing rapidly.

Robert Turner

I have 25 years experience of providing advice across all areas of private client financial planning. I work together with my clients to determine what their financial objectives are in life and offer bespoke solutions to help them achieve their goals now and in the future.

I believe listening and careful analysis of clients needs allows me to provide the right advice for each individual client for whatever their circumstances require.

Away from the office I entertain my three children and am occasionally allowed to play golf. I am also a keen rugby fan and like to cook whenever I get the time.

Mark Weeks AIFP CFP DipPFS

I provide pre & post-retirement planning: during our enjoyable and thought provoking work together I will help you create the retirement that you dream of ; to achieve peace of mind around your financial affairs; address anxieties such as giving up work and learning to rely on your capital/pensions to maintain your future security. I will provide you with an estimate of your cashflow to see the ‘shape’ of your income/expenditure during retirement and spend time discussing your comfort levels around investment ‘losses’ (that will happen on occasions!) to create a portfolio that will minimise your anxieties when markets fall, this way you can see your funds ‘plod along’ and give you the regular income you desire without taking undue risk. The whole process is aimed at helping you achieve a fulfilled and great retirement.

In simple terms I help you identify a retirement that excites you, that you dream of, provides you with happiness, fulfilment, perhaps new challenges……its all about what you want to do; to be; to have. Through financial planning, I then give you the numbers in simple terms that illustrates your freedom to do the things that are in your heart without the concerns of money.

Away from the office I work on my own life goals: to be the best father I can to my daughters Eleanor and Sophie, to be their mentor and help them grow, learn, be happy and content, to lead the lives that they desire; in addition, to support my friends and family and enjoy time with them, playing squash, gym, attending the Le Mans 24 hour race for many years, Formula 1 (one of my goals is to attend a number of F1 races!), bbq’s and beers, wine when feeling a little more cultured!

Sam Whybrow

I am an employed adviser and work directly with clients to build long term relationships with Helm Godfrey. My specific areas of expertise are in pensions, investments, protection and strategic financial planning. My role demands that I always treat customers fairly and that I provide suitable advice in a helpful manner whilst working the Helm Godfrey way to create client financial freedom.

I deliver a holistic, collaborative approach to working with clients with the aim of providing clarity, simplicity and knowledge for my clients to enable them to understand how their assets, products, plans and income and expenditure can help them achieve their life goals. If I can help clients to understand how their life and financial plans are intertwined and create goal based plans to help them to achieve their goals, I am satisfied that I can make a real impact in the lives of my clients.

Away from the office I enjoy spending time with my wife, Debbie, and two children, Oscar & Matilda, as well as our two dogs! My weekends typically consist of activities, such as going to the cinema, swimming, eating out or at home with my family and friends and generally trying to have lots of fun and laughter. I am keen on most sports and have previously run the London Marathon for charity and I played football to a high standard in my younger days!

Colum Wilde

I deliver comprehensive financial advice to high net worth private clients. I do this using a detailed and robust process which aims to reduce subjectivity in my advice process – a service proposition which my clients expect, deserve and receive.

I do for my clients what they would do for themselves if they had the time, inclination and experience, in order to achieve financial peace of mind. That involves not only a comprehensive initial fact find and implementation of such but, just as importantly, I utilise a robust process that monitors their investment funds monthly. If a fund falls below a threshold agreed with the client, then they are informed and advised to sell that fund and move to a better performing fund. In a month when all funds are at least meeting if not exceeding the thresholds, clients are informed that no switch is needed – giving them reassurance that their money is being looked after – every single month. Please see cleveradviser.com.

I have no freedom to do what I like as I have a two year old daughter and our lives revolve around her. If she is happy then so am I. It’s great being a dad!

Jacqueline Sarsfield

My role as Adviser Coach is to encourage advisers to take some time away from their day to day business and examine ways of improving their skills. The main areas being time management, communication with clients and helping to provide solutions to certain situations whilst ensuring a work/life balance. I support advisers using the wealth of experience gained during my years as a financial adviser, spanning over 30 years.

I love to travel and spend time with the family.

My passions are music, dancing and cooking.

Joanne Beavis

Jo joined Helm Godfrey in May 2006 as an Office Junior and since then has been promoted to the role of Office Coordinator.

Jo’s responsibilities are to ensure the smooth running of the office. She also produces clients electronic identity verification certificates and issues policy documents. She is also responsible for the maintenance contracts of the office equipment, co-ordinating Helm’s charitable giving and organising all company events.

Away from the office her hobbies include going to the theatre, travelling and engaging in extreme sports such as sky diving and abseiling.

James Cox

My role consists of ensuring an advice process is completed in line with client expectations. This requires a large amount of day-to-day organisation and overall general knowledge of the industry.

By ensuring Alison and Neil Sims have the correct information to provide a consistent factual based advisory service. Finding new ways to streamline current processes and by working more efficiently as a team.

I enjoy an active lifestyle, including playing for the local football team and the occasional round of golf where possible.

Pat Dance

Louise Deveney

I joined Helm Godfrey in April 2009 and have worked in the Financial Services Industry for nearly 15 years. My role here is to provide paraplanning support to Bruce Wilson and Michelle Gibbs and to ensure the smooth running of client portfolios. I feel it is important for me to build strong relationships with clients and communicate with them on a regular basis. This ensures they are kept up to date with any changes and gives them the confidence to contact me anytime they have any questions.

I am a member of the Personal Finance Society and hold the Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate in Financial Planning, Certificate in Life and Pensions and Certificate in Mortgage Advice, Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgages. I am currently studying towards the Diploma level in Financial Planning and intend to continue to expand my knowledge.

Outside of work I attend the gym on a regular basis and enjoy taking part in regular charity runs, currently I am training for the London Marathon. I also love to travel and see new places and regularly escape from the city life and head up to Derbyshire which is where I am originally from.

Kimberley Hammond

I am P.A. to Mark Finster, Director. It is my responsibility to manage day to day administrative functions to allow Mark to focus on commercial and strategic matters.
I help Helm Godfrey’s clients take care of their financial wellbeing by delivering first class administrative support to both Mark and clients and dealing with client queries in a professional and efficient manner.
Away from the office I spend time with my fiancé. I enjoy socialising, spending time with my family and learning new skills.

Debbie Harcus

I provide day to day support to the management team, train new joiners, check files are complete for compliance and supervise new business. Diary management is one of my main tasks as well as providing daily help to advisers and staff with their queries.

The only day to day contact that I have with clients is when I help out on the main switchboard. On these occasions I ensure that the clients feel that they have had a good, polite, professional and friendly service.

Away from the office I spend most of my free time with my fiancé and two young daughters. They keep me busy, but I socialise with friends and read whenever I can.

Mihai Iosif

I provide paraplanning services to several advisers, trying to meet and adapt to each individual’s needs. The variety of tasks involved also gives me the opportunity to learn something new and continually develop my skills.

I study in my own time and try to pass as many CII exams as possible. This helps me understand better the advice process and the clients’ needs.

I enjoy travelling, going to the theatre and spending time with friends and family. I am currently learning to fly.

Ann Keable

I am the P.A. to Edward Gold, so my role draws upon my experience in financial services gained by working firstly for Hill Samuel Life Assurance and then Arthur Andersen, where I qualified to a financial adviser level. I am also a member of the CII.

I assist our clients by obtaining valuations they require for their portfolios and liaise directly with our clients to handle their queries and requests and the range of insurance firms with whom we deal, acting effectively as the link between Edward Gold, his clients, the insurers and investment companies, as well as my colleagues at Helm Godfrey.

I enjoy watching nature programmes and documentaries. I also very much enjoy overseas travel.

Carole Murphy

I am a paraplanner in the London office to both Stephen Powell and David Son. My duties involve report writing, file checking, research, creating slides for seminars and helping the advisers run their day. I ensure clients request are delivered in a timely manner, this ensures the client receives a smooth and professional service at all times.

My current role as a Paraplanner follows a career of over 10 years working in the private banking sector as an adviser.

Away from the office, I juggle time with my two daughters alongside refurbishing and decorating my house in Kent. I am currently studying for further financial services exams to add to the Financial Planning and Mortgage diploma already achieved.

Neil OMalley

I am a paraplanner to Susie Foottit, assisting Susie with client meetings and new business production.

I am the second point of contact for Susie’s clients providing information, updates and liaising with providers on their behalf. I also help Susie carry out research into new products/investments that she feels will add value to her clients portfolio.

I enjoy most sports, especially football and am a keen follower of Tottenham Hotspur. I also enjoy socialising with friends and family.

Laurie Piper

I deal with the accounts for Helm Godfrey. I process all the commissions and fees and pay the advisers each month. I produce the management accounts and financial information for the directors and deal with all payments made from the company and any other requirements with the accounts.

Away from the office I like to spend time with my family and socialising with friends. I enjoy travelling and I occasionally go to festivals.

Geraldine Robinson

Michael Rowson

I am a Paraplanner to Colum Wilde, assisting Colum in delivering comprehensive financial advice to our high net worth clients. I am able to assist in delivering this by using a detailed and robust investment process called Clever Adviser which monitors their investment funds monthly.

I am a key point of contact for Colum’s clients providing information, updates and liaising with providers on their behalf.

In my spare time I enjoy playing many sports (football, cricket, golf, tennis), I am also a keen runner and skier. I also enjoy socialising with friends and family.

Ronil Seebaluck

My role is to provide administrative assistance to advisers at Helm Godfrey and to the admin department. The typical tasks of the role are client servicing, administration and diary management for advisers, product research and processing of new business cases and assisting in compliance work throughout the company.

I help Helm Godfrey clients take care of their financial wellbeing by providing both the advisers and admin team with the best admin support I can.

Away from the office I like to spend time with family and friends and take part in my hobbies which include playing and watching football, motorsports, cooking and travelling.

Deborah Carter

I provide administration backup to a number of advisers. This includes new business processing, client valuations and commission chasing. I need to be methodical and organised to carry out my role in order to deal with client queries quickly and efficiently.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my family and socialising with friends.

Oliver Thorne

I paraplan for and assist Barry Brown to manage and support his clients.

I strive to provide a diligent supporting role in ensuring that the processes for meeting a client’s financial requirements are as smooth as possible.

Away from the office I enjoy watching and participating in many sports such as football, rugby, cricket and snowboarding.

Dawn Barden

I am Susie Foottit’s Client Relationship Manager and main point of contact. My priority is our clients. I pride myself on providing a friendly, efficient and professional service. Many financial services firms can offer a good service but our ethos is to provide even better and all our clients are as important as each other. I am responsible for overseeing all business transactions, ensuring compliance requirements are met right through to financial reconcilliation. As an experienced all-rounder, I am involved with most aspects from meeting clients to providing ongoing servicing. Although not full time, I can always be contacted on my mobile as my three wonderful sons keep me very busy.

My financial services career began with Sun Alliance at 17 and after being headhunted at 19, joined my 1st brokerage and poached again at 21, by Anthony Winner a chartered accountant & independent financial adviser. Although I took a career break to have my family, it is a pleasure to still be involved with what began then in 1991, Antony’s ambition, which eventually came to fruition in 1999. To create an elite group of financial advisers – Helm Godfrey Partners Ltd.

Annabel Summers

Pascale Banks

I am a PA to Robert Turner and Susie Foottit. My day to day duties involve preparing client valuations, organising client meetings, new business production and general administration. I am the second point of contact for Robert’s clients helping them with any information, values and help they require.

I am proactive in helping Robert manage the administration of his clients and also being there for all clients if they wish to obtain any information on their portfolio.

I am a mother of 2 year old twin boys – they are beautiful and complete my life. I live in Chiswick with them and my partner Neil who I am marrying in Lake Como, Italy next summer.

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John Deacon DipPFS

As well as being a Director of Helm Godfrey, John sees his role as being driven by the need for advice, education and governance, helping employers and employees understand and address the huge issues of pensions’ savings and the associated challenges. Only by knowing the facts, however unpalatable, will people begin to appreciate how big an issue this is for both businesses and individuals alike.

With his extensive experience in helping companies develop and implement robust benefits solutions, John continues to advise clients, particularly on long term benefits strategy.

Away from the office, John is a skier, golfer and sailor.

Ed Smithson BA (Hons) FPMI

As part of the acquisition of Truestone Employee Benefits, I joined Helm Godfrey in June 2011 as Principal & Deputy Head of the Employee Benefits team. I have worked for a number of leading pension and benefits consultancies, most recently as a Senior Consultant at Hymans Robertson and a Director at Truestone Employee Benefits.

I work with businesses to find bespoke solutions to the issues they, as employers or trustees, face in the day to day management of their employee pension and benefit arrangements, advising on all areas of design (including good governance and legislative requirements) as well as developing successful change management strategies. I am also an expert in developing and implementing tailored and innovative communication strategies for my clients. This is a critical part of any employee benefit programme that many organisations fail to address properly or simply overlook.

Away from the office, I enjoy the usual mix of music, food, family and socialising.

John Yates DipPFS

As part of the acquisition of Truestone Employee Benefits, I joined Helm Godfrey on 1 June 2011 as an Associate Director and Head of Client Management, having worked within the Employee Benefits Division since January 2003.

I consult with our corporate clients to help them design, implement and manage their employee benefits programmes, which include pension schemes, risk benefits, voluntary and flexible benefits. The success of any employee benefits programme can only be measured by employee engagement so I also focus on providing good, clear and understandable employee communications. In addition to group presentations and written communications, such as interactive websites and employee guides, delivering financial advice to employees in the workplace is key to helping the employee understand the benefits which are available to them and advising them on the right options for them and their family.

Away from the office I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and when time allows, playing football and golf, with the balance shifting more to the latter with each passing year!

Denise Wilkinson DipPFS

I am a consultant in the Employee Benefits team with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, working at major insurance companies, independent financial advisers and employee benefit consultancies.

My role includes working with employers to review and set up benefits appropriate for their employees including pensions, life assurance, medical plans and flexible benefits programmes. I also provide one to one advice to employees joining company pension plans and ongoing advice for their future retirement planning.

Away from Helm Godfrey, my interests include being a member of my local Rotary club involved in fundraising and local community projects. I also enjoy going to the cinema and theatre.

Melissa Blissett

Lyndon Heppolette

Laura Brown

As part of the acquisition of Truestone Employee Benefits, I joined Helm Godfrey on 1 June 2011 as Group Risk Consultant. My role consists of managing the Group Risk, Healthcare and Flexible benefits portfolio of our corporate clients. We provide bespoke and innovative solutions to our clients believing that one size does not fit all.

I have more than 12 years experience of working in the industry, across 3 leading Consultancies and 2 major Insurers, most recently Aon Hewitt and Hymans Robertson.

Away from the office, I enjoy running, reading, eating out and socialising.

Ian Stride

Trevor Hodges

I provide support to employers and employees in all aspects of the implementation and ongoing management of flexible and voluntary benefit schemes.

Away from the office I enjoy attending the gym, watching football, eating out and socialising with my friends!

Jolene Mark

Amy Stumbke

I work as Consultant Support in the Employee Benefits Division at Helm Godfrey. I assist the Consultants with the preparation and arrangement of new joiner meetings and review meetings. I also deal with queries from existing members of Group Schemes in relation to their pensions as well as assisting the admin team.

I graduated from University with a First Class Honours Degree in 2009. In my spare time I enjoy swimming as well as being a qualified swimming teacher. I enjoy travelling having recently visited Hong Kong and Thailand.

Anthony Nash

I have been an adviser for 22 years and would consider myself a “general practitioner” having delivered holistic financial planning before it was given a name. My career history includes, working in an old fashioned mutual building society, a pension specialist and a firm of accountants.

Over the years I have given advice to members of the House of Lords, leaders in industry and many of those of us who are a little more ordinary.

I tend to place an emphasis on the importance of a regular review as the last decade has demonstrated the difficulty in maintaining reliable growth and the need to respond to the marked changes in markets and legislation. Often I find that too many rely on a strategy that was appropriate many years ago and are still sticking to the same plan even though the world economy is now very different.

Over the years my clients have been kind enough to recognise my commitment to customer service and now my client list has quite a few duplicate surnames as the children whom I used to see running around during the meetings with Mum and Dad have now become clients themselves.

I speak Italian, my sports are snooker and Jistu but my favourite pastime is spending time with my daughter and nieces, as they all seem to be growing up so fast.

Tracy Price

Martin Fox

I am one of those strange people that knew that I wanted to go into marketing ever since I was in the 6th form at school. What I did not expect was that it would be in Financial Services!

My marketing career has embraced a variety of roles at Legal and General, Marketing director at Prolific, General Manager Marketing at Pearl Assurance and Unit Trusts. Then Managing Director Marketing at Egg Design and Marketing where I was involved in several company launches and over 50 fund and product launches.

I am now delighted to have been invited to become Director of Marketing at Helm Godfrey, at such a pivotal time for both the life and pensions industries.

Outside the office my interests include my family, cricket, tennis, cooking and I am very involved in my local church.

Philip Thrush DipPFS

Philip has worked within the Employee Benefits field of financial planning for 18 years developing new as well as existing business relationships. Achieving his diploma from the Personal Finance Society in 2009, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge around benefits employers can offer to their staff. Philip is a keen skier and golfer.

Catherine Fordham

Matthew Nelson

Matt works as an EB administrator at the Marlow House office in London. He has worked in financial services for 14 months after graduating university in 2010 and previously worked at Friends Life in Dorking. Outside of work, Matt plays Sunday football and is a member of Banstead Downs Golf Club. He has a passion for music and occasionally DJs.

Michael Bousfield

My role is to help clients devise a strategy to fulfil their long term financial objectives. This includes the accumulation of future assets as well as the protection of current resources. At all times, tax efficiency is paramount as well as the facility to make use of all possible tax reliefs.

This is achieved by regular communication, review meetings and updates of current requirements and future objectives.

Away from the office I preserve my sanity (or what little remains!) in the world of music – especially grand opera – and international cricket. This is completed by frequent visits to the Canary Islands and a regular fitness regime.

Mike Casson

My role as an Adviser brings to bear 30 years of experience in financial services, both at home and overseas, dealing with individuals, businesses and even Government departments. I have a particular interest in investment management.

As an Adviser, I strive to add value to clients’ financial affairs, in particular by applying industry-leading investment management and monitoring systems within environments that are as tax efficient as possible, in addition to looking to protect the short, medium and long term position of the family or business unit. The most important aspect to my work is reacting to clients’ needs, views, feelings and objectives.

Away from the office I try to find time to blow away the cobwebs on a golf course, tennis court, ski slope or on the deck of a sailing boat. Family is important, particularly with two of the next generation on active military service and I attempt to spend quality time with two grandchildren. I help to contribute to the local community as a Trustee of the Cumbria Community Foundation.

Steve Wood APMI

Steve has 30 years experience of advising employers on all aspects of designing and managing employee benefit arrangements including all types of occupational and group personal pension schemes, life, health & private medical insurances and flexible benefits systems. He advises Trustees on the administration, governance, investment, legislative and accounting requirements for both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes.

Steve is a member of the Pensions Management Institute and has written and presented technical and training material for employers, trustees and employees.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys (although no longer plays) football, rugby, cricket and jazz.

Stuart Newton

With over 30 years business experience Stuart has gained a wealth of knowledge, having worked in a number of senior roles such as a commercial mortgage broker in the city, to Head of Operations for a global retail/leisure business. He has built an extensive knowledge over the last 10 years within HR taking on roles such as annual wage negotiations, TUPE and development of in house EB packages. More recently Stuart was Trustee Director of a final salary pension scheme. His role at Helm Godfrey is to build the existing client base.

When not at work, Golf continues to challenge, he enjoys cooking and entertaining friends at home, running and sailing. In 2008 he joined a six man team and sailed around the UK in a dinghy, raising a significant sum for a local hospice in Leicestershire.

Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth is a CIPD accredited HR professional with over 15 years’ experience as a generalist HR practitioner in SME and corporate organisations. Until recently, Elizabeth was HR director of the UK operation of a Dutch owned multi-national organisation providing infrastructure, environmental and buildings consultancy services. Reporting directly to the CEO and seated on the UK board, Elizabeth provided strategic HR services and led a team of 4 HR professionals providing generalist HR services to 800 employees in the three business lines across 6 offices in the UK during a period of intense structural redevelopment due to both economic change and mergers and acquisition.

Elizabeth has operated at strategic, advisory and administrative level. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, culture development, change management, executive selection for hire and promotion, reward and benefits, talent and succession management and performance management. She has also maintained a strong network and has worked with established specialists in many HR disciplines, search and selection and people development.

Her interests include traveling, horseriding, skiing, Pilates, cooking and eating.

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