Meet the Team

Financial Planners

Our Financial Planners have all achieved, or are working towards, higher level qualifications than the mandatory Diploma level. Some of them specialise in certain areas such as tax planning, pension scheme transfers or later life planning. Not only that, they have many years’ experience and deal with different scenarios every day. Where client situations are unusual or problematic they work as a team sharing that knowledge.

  • Roger Jackson
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    Roger Jackson - Director of Financial Planning

    • Favourite Book The Wisdom of Crowds - James Surowiecki
    • Favourite Film Oldboy
    • Favourite Place Arnside
    • Person I Most Admire Will Ferrell
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, Certified Financial Planner
    • Special Skill Cooking
    • Supported By Patrick Billington
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson When everyone else says it’s time to go home, it’s definitely time to go home!

    Roger started with FMB in 2007. He holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and has also been awarded the prestigious status of Chartered Financial Planner as well as Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. Roger is regularly cited in the trade press and was recognised by Citywire/New Model Adviser as one of the top 35 financial services professionals under the age of 35 in 2020 and again in 2022. He was appointed Director of Financial Planning in 2018 and manages our team of Financial Planners alongside Liz Beavis.

    Outside of the office, Roger has worked extensively in the charitable environment acting as a Trustee and chair for a local charity. He is the treasurer for his local branch of First Responders. As well as this, he is a past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Kendal branch. Finally, Roger has the high-profile appointment as a non-executive director for the Chartered Insurance Institute giving strategic insight into the profession for the membership body, representing the 40,000 members of the financial services profession. He enjoys spending quality time with the family, playing golf and cooking for family and friends.

  • Natalie Lockley
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    Natalie Lockley - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
    • Favourite Film Gladiator
    • Favourite Place Almalfi Coast - Italy
    • Person I Most Admire Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
    • Qualifications Dip PFS, AF5 Advanced Financial Planning Process, LP2 Financial Services Products and Solutions, Certificate in Mortgage Advice
    • Special Skill Skiing and running - Natalie has just completed her first marathon!
    • Supported By Adam Parkinson

    Natalie joined us in October 2018 and has over 20 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry, both in retail banking and also as an Independent Financial Adviser. She is currently studying for an Award in Long Term Care and hopes to have achieved Chartered Status in the not too distant future. Natalie says, "I enjoy meeting all sorts of people through my job, everyone is unique and each situation requires a different solution. I find it so rewarding being able to help clients achieve their goals and ensuring their financial future is protected."

    Outside of the office, Natalie enjoys spending quality time with her family. At the weekend, you can usually find her on the sidelines supporting her two boys at their football match or out walking their dog, Bertie, in The Lakes. She also enjoys escaping to the gym whenever she gets the chance.

  • David Edwards
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    David Edwards - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book All Ken Follett and Jack Reacher novels
    • Favourite Film Pulp Fiction or The Shawshank Redemption
    • Favourite Place Mossyard Beach, Castle Douglas
    • Qualifications Dip PFS, AF5 Financial Planning Process, AF7 Pension Transfers
    • Special Skill Snooker, Cricket and Cycling
    • Supported By Patrick Billington

    David joined FMB in January 2017 following an 11-year career with a large National Wealth Management company. He has almost 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and holds the full Financial Planning Certificate.

    David has vast experience of looking after clients' investment and estate planning needs. He particularly enjoys developing a long-lasting relationship with his clients through regular meetings as well as reviewing their plans to ensure they are on track to fulfil their future goals and ambitions.

    David likes to keep busy in his spare time and spends a lot of time biking with friends. He also enjoys competing in local snooker competitions and has more recently started playing for his local cricket team with his son, Jack.

  • Jon Nicholson
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    Jon Nicholson - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die - Chris Santella
    • Favourite Film Big Wednesday
    • Favourite Place Mintbridge - home of Kendal Rugby
    • Qualifications CFPTM, Dip PFS, AF4 Investment Planning
    • Special Skill Bowling
    • Supported By Phoebe Makey

    Jon has been part of the FMB team since 2011. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious status of Certified Financial Planner by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. He is currently working towards Chartered Status with the CII as well, having previously gained the advanced qualification in Investments and further qualifications in Long Term Care, Mortgages and Equity Release. Jon is our resident specialist in Lifetime Mortgages/Equity Release. Jon particularly enjoys being able to offer clients reassurance and support with their finances and develop a relationship with them.

    Outside of work, Jon has a big passion for rugby and has played, captained and coached for Kendal Rugby Club for nearly 30 years. Jon is now a Trustee for the club and continues to be an avid supporter. He also took up crown green bowls a few years ago and says that "anyone who has never tried this simple but ‘placid’ game, the competitiveness experienced is as strong as any rugby encounter."

  • Liz Beavis
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    Liz Beavis - MD and Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book The Monarchy - David Starkey
    • Favourite Film The Shawshank Redemption
    • Favourite Place Western Coast and Valleys of Cumbria
    • Person I Most Admire Georgiana Spencer - the 5th Duchess of Devonshire
    • Qualifications Dip PFS, currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status with the CII
    • Special Skill Upcycling furniture
    • Supported By Josh Grant
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Always check you've packed your trainers before starting a 35-mile race….
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Save up for a week and go fell walking

    Liz began her career at FMB in July 1999. Starting out as a Marketing Assistant she worked her way through the company to become appointed firstly as Director of Marketing and then Managing Director in 2008, as well as being a fully qualified adviser. Before FMB she worked at the Chamber of Commerce Training Division in Lancaster, promoting their services to the wider community. As the daughter of one of the two founders, Leslie Beavis, FMB has always been an important part of her life as the business has grown from a desk in the family living room to occupying the prominent Shenstone House on the outskirts of Kendal, with over 25 employees. Liz feels that what we do can be an incredibly positive experience for clients and that is what makes it all worthwhile.

    Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending quality time with family and friends which often includes some fell walking in The Lakes.

  • Jon Palser
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    Jon Palser - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book Travel guides for our next city break
    • Favourite Film The Shawshank Redemption
    • Favourite Place North Cornwall
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner, Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management, Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing, Award in Long Term Care Insurance
    • Special Skill Snooker
    • Supported By Sarah Hartley

    Jon has over 25 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry, having previously worked for RBS, HSBC and Santander. Jon is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Chartered Financial Planner.

    Jon has many years’ experience of dealing with a broad cross-section of clients including both private and business customers. He enjoys getting to know his clients and being able to put across sometimes complex financial planning considerations in a way that’s simple for his clients to understand.

    Outside of work, Jon enjoys playing snooker league and bowling leagues on the Fylde coast. He says, "I’ll never be a professional but I have won the odd trophy". Jon has recently welcomed a new addition to the family, Finley the Labrador, and he is looking forward to getting out on more walks on the Fylde coast and in The Lakes.

  • Charlie Rigg
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    Charlie Rigg - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Album Best of Fleetwood Mac
    • Favourite Book Anything by Lee Child or Simon Sinek
    • Favourite Film Skyfall
    • Favourite Place The Lake District
    • Guilty Pleasure Hotel Chocolat
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner, Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Certificate in ESG Investing, Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management; Securities Advice and Dealing; Long Term Care Insurance; Equity Release; Advanced Mortgage Advice, Meng (Hons) in Ship Science (Naval Architecture)
    • Secret Dislikes Spiders
    • Special Skill Napping
    • Supported By Jess Pollard
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Spend it with my little girl (or have a nap depending on how many times she was up in the night!)

    Charlie joined the team in October 2019 after relocating to the area from Southampton with her husband.

    Charlie has definitely had a rather varied working life so far; starting out in hospitality and event management within the sailing industry after completing her degree in Naval Architecture at Southampton University. She went on to train as a Chartered Accountant, working within commercial audit before her love for client interaction and problem-solving led her to explore the Financial Services industry. Having achieved the prestigious status of Chartered Financial Planner, Charlie definitely has a wealth of knowledge and enjoys putting that into practice with her clients, working with them to put the most suitable plans in place to help them achieve their goals.

    Outside of the office, Charlie enjoys keeping active and most of her spare time used to be filled with running (trail running now she lives in the Lakes!), swimming (pool and open water) yoga, pilates or bouldering. At the moment though, most of her time is spent with her baby girl and adjusting to being a new mum. She is also a keen baker, which she says compliments her ‘prolific snacking’.

  • Alice Wilkinson
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    Alice Wilkinson - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
    • Favourite Place Italy
    • Guilty Pleasure Tiramisu
    • Qualifications Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS), Chartered Financial Planner, Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (APFS), Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS), Diploma in Insurance (DipCII) , Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management (CertPFS [DM]), Award in Long Term Care Insurance, Certificate in Providing Financial Services
    • Special Skill Baking
    • Supported By Fiona Hutchinson
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Yoga or take my dog for a walk

    Alice joined FMB in 2021 and has over eight years’ experience in the Financial Services profession. Alice has achieved the prestigious status of Chartered Financial Planner, as well as Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

    Alice also serves as the President of the Insurance Institute of Kendal, our professional body, dedicated to building public trust in the insurance and financial planning profession.

    Alice is passionate about her role as Financial Planner both at FMB and with the wider professional community. “There’s always something changing with either legislation, tax or global investment markets which I like to keep pace with. I love to problem solve and enjoy both the technical and personal aspects of my role, exploring what can be a complex scenario and finding solutions to meet individual client needs”

  • Graham Lappin
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    Graham Lappin - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Album Revenge, the Eurythmics
    • Favourite Film The Blues Brothers
    • Favourite Place Masada, Israel
    • Guilty Pleasure Cake!
    • Person I Most Admire Muhammad Ali
    • Qualifications DipPFS, MA Geography, University of Aberdeen
    • Special Skill Baking
    • Supported By Phoebe Makey

    Graham was born and grew up in India before moving to the UK to complete his schooling and his degree in Geography. He returned to Asia with his family and spent almost twenty years working in various banks as an institutional equity sales person in India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 2015, Graham and his family decided to move back to the UK and set up in the hospitality sector in Sedbergh, however, Covid sadly put paid to those dreams. Graham joined the FMB team in 2022 and is excited to be working with clients again, helping them reach their financial objectives.

    Outside of the office Graham likes to keep fit, particularly enjoying cycling and open water swimming in the Lakes. He has been playing the cornet since his move to Cumbria and plays with the Sedbergh town band. He might not play all the right notes but loves the camaraderie of the group.

  • Cameron Thornton
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    Cameron Thornton - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book Of Mice and Men
    • Favourite Film Forrest Gump
    • Favourite Place Canada
    • Guilty Pleasure Mayonnaise with pizza
    • Person I Most Admire My parents
    • Qualifications DipPFS, LP3 Life & Pensions Principles & Practices, Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services
    • Secret Dislikes Mushrooms
    • Supported By Patrick Billington
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Go for a nice walk with my dog

    Cameron started his working life training to be an accountant in Blackburn. He soon realised that financial services was the industry he wanted to move into, so in 2018 he joined an IFA in Grange over Sands as a Financial Administrator before going on to join the team here at FMB in 2021. Cameron holds the Diploma in Financial Services and is working towards his goal of becoming a Chartered Financial Planner. He also serves as Treasury and Council Member for the Kendal Chartered Insurance Institute.

    Outside of work, Cameron enjoys walking his dog, wakeboarding, clay pigeon shooting and spending quality time with family and friends.

  • David Hopkinson
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    David Hopkinson - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
    • Favourite Film Back to the Future
    • Favourite Place Lindisfarne
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

    David has been an Independent Financial Adviser since 1990, having worked for large and small firms before setting up his own company, David Hopkinson IFA Ltd, in 2010.

    David qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2005 and also holds the higher Fellowship qualification. He has particular expertise in advising older people on their financial planning needs, including care fees planning, equity release and the choices available with pensions at retirement.

    David enjoys his role as a financial planner, helping to guide clients through the financial aspects of their life. Over the past 33 years, he has seen the incredibly positive effect this has for his clients which brings immense job satisfaction.

    Outside of the office, David likes to spend time fell walking and has almost completed the Wainwright's. He also enjoys good food and wine, photography and spending time with his family and friends. He also tries to squeeze in a game of squash 2-3 times a week to keep fit.

  • Richard Davies
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    Richard Davies - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Album Equinoxe by Jean Michel Jarre
    • Favourite Book Anything on history or philosophy
    • Favourite Place Italy
    • Guilty Pleasure Computer games
    • Qualifications Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Diploma in Investment Operations
    • Special Skill I like to paint and draw when I have the time.
    • Supported By Jess Pollard

    Richard has enjoyed an extensive career in financial services spanning almost 30 years. Predominantly working in London and the Southeast, he has worked in Fund Management, Investment Banking and with Life and Pension companies. He relocated with his family to the Lake District from Dorset in 2011 where he trained with FMB to become a financial planner. He is currently working towards achieving chartered status in this role. Richard says "Creating a financial plan is one of the most empowering things you can do to take control of your future and improve your financial wellbeing. I'm proud to be part of a fantastic team here at FMB, and the difference we can make to people's lives"

  • Becky Hepworth
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    Becky Hepworth - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book The Midnight Library
    • Favourite Film Forrest Gump
    • Favourite Place The Lake District
    • Guilty Pleasure Rubbish reality TV
    • Person I Most Admire Marie Curie
    • Qualifications DipPFS, BA Financial Mathematics
    • Secret Dislikes People who eat loudly
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Always pack a spare pair of clothes if you are travelling with a child, even if you are just popping out somewhere!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Spend time with my family

    Becky started her career in financial services after completing a degree in Financial Mathematics in 2016. After graduating, she started working at a national Building Society, helping clients with their cash savings. During this time, she developed a passion for financial advice and completed her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Becky is currently working towards Chartered Status.

    Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending time with her young family, going for walks and visiting new places. Becky’s dog, Ralph often accompanies the family on these walks.

Client Management Team

Our Client Management Team is a vital cog in the FMB system, collaboratively working together to support the Financial Planners in all aspects of the client journey including building and implementing financial plans. Our knowledgeable and highly skilled team regularly look at ways to develop our processes to ensure that we consistently provide a seamless and quality service to our clients. They will always be on hand to help you when you call.

  • Sarah Hartley
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    Sarah Hartley - Manager of HR & Administration

    • Favourite Album X by Ed Sheeran
    • Favourite Book A Game of Thrones Series - George R. R. Martin
    • Favourite Film Shawshank Redemption
    • Favourite Place Disneyland
    • Person I Most Admire Walt Disney
    • Qualifications First Class Hons in Leadership and Management, NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, Apprenticeship and NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading, NVQ Level 3 in Financial Administration, Apprenticeship and Level 3 Award in Financial Administration, Institute in Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 Award in Line Management
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson When I learned that Ben Nevis wasn’t a person
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Spend time with my daughter

    Sarah has been with FMB since 2006. Sarah's role as Manager of HR and Administration means she oversees the day to day running of the office and ensures our HR policy and practice is up to date. Sarah works closely with the firm's Financial Planners and ensures that the work they generate is processed to our high standards by the members of the Client Management Team. She also liaises with the Management to discuss how she can support the firms strategy for improvement. Sarah has gained several qualifications whilst working at FMB and has recently been awarded First Class in a Management and Leadership degree.

    Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, Iris and two dogs, Woody and Willow.

  • Ali Brown
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    Ali Brown - Client Services Supervisor

    • Favourite Album Definitely Maybe - Oasis
    • Favourite Book Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
    • Favourite Film Interstellar
    • Favourite Place Silverstone
    • Person I Most Admire Duncan Ferguson
    • Special Skill I can make a brilliant dippy egg and soldiers
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Not to lean back on my chair!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Procrastinate

    Ali was effectively born into the company being the grandson of FMB's founder, the late Les Beavis and the son of M.D Liz Beavis. After completing his A-Levels in summer 2016, Ali assisted us with a mammoth scanning project and went on to officially join the team in January 2017.

    Ali is part of the Client Management Team; supporting the Financial Planners with their administration duties and is happy to be contributing to the family business. He is also our Charity Co-ordinator and enjoys gathering fundraising ideas and planning events to raise money for both local and national charities.

    Outside of the office, Ali likes to attend various music events and festivals with friends.

  • Patrick Billington
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    Patrick Billington - Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Book Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
    • Favourite Film Rush Hour
    • Favourite Place The Lake District
    • Guilty Pleasure Netflix Originals
    • Qualifications DipPFS, FA5 Individual Savings Account Administration, LP2 Financial Services Products and Solutions, LP3 Life and Pensions Principles and Practices, Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management, Cert.HE in Computing
    • Special Skill Eating
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Go walking with my dogs

    Patrick joined the firm in 2014 having come from a strong background in customer service. He has passed several industry recognised qualifications and continues to develop his skills and knowledge through further examinations. This dedication and commitment has allowed Patrick to progress to the role of Relationship Manager, gaining ground on his goal of becoming a Financial Planner.

    In his spare time, Patrick enjoys conquering new peaks with his dogs, Kira and Cleo. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

  • Phoebe Makey
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    Phoebe Makey - Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Album Ticket to LA - Brett Young
    • Favourite Book Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
    • Favourite Film Love, Rosie
    • Favourite Place Waiheke Island, New Zealand
    • Person I Most Admire James Corden
    • Qualifications DipPFS
    • Secret Dislikes Cats
    • Special Skill Chopping wood
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Avoid stairs when drinking alcohol

    Before joining FMB in April 2016, Phoebe worked at Nationwide Building Society as a Customer Representative. Prior to that, she spent two years in London as an Account Manager for a Marketing firm. Phoebe enjoys working closely with clients and is looking forward to furthering her knowledge in the Financial Services Industry.

    Outside of work, Phoebe loves to travel and is enjoying ticking some places off her "bucket list". She also enjoys spending time with friends and family. 

  • Jess Pollard
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    Jess Pollard - Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Album Lost & Found - Jorja Smith
    • Favourite Book Small Great Things - Jodi Picoult
    • Favourite Film Elf
    • Guilty Pleasure Marmite
    • Qualifications R01 Financial Services Regulation and Ethics, R02 Investment Principles and Risk, R03 Personal Taxation, R05 Financial Protection, NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Sleep!

    Jess has spent most of her working life so far in the hospitality industry; as after completing some work experience at a hotel in Grange-over-Sands, she went on to stay for another six years! While working for the hotel she obtained her Apprenticeship in Business Administration and got to experience an array of roles including housekeeper and waitress right through to Duty Manager.

    Wanting a change from hospitality, Jess was keen to explore the world of Financial Services and went on to join our team in October 2019. She has an enthusiasm for customer service and is enjoying putting it into practice working in FMB's busy Client Management Team.

    In her spare time, Jess enjoys walks around the lakes and catching the latest releases at the cinema.

  • Fiona Hutchinson
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    Fiona Hutchinson - Compliance Assistant / Assistant Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Album Return to the Last Chance Saloon - The Bluetones
    • Favourite Book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman
    • Favourite Film The Departed
    • Favourite Place The top of Pike o' Blisco
    • Guilty Pleasure Taylor Swift
    • Person I Most Admire Aidan Turner… or was it not that kind of ‘admire’?!
    • Qualifications BA Hons Degree in History
    • Secret Dislikes Spiders. And big crowds. Or, big crowds of spiders!
    • Special Skill Baking chocolate and cherry brownies

    Fiona has over 9 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, starting out at a general insurance brokerage firm before joining us in 2019 after a two-year career break looking after her two children. Fiona enjoys being part of the Client Management Team, assisting the Financial Planners with a broad range of administrative tasks and learning more about the technical side of financial planning. Since early 2023, Fiona has also taken on the role of Compliance Assistant, supporting our Training & Competence officer with our T&C scheme to ensure the team is appropriately qualified and they uphold the necessary skills for their role.

    Outside of work Fiona enjoys walking, paddleboarding, reading, cooking and baking, watching cricket and spending time with her children.

  • Sue Walling
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    Sue Walling - Compliance Co-ordinator / Client Services Assistant

    • Favourite Book I don’t have a favourite, however, I'm really enjoying some funny David Walliams books I'm reading with my children!
    • Favourite Film The Bourne films
    • Favourite Place Australia
    • Qualifications R01 Financial Services Regulation and Ethics, R05 Financial Protection, FPC1, FPC2
    • Special Skill Talking!

    Sue joined the FMB team in 2002 after previously working for Scottish Provident at their offices in Kendal. Over her 20+ years within the team, Sue has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge within the business; both in the Client Management Team as Client Services Assistant and Supervisor and also in our Compliance department.

    In 2015, Sue took on the role of Compliance Assistant, assessing the work undertaken by the many Financial Planners in the company which she continued to do for six years before returning to the Client Management Team in 2021. In early 2023, Sue redonned her compliance cap after taking on the role of Compliance Co-ordinator which she continues to do alongside her role within the Client Management Team. The position involves assisting our Compliance Officer in all aspects of compliance including audits, file checks and managing our Consumer Duty implementation plan. Sue is also our FMB Vulnerability Champion and oversees policy and training towards our status as PFS Vulnerability Taskforce members.

    Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending quality time with her family and socialising with friends.

  • Zoe Lavender
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    Zoe Lavender - Client Services Assistant

    • Favourite Album Urban Hymns by The Verve
    • Favourite Book Anything by Marian Keys
    • Favourite Film Good Will Hunting
    • Favourite Place Cumbria! I relocated from the Midlands to this wonderful part of the world in October 2020
    • Guilty Pleasure Watching ‘Say Yes To The Dress’
    • Special Skill Shouting at my 8 year old twins to tidy their room
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson When I ended up driving onto a Tram Line with a tram driving towards me
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Catch up on the never ending washing/ironing pile

    Prior to joining FMB in 2022, Zoe spent 17 years working within the Property sector, selling a variety of PropTech services to Estate/Letting agents and Solicitors. She is enjoying being a part of the Client Management Team and putting her people skills to good use within a team and also helping clients with their day-to-day queries.

    Outside of work, Zoe is quite creative and her main hobby is making faux floral door wreaths and also loves to cook. After relocating from the Midlands in 2020, she enjoys exploring the local area and spending quality time with her husband, twin daughters and miniature Dachshund, Winnie.

  • Adam  Parkinson
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    Adam Parkinson - Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Book The Count of Monte Cristo
    • Favourite Film Forest Gump
    • Favourite Place Vienna
    • Guilty Pleasure Avril Lavigne
    • Person I Most Admire My Dad
    • Secret Dislikes Coldplay, thunder and lightening
    • Special Skill Growing Chilli Plants
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Forex trading – if you’ve ever done it, you know what I mean!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Spend more time with my kids

    I spent most of my working life in hospitality until the coronavirus outbreak. I was furloughed, and the extra time with the children made me realise how important it is to spend more time with them and that I needed a career change. I had always held an interest in the finance industry, so I put in every effort to make it happen. I join FMB having had two years’ experience with another firm.

    Outside of work I follow Tottenham Hotspur and I’m currently learning Forex trading.

  • Kofi Fawcett
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    Kofi Fawcett - Client Services Assistant

    • Favourite Book An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley
    • Favourite Film Baby Driver
    • Favourite Place Netherfield Cricket Club, Kendal
    • Guilty Pleasure Extremely cheap beer
    • Person I Most Admire Dwight Schrute from the American version of "The Office"
    • Secret Dislikes Slow walkers
    • Special Skill Quoting from TV show "The Inbetweeners"
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Don’t reheat 4 day old roast dinners!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Watch Leeds United 20/21 All Goals

    Kofi recently joined the team after finishing college, where he studied a T-Level in Business management and Administration. In the near future he hopes to begin his Diploma exams, and eventually work towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner.

    Outside of work Kofi keeps fit by running, and enjoys playing and watching football. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

  • Libby Shepherd
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    Libby Shepherd - Client Services Assistant

    • Favourite Film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
    • Favourite Place New York
    • Guilty Pleasure Pizza
    • Person I Most Admire My parents
    • Secret Dislikes Spiders
    • Special Skill Napping
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Scroll through TikTok

    Libby joined the FMB team in February 2024 whilst also undertaking a two-year course studying for a Business Administration T-Level 3 at Kendal College. She is enjoying putting her course knowledge into practice whilst working within the Client Management Team on a part-time basis.

    Outside of the office and her studies, Libby enjoys socialising with family and friends and going on holidays abroad.

Behind the Scenes

From our Compliance and Research department to Accounting, Reception and Marketing, although you may not tend to see them in person, our Operations Team is ever so important in the everyday running of the business.

  • Gill Lawson
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    Gill Lawson - Accounts Technician

    • Favourite Album Gerry Cinnamon – The Bonny
    • Favourite Book Facebook?!
    • Favourite Film Seven Kings Must Die (it's not been released yet but I know that I will love it!)
    • Favourite Place Any theatre in the world
    • Guilty Pleasure Pipers Crisps (otherwise known as Millionaires crisps due to the price!)
    • Person I Most Admire Queen Elizabeth II – her lifetime of duty and service
    • Qualifications AQA Advanced Counselling, NVQ Assessor
    • Secret Dislikes Cooking Christmas Dinner
    • Special Skill Writing limericks and high kicks
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Pilates can cause a trip to A&E
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Watch more Netflix

    Gill started her career in finance at the age of 17 when she joined Nationwide Building Society as a clerk/cashier. She carried out many roles before being appointed Customer Service Manager in one of their largest branches. She left the Society after 17 years when her first child was born. A number of part-time jobs filled the next 10 years until she came to FMB in December 2014 to join the reception team. Gill has gradually taken on more of a finance role and now provides the day to day accounting support needed by the company Directors to ensure that they can run the company successfully.

    Outside of work, Gill enjoys spending quality time with her family playing board games and catching the newest releases on Netflix.

  • Val Maudsley
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    Val Maudsley - Fee Technician

    • Favourite Book Anything by Philippa Gregory
    • Favourite Film The Lion King
    • Favourite Place Canadian Rockies
    • Guilty Pleasure Chocolate
    • Person I Most Admire Queen Elizabeth 1st – an amazing lady who knew her own mind
    • Secret Dislikes Spiders
    • Special Skill I can wallpaper a room – in an old farmhouse with no square corners that’s quite an achievement!
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Don’t trust your car’s parking sensors – especially if there’s a Porsche parked behind you!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Play with my granddaughters

    Prior to working at FMB, Val worked for the Midland Bank (now HSBC) for 10 years. Following a break to bring up her family Val joined FMB in 1997. Her first role was that of filing clerk, but after amassing years of industry experience in the admin team she took over in 2006 as Commissions Technician. Val has the difficult and complex job of managing the payments that come in and matching them up to the thousands of policies we manage. This requires specialist knowledge of our IT systems and a historical overview of how the companies we deal with have merged and evolved over the years!

    Val has recently become a Nanna and so is enjoying spending most of her spare time looking after her granddaughters. She also likes getting out on walks around The Lakes with their Jack Russell Terrier.

  • Rebecca Wilson
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    Rebecca Wilson - Marketing Co-ordinator

    • Favourite Album Anything by Tom Grennan
    • Favourite Film Pretty Woman
    • Favourite Place Kuramathi, Maldives or New York
    • Guilty Pleasure Nutella
    • Qualifications CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing, Level 3 Certificate and Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Financial Administration, Apprenticeship and Level 3 Certificate in Customer Service, CF1, Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service
    • Secret Dislikes Tomato Ketchup
    • Special Skill Taking 100+ photos on a night out
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Don't get an Uber in Manhattan!!
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Squeeze in an extra episode of whatever boxset we're binge-watching at the time

    Rebecca started at FMB in 2007 as an Office Junior, shortly after completing her A-Levels. She was enrolled as a Client Services Assistant in 2008 before being appointed Assistant to Directors in 2011. Rebecca’s role has become more marketing-focused over the years and so her title was renamed Marketing Co-ordinator in 2015. She takes a particular interest in copywriting for the company website and marketing materials as well as planning and organising company events.

    Outside of the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons and loves to escape on trips away when they can. She says she always likes to have a project on the go and is currently keeping herself busy decorating their home.

  • Laura Pickett
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    Laura Pickett - Receptionist

    • Favourite Film The Green Mile
    • Favourite Place Orlando, Florida
    • Guilty Pleasure Crisps
    • Person I Most Admire My Mum – she does so much for the whole family
    • Qualifications BTEC National Diploma in Early Childhood Studies
    • Secret Dislikes Feet
    • Special Skill Playing the cornet/flugel horn - I used to be in a Brass Band from the age of 8
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Probably waste it sleeping

    Laura has spent most of her working life in the hospitality industry and worked on the reception team at a local hotel for 19 years before joining our team in 2021. She loves meeting new people and looks forward to greeting clients when they come into the office and assisting them when they call.

    Outside of work, Laura is a bit of a foodie and enjoys visiting various food fayres and festivals. She collects gin and has a collection of over 600 bottles at home. As her family don't live locally, she likes to visit and spend time with them as often as she can.

  • Sue Walling
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    Sue Walling - Compliance Co-ordinator / Client Services Assistant

    • Favourite Book I don’t have a favourite, however, I'm really enjoying some funny David Walliams books I'm reading with my children!
    • Favourite Film The Bourne films
    • Favourite Place Australia
    • Qualifications R01 Financial Services Regulation and Ethics, R05 Financial Protection, FPC1, FPC2
    • Special Skill Talking!

    Sue joined the FMB team in 2002 after previously working for Scottish Provident at their offices in Kendal. Over her 20+ years within the team, Sue has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge within the business; both in the Client Management Team as Client Services Assistant and Supervisor and also in our Compliance department.

    In 2015, Sue took on the role of Compliance Assistant, assessing the work undertaken by the many Financial Planners in the company which she continued to do for six years before returning to the Client Management Team in 2021. In early 2023, Sue redonned her compliance cap after taking on the role of Compliance Co-ordinator which she continues to do alongside her role within the Client Management Team. The position involves assisting our Compliance Officer in all aspects of compliance including audits, file checks and managing our Consumer Duty implementation plan. Sue is also our FMB Vulnerability Champion and oversees policy and training towards our status as PFS Vulnerability Taskforce members.

    Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending quality time with her family and socialising with friends.

  • Fiona Hutchinson
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    Fiona Hutchinson - Compliance Assistant / Assistant Relationship Manager

    • Favourite Album Return to the Last Chance Saloon - The Bluetones
    • Favourite Book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman
    • Favourite Film The Departed
    • Favourite Place The top of Pike o' Blisco
    • Guilty Pleasure Taylor Swift
    • Person I Most Admire Aidan Turner… or was it not that kind of ‘admire’?!
    • Qualifications BA Hons Degree in History
    • Secret Dislikes Spiders. And big crowds. Or, big crowds of spiders!
    • Special Skill Baking chocolate and cherry brownies

    Fiona has over 9 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, starting out at a general insurance brokerage firm before joining us in 2019 after a two-year career break looking after her two children. Fiona enjoys being part of the Client Management Team, assisting the Financial Planners with a broad range of administrative tasks and learning more about the technical side of financial planning. Since early 2023, Fiona has also taken on the role of Compliance Assistant, supporting our Training & Competence officer with our T&C scheme to ensure the team is appropriately qualified and they uphold the necessary skills for their role.

    Outside of work Fiona enjoys walking, paddleboarding, reading, cooking and baking, watching cricket and spending time with her children.

Leading the Way

Founded in 1987 by Les Beavis, we are proud to still be a family-owned and run business with Les' daughters, Liz and Ruth still continuing to manage the company by his same values, alongside fellow directors, Gill and Roger. Together they lead the company forward and keep everything ticking as it should.

  • Liz Beavis
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    Liz Beavis - MD and Financial Planner

    • Favourite Book The Monarchy - David Starkey
    • Favourite Film The Shawshank Redemption
    • Favourite Place Western Coast and Valleys of Cumbria
    • Person I Most Admire Georgiana Spencer - the 5th Duchess of Devonshire
    • Qualifications Dip PFS, currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status with the CII
    • Special Skill Upcycling furniture
    • Supported By Josh Grant
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Always check you've packed your trainers before starting a 35-mile race….
    • What I Would Do with an Extra Hour a Day Save up for a week and go fell walking

    Liz began her career at FMB in July 1999. Starting out as a Marketing Assistant she worked her way through the company to become appointed firstly as Director of Marketing and then Managing Director in 2008, as well as being a fully qualified adviser. Before FMB she worked at the Chamber of Commerce Training Division in Lancaster, promoting their services to the wider community. As the daughter of one of the two founders, Leslie Beavis, FMB has always been an important part of her life as the business has grown from a desk in the family living room to occupying the prominent Shenstone House on the outskirts of Kendal, with over 25 employees. Liz feels that what we do can be an incredibly positive experience for clients and that is what makes it all worthwhile.

    Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending quality time with family and friends which often includes some fell walking in The Lakes.

  • Ruth Power
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    Ruth Power - Operations Director

    • Favourite Album Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
    • Favourite Book Daylight Robbery - a history of Tax by Dominic Frisby
    • Favourite Place Padua, Veneto Italy
    • Guilty Pleasure Country music
    • Person I Most Admire Shackleton because he never gave up hope
    • Qualifications BA (hons), Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Professional Marketing (Level 6), CFP1, R01 Financial Services, Regulation & Ethics, R04 Pensions & Retirement Planning, R05 Financial Protection
    • Secret Dislikes Cockroaches – I never go to tropical places
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Don’t flambé under a plastic extractor fan!

    Daughter of founder Leslie Beavis, Ruth joined FMB in 2007.  Ruth's main role is managing the operations team, premises and IT as well as Marketing. Her highlight of the year is our Company Conference when we celebrate our achievements, “it gives us a chance to get to know each other better and develop our team skills”.

    Outside of the office, Ruth likes to keep active and spends time running on the local trails and footpaths. She is also a Trustee of Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool in Kendal and holds an honorary teaching post at Lancaster University Management School as an Entrepreneur in Residence.

  • Roger Jackson
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    Roger Jackson - Director of Financial Planning

    • Favourite Book The Wisdom of Crowds - James Surowiecki
    • Favourite Film Oldboy
    • Favourite Place Arnside
    • Person I Most Admire Will Ferrell
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, Certified Financial Planner
    • Special Skill Cooking
    • Supported By Patrick Billington
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson When everyone else says it’s time to go home, it’s definitely time to go home!

    Roger started with FMB in 2007. He holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and has also been awarded the prestigious status of Chartered Financial Planner as well as Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. Roger is regularly cited in the trade press and was recognised by Citywire/New Model Adviser as one of the top 35 financial services professionals under the age of 35 in 2020 and again in 2022. He was appointed Director of Financial Planning in 2018 and manages our team of Financial Planners alongside Liz Beavis.

    Outside of the office, Roger has worked extensively in the charitable environment acting as a Trustee and chair for a local charity. He is the treasurer for his local branch of First Responders. As well as this, he is a past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Kendal branch. Finally, Roger has the high-profile appointment as a non-executive director for the Chartered Insurance Institute giving strategic insight into the profession for the membership body, representing the 40,000 members of the financial services profession. He enjoys spending quality time with the family, playing golf and cooking for family and friends.

Partners

Experienced voices can add an extra dimension to our strategy. We are fortunate to have some well regarded partners from financial services and the wider business community.

  • Robert Meacock
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    Robert Meacock - Client Director

    • Favourite Album Late for the Sky – Jackson Browne
    • Favourite Book The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks
    • Favourite Film Forrest Gump
    • Favourite Place Sennen Cove Cornwall and Paynes Bay Barbados
    • Person I Most Admire Nelson Mandela
    • Qualifications Diploma in Financial Planning (Dip PFS), Certified Diploma in Accounting & Finance, BSc (Hons) in Chemical Engineering
    • Special Skill Skiing, surfing and church organist
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson Don’t try paddling a surfboard against a rip current

    Robert has a wealth of financial services experience. Having started working life as a chemical engineer, he changed careers and built a 22-adviser branch for a major life company in Kendal before running his own financial advice practice for 25 years. Robert is working with FMB to help deliver an outstanding client service as FMB grows its business.

    Amongst other involvements outside work, Robert has served as Chair of Governors at Dallam School and Finance Committee Chair and Trustee at St John’s Hospice, Lancaster. Family time is devoted to seeing as much as possible of his 14 grandchildren.

  • Royden Davies
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    Royden Davies - Client Director

    • Favourite Album Ennio Morricone
    • Favourite Book Any by Roald Dahl
    • Favourite Film Stand By Me
    • Favourite Place At the top of a mountain
    • Person I Most Admire Muhammad Ali
    • Secret Dislikes Eggs
    • Special Skill My innate ability to ruin a good joke
    • That Time I Learned a Valuable Lesson You can only go as fast as the slowest person

    Royden began his career as an adviser over 32 years ago with Prudential. He went on to spend a number of years with B&B (now Santander) before going on to become an Independent Financial Adviser running Orchard Financial Planning. As a student of economics and accountancy, he has enjoyed combining this knowledge into supporting and advising clients within his role as their IFA.

    Royden enjoys living in the countryside and spends his time outside of the office sailing on Windermere, playing tennis, skiing or enjoying F1. He also likes to relax with family and friends whilst enjoying some good food and a bottle of wine (often red).

  • David Hopkinson
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    David Hopkinson - Financial Planner

    • Favourite Album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
    • Favourite Film Back to the Future
    • Favourite Place Lindisfarne
    • Qualifications Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

    David has been an Independent Financial Adviser since 1990, having worked for large and small firms before setting up his own company, David Hopkinson IFA Ltd, in 2010.

    David qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2005 and also holds the higher Fellowship qualification. He has particular expertise in advising older people on their financial planning needs, including care fees planning, equity release and the choices available with pensions at retirement.

    David enjoys his role as a financial planner, helping to guide clients through the financial aspects of their life. Over the past 33 years, he has seen the incredibly positive effect this has for his clients which brings immense job satisfaction.

    Outside of the office, David likes to spend time fell walking and has almost completed the Wainwright's. He also enjoys good food and wine, photography and spending time with his family and friends. He also tries to squeeze in a game of squash 2-3 times a week to keep fit.

© FMB 2017 - 2024. All rights reserved.
Financial Management Bureau Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Financial Management Bureau Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Shenstone House, Helsington, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8AA. Registered number: 02089786
The Financial Ombudsman Service is available to sort out individual complaints that clients and financial services businesses aren't able to resolve themselves. To contact the Financial Ombudsman Service please visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

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