Our People

Lee Cooper

Group CEO

After leaving Durham University in 1999 Lee joined the financial services industry and HSBC as a Financial Planning Manager. Lee established Cooper Associates in 2008.

Lee is responsible for the group’s strategy and oversees the development of the business.

Samantha Jackson

Group Managing Director

Samantha implements sales and marketing strategy across the group whilst working alongside both advisory and administration management teams to ensure an exceptional level of service is received by clients.

As group managing director Samantha is responsible for the management and development of all departments.

Having graduated from Cardiff University Samantha joined Cooper Associates in 2008 and was made a director in 2011. Prior to joining Cooper Associates, Samantha worked for a FTSE financial firm in London.

Kevin Parsons

CAA Managing Director

Following an extensive career with leading accountancy firms Kevin joined Cooper Associates Accountants as its Managing Director. Having qualified as an accountant in 2000, Kevin offers accounts, tax and business advice to clients ranging from sole-traders to large corporates.

As an early adopter of cloud accounting and Xero, Kevin takes a proactive approach to his client’s requirements with the aim of delivering value adding advice underpinned by exceptional service.

Jack Cooper

CAWM Managing Director

Jack is the Managing Director of Cooper Associates Wealth Management, reporting into the Group CEO.

Prior to becoming the Managing Director, Jack was a highly successful Financial Consultant, providing advice on investments, pensions and inheritance tax planning to a large and diverse client bank.

Jack joined Cooper Associates in 2011 following a successful career as an adviser for Skipton Building Society, where he also held a management position.

Jack is a very keen sportsman and particularly enjoys rugby, cricket and cycling. His other interests include travelling and spending time with his wife and their ‘baby’ (a black Labrador called Lara).

Diana Cooper

Operations & Finance Director

Diana has been with Cooper Associates since the business was formed in 2008 and has been a key figure behind the continued expansion of the company to well over 50 employees. Having worked in the finance industry for many years, Diana oversees all accounting and operational responsibilities within the Cooper Associates Group.

Glyn Cooper

Group Consultant

Glyn brings over 30 years financial planning experience to the Cooper Associates team. Glyn acts on a consultancy basis for the firm.
Prior to Cooper Associates, Glyn spent many years advising clients within the Channel Islands.

Charles Cook

Non-Executive Director

Charles plays a key role within our Board where we benefit from his knowledge in corporate law, to constructively challenge and contribute to our ambitious growth strategies. He is an experienced board member and has a portfolio of board appointments.

Charles has founded and managed two successful firms, Cook Corporate Solicitors, where he is currently Managing Partner, and Cook & Co Solicitors which he sold in 2008. As a result, Charles has strong links in both the investor and corporate community. Charles has extensive experience of working with private companies, public companies, financial institutions, partnerships, private individuals and entrepreneurs.

Charles has been awarded the freedom of the City of London as well as being nominated for the “42 under 42” by Insider magazine and a top 40 “trailblazer” by the Business Leader Magazine.

Malcolm Derry

Non-Executive Director

Malcolm works closely with our Board, constructively challenging and helping to develop strategic decisions.

Malcolm has over 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing, service and charity sectors, including running the finance functions for both FTSE quoted companies and Private Equity backed entrepreneurial businesses.

Malcolm previously led the finance department at Taunton Cider plc and more recently was Group Finance Director at Booking Services International Ltd (BSI).

Paul Bruford

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Paul provides advice within all areas of mortgages as a Senior Mortgage Adviser and his meticulous approach to understanding his client’s objectives has helped him achieve senior adviser status.

In addition to advising a mixed portfolio of mortgage clients, Paul specialises in arranging tailored protection solutions.

Paul joined Cooper Associates Mortgages after spending 18 years with a FTSE 100 company.

In his spare time Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is also a keen amateur mountaineer and has successfully summitted the highest peaks in the Alps and the Andes.

Steve Broad

Senior Wealth Manager

Steve joined Cooper Associates as a senior wealth manager in July 2017. Prior to this Steve worked for Prudential from 1996 where he established himself as one of the top financial consultants in the country. In 2001 he was recruited by St. James’s Place and set up his own business which he ran successfully until joining Cooper Associates Wealth Management.

Steve has always prided himself on providing excellent service to his clients.

Away from the office Steve is passionate about the game of cricket, captaining his local club side.

Joanne Canniford

Mortgage Adviser

Joanne advises on all areas of mortgages and associated protection products within Cooper Associates Mortgages. Jo has an established portfolio of landlords and investment property clients in addition to advising within the mainstream mortgage market.

Jo joined Cooper Associates Mortgages with extensive banking experience, having acted as a manager for HSBC Knightsbridge International Premier Centre in London, with a client facing role.

In her spare time Jo enjoys travelling, spending time with family and dog walks with her dog Benji.

Jason Challis

Financial Consultant

Jason joined Cooper Associates in 2009 and is an experienced financial consultant who specialises in providing investment and financial planning advice to his clients, helping them achieve their financial goals.

Jason started his career with Cheltenham & Gloucester where he acted as an intermediary manager for Somerset.

In his spare time Jason enjoys spending time with his family on holiday, skiing and attending music festivals. Jason also helps run a local veterans football team.

Christopher Chedzoy

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Christopher is a specialist in mortgages, from residential remortgages to limited company Buy-to-Let purchases, in addition to all areas of protection. He is also qualified to offer advice on business protection. Christopher is a Senior Mortgage Adviser within the business.

Christopher’s joined Cooper Associates in 2012, after starting his career in financial services at a specialist scheme insurance broker.

In his spare time, Christopher can be found spending time with his friends and family or on the golf course.

Christopher is currently undertaking his diploma in regulated financial planning.

Justin Clark

Mortgage Adviser

With a background as a non-commissioned officer as a Royal Marines Commando, Justin applies military precision and total commitment to his role as a Mortgage Adviser. Justin provides residential mortgage and protection advice, where he thrives on delivering an exceptional level of service to his clients.

Prior to joining Cooper Associates, Justin worked as a security consultant to clients who are in the top one per cent of global wealth. Since joining Cooper Associates, he has also held the position of Relationship Manager, focusing on building business partnerships and ensuring clients receive an exceptional level of service.

In his spare time, Justin can be found spending time with his wife and two children or trying to find a spare minute to get on the golf course.

Martyn Cole

Senior Financial Consultant

Martyn is a long-term care specialist and works collaboratively with legal professionals and care homes within the area. Martyn is a full member of the Society of Later Life Advisers.

Martyn started his career with Prudential in 1996 before moving to a firm of independent financial advisers in 1999, joining Cooper Associates in 2010.

Martyn acts as a senior financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd

In his spare time, Martyn can often be found on the golf course or at Dunkeswell airfield where he is undertaking the Private Pilot Licence.

Additionally, Martyn is working towards Chartered financial adviser status and expects to achieve this in 2020.

James Cooper

Mortgage Adviser

James advises within all areas of mortgages and has a flair for ensuring clients are adequately protected both for their mortgage and personally. James particularly enjoys helping buyers into the property market and works closely with other professionals to ensure the smoothest possible experience for his clients.

James has an extensive financial services background, establishing his career with Santander immediately after education. James worked within various departments of Santander, gaining an understanding of varying different segments of Finance and Financial Advice.

James enjoys sport and travel, preferably combining the two. James can often be found following the England cricket team around the globe when working commitments allow.

Simon Dawes

Financial Consultant

Simon is a financial consultant who joined the team after successfully graduating from our Academy as a Mortgage Adviser, before quickly progressing into his current role.

Before joining Cooper Associates Simon graduated from Durham University before joining a FTSE 100 company where he held a variety of management positions.

Simon specialises in providing pension, investment and tax planning advice to his clients and prides himself on ensuring his clients receive the best financial advice to suit their individual needs.

In his spare time Simon enjoys playing golf and tennis.

Blake Ellis

Financial Consultant

Blake has over 10 years financial services experience. He provides advice to individuals, business owners and private clients specialising in investment planning, retirement planning and inheritance tax solutions.

Blake is proficient in providing clients with practical solutions to the financial issues that concern them most. His emphasis is on maintaining long term relationships with clients and providing them with a source of trusted advice as their needs evolve.

Blake initially started his career with Abbey National as a financial adviser.

In his spare time, Blake likes spending time with his young son Archie, his wife Megan (who also works at Cooper Associates) and his two dogs, as well as getting down to Sandy Park to watch Exeter Chiefs.

Simon Farrar

Mortgage Adviser

Simon is a Mortgage Adviser within Cooper Associates Mortgages. His analytical skills mean he is passionate at finding the best mortgage and protection solutions for his clients, overcoming obstacles clients may face and ensuring they have the best possible outcome and experience with Cooper Associates Mortgages.

Before joining Cooper Associates Simon studied and worked in accounting, giving him a strong foundation in the financial services industry and invaluable experience dealing with professional clients.

In his spare time, Simon is a keen golfer, surfer, skier and musician.

Nick Feetenby

Mortgage Adviser

Nick joined Cooper Associates Mortgages following 13 years within Avon & Somerset Constabulary as a Detective. Nick brings with him the precise and forensic attitude gained in that time, to provide bespoke and specific mortgage advice to his clients. Nick is passionate to maintain the professional and ethical standards the company has set and works tirelessly to find solutions for all difficult cases.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys spending time with his family and watching and playing a variety of sports. Nick is the Treasurer and committee member to a growing local youth football club, which provides participation to all children under the age of 10 and older children with learning and physical disabilities.

Hannah Freeland

Mortgage Adviser

Hannah acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, providing personalised advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning. As a highly motivated individual, Hannah is driven by ensuring her clients achieve the best possible outcomes through tailored advice.

Prior to joining Cooper Associates Mortgages, Hannah worked for one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers within a management role, providing her with vast experience in claims handling and customer service.

In her free time, Hannah is an active gym member and enjoys spending time socialising with friends and family.

Carl Gazzard

Senior Financial Consultant

Carl is one of our longest standing advisers having joined Cooper Associates in 2009. Prior to joining, Carl was a professional cricketer at Somerset County Cricket Club. Most notably Carl enjoyed great success as part of the Twenty20 winning side in 2005.

Carl has extensive connections within the sporting world and acts as an adviser to many sports professionals. Carl’s particular area of specialism is Final Salary Pensions. In addition this this, Carl advises a broad client bank on investment and pension matters.

Carl likes to spend his spare time with his family where you will usually see him either at a sports ground or, if possible, at the beach.

John Harris

Mortgage Adviser

John started working in the financial services industry in 2003. He worked for Lloyds TSB and Santander, before joining Cooper Associates Mortgages in 2016.

John is passionate about client service and takes huge pride in helping new and existing clients arrange mortgages and associated insurance products, including life and/ or earlier critical illness cover and income protection.

Outside of work, John pours his energy into two things: family & football.

Ross Harrison

Mortgage Adviser

Ross looks after all areas of mortgages, from those looking to purchase their first property, to those with extensive portfolios. This is further supported by his knowledge and experience in all protection planning products, to ensure his clients are adequately insured.

Ross has previous management experience from roles within the health and fitness sector, working for some of the UK’s leading health club brands.

Outside of work, Ross maintains an active interest in sport, particularly rugby, having represented teams up to championship level.

Owen Irish

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Owen acts as a Senior Mortgage Adviser with a wealth of experience in remortgages, purchases, investment finance and all associated protection products.

Before joining the company, Owen was a primary schoolteacher, before moving into the world of mortgage advice.

Outside of work Owen is a keen sportsman; he played semi-professional football for Taunton Town FC for nine seasons and is a keen golfer and cricketer. In 2018 Owen ran three marathons in three days, to raise funds for The Cooper Associates Foundation.

Gareth Lewis

Financial Consultant

Gareth focuses on holistic financial planning, with the ultimate objective of helping his clients reach their financial goals. The basis of Gareth’s planning comes from understanding the client and what they want to achieve, and implementing a bespoke tax efficient strategy based on their circumstances. Gareth incorporates cash flow forecasting into his advice proposition, allowing him to continuously monitor the progress of his clients against their objectives.

He specialises in long term care advice, aiming to maximise the comfortability of those in later life care.

Gareth previously worked for a FTSE 100 banking group, before moving in to a wealth management role.

In his spare time Gareth is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing rugby. He also enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures that the world has to offer.

Oliver McGeown

Mortgage Adviser

Oliver acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, providing bespoke advice on all areas of mortgage and protection planning, ranging from first time buyers through to experienced portfolio landlords and everything in between.

Oliver has an eye for detail in ensuring clients receive the best course of advice tailored to their circumstances, via an exceptional level of customer service. Oliver prides himself on his availability to his clients, often working beyond our hours of 8am to 8pm to ensure he is on hand when clients need him. He goes above and beyond to ensure that all his clients achieve their goals by assisting them on every step of their journey to owning their own homes.

In his spare time, Oliver is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing rugby and golf. He also loves to travel.

Edward Mortimore

Financial Consultant

Ed has been working within the Cooper Associates Group for over five years, and in this time has become an experienced member of the Wealth Management team.

He specialises in pension and investment planning, for both corporate and personal matters. He has an eye for detail in ensuring clients are receiving not only the best course of advice for their circumstances, but an exceptional level of customer service. Communication is also integral to the way in which Ed conducts his client relationships.

During downtime Ed enjoys surfing and playing golf.

Robert Phelps

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Rob is a Senior Mortgage Adviser with extensive experience in all areas of mortgage finance and protection. Rob also advises a large portfolio of expatriate clients and, along with our tax specialists, provides strategic support and guidance for those wishing to purchase or remortgage when based overseas. Furthermore, Rob has a wealth of experience within the business protection world and deals with large and small businesses to ensure that they are receiving value for money and the best advice possible for the business and directors alike.

Rob’s career in financial services began over 24 years ago with the British Army. Rob was trained in both finance and law and acted as a criminal law adviser during his service.

Rob is one of our most experienced and senior mortgage advisers and goes out of his way to help new and existing clients.

He is a family man with a wife and two children, and a dog called Philip. As a keen cook, Rob likes to host dinner parties, as well as walks on the Quantock Hills with his family.

Bobby Phillips

Chartered Financial Planner

Bobby is a highly technical and sought after professional who has achieved Chartered status. He provides advice to both businesses and private clients including investment planning, retirement planning and protection.

He draws on his former experience working in law together with his previous business experience to ensure clients receive the highest calibre of advice.

He is extremely approachable and welcomes enquiries of all natures.

Passionate about rugby, surfing and skiing, Bobby enjoys anything that gets the adrenaline pumping.

Lizz Reading

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Lizz acts as a Senior Mortgage Advisor and has built up a diverse portfolio of clients. Lizz provides advice within all areas of mortgages and protection planning and is passionate about delivering exceptional service and transparent advice to all her clients.

Lizz takes a particular focus within Equity Release, advising on later life lending and prides herself on ensuring the appropriate solution is executed for her clients in every situation. Lizz works alongside family members and solicitors when providing Equity Release advice when appropriate. Prior to joining Cooper Associates Mortgages, Lizz spent over 15 years at Barclays within advice and management.

In her spare time, Lizz loves to travel, spend time with her husband and their ‘fur babies’ and her extended family.

Sasha Reed

Mortgage Adviser

Sasha acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, providing bespoke advice on mortgage and protection products. Sasha is very passionate about helping all clients achieve their property-related goals, regardless of whether it’s their first step onto the property ladder, upsizing or downsizing, remortgaging or purchasing buy-to-let properties.

Sasha previously held management positions within the health care sector, where she managed residential homes for young adults with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.

Sasha is a devoted horse rider and in her spare time competes her horses within the British Show Jumping Association.

James Regan

Mortgage Adviser

As a Mortgage Adviser within Cooper Associates Mortgages, James has a wealth of experience in mortgages, remortgages, purchases, Buy-To-Lets and all associated protection products. James is particularly passionate about ensuring that all his clients and their families are adequately protected. He prides himself on adding further financial benefit to his clients and highlighting areas which will help their future financial plans.

Prior to working at Cooper Associates James was a professional cricketer, having spent four years at the Somerset County Cricket Club. James was also part of the Taunton Town football side who made it to the FA Cup first round in 2016 and continues to be a keen sportsman in his spare time.

Jonathan Southgate

Mortgage Adviser

Having previously been a long-standing client of Cooper Associates, Jonathan joined following a successful career in the property industry working with high net worth individuals across the South of England, South Wales and in the city of London.

With advanced qualifications specialising in mortgages and protection, Jonathan assists a wide range of clients from first time buyers to seasoned property investors.

In his spare time Jonathan can be found walking the Wye Valley with his wife Pip and two terriers, Teddy and Pebbles.

Oliver Teal

Mortgage Adviser

As a Mortgage Adviser, Oliver provides advice in all areas of mortgage and protection planning, with a drive to help all his clients achieve their property-related goals. He is passionate about doing what is right by his clients to ensure they get the best possible outcome, while factoring in their future goals.

Before joining Cooper Associates, Oliver was employed by one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, offering a high-level client facing service. Prior to that, Oliver was an oil trader in London.

In his spare time, Oliver enjoys spending time with his two children and shares his passion for travelling the globe with his family. Oliver is also a keen sports fan.

Kate Ward

Mortgage Adviser

Working within the Cooper Associates Mortgages, Kate puts integrity at the core of her work ethic. She aims to understand her client’s aspirations and objectives and offers advice accordingly, always acting in their best interests. Kate advises on all aspects of mortgage and protection planning and is also fully qualified as a Financial Adviser.

In her spare time Kate enjoys cooking, gardening and walks on the beach with her boxer dog.

Kate comes highly recommended by her existing clients and is featuring in the 2020 guide to the UK’s top-rated financial advisers. Read some of her reviews here.

Ellis Watkins

Mortgage Adviser

Ellis assists a diverse range of clients from first-time buyers to large portfolio landlords. Ellis draws on his former experience from estate agency which provided him with a sound understanding of the home buying process and the property industry.

Ellis has a very approachable manner and prides himself on always delivering exceptional service to his clients, ensuring they always get the best outcomes.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find Ellis at the beach or at any type of sporting arena.

Ben Wellington

Financial Consultant

Ben’s particular areas of expertise include pensions, investments and inheritance tax planning. Ben is passionate about client service and has a commitment to building long term, professional relationships with clients. Ben prides himself on helping clients reach their future financial goals through regular reviews and careful planning, treating each client’s circumstances as unique.

Before joining, Ben gained extensive experience within St. James’s Place Wealth Management as a Financial Adviser. Prior to this, Ben was an avid cricket coach and consultant, providing support and guidance to Somerset County Cricket Club and the England Cricket Board.

In his spare time, Ben loves spending time with his family, enjoying the great outdoors and watching or playing most sports, especially golf.

Jamie Wheeler

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Jamie provides advice on all areas of mortgages as a Senior Mortgage Adviser including first time buyers, purchases, re-mortgages and investment properties. He also advises on personal protection such as life and/or earlier critical illness cover as well as business protection, including key person insurance and relevant life cover.

Jamie gained experience and financial qualifications within the retail banking sector as a Client Relationship Adviser for a high street bank.

Jamie spends most of his spare time with his wife and three young children.

Charl Willoughby

Financial Consultant

Charl specialises in providing financial planning and investment advice to his clients, helping them to achieve their financial ambitions. He takes care in understanding his clients goals and ambitions and helps them plan to achieve them.

Charl previously worked for a FTSE 100 banking group before enrolling in and graduating from the St. James’s Place Academy and completing his diploma.

Charl is easy to get along with and has a very relaxed demeanour.

Charl is a former South Africa test cricketer, who took over 1,100 wickets in an illustrious career.

These days he treasures time with his family as enjoys being a spectator of cricket, football and rugby.

Steve Woodbridge

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Steve acts as one of our Senior Mortgage Advisers and has over 20 years’ experience within financial services, ten of which have been with Cooper Associates Mortgages.

Steve deals with a range of clients from first-time buyers to landlords. Steve also has a wealth of experience in the business protection arena and acts for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region.

As an avid sports fan, Steve participates in football as a local FA-appointed Referee. He also enjoys spending time with his wife.

Robyn Attewell

Client Relationship Manager

As a Client Relationship Manager for Cooper Associates Mortgages, Robyn supports the needs of our clients and Mortgage Advisers to ensure all mortgage applications are processed efficiently. This means putting the needs of the client at the forefront of her efforts and liaising with mortgage lenders, solicitors and estate agents.

With previous experience in private health insurance, Robyn has a great level of empathy and compassion in dealing with our clients. She also obtained her CII certificate in 2019.

Outside of work Robyn loves to spend time with her beloved dog Barry and enjoys dancing and music theatre.

Kelly Bruford

Accounts Assistant

Kelly is an accounts assistant and provides administrative support to Diana Cooper in our internal accounts department. Her main responsibility is to ensure all financial records within the company are accurately maintained.

Calvin Bull

Client Portfolio Manager

Calvin is a chartered certified accountant with over eight years’ experience prior to joining Cooper Associates Accountants. His diverse background means he can assist clients with needs ranging from personal tax compliance, sole trader & partnership accounts through to full company accounts preparation.

During the weekends Calvin can be found either on the hockey pitch or on his bicycle.

Hollie Bullion

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Hollie acts within our wealth management client relationship team. Hollie provides full administrative support to her advisers and communicates regularly and effectively to ensure an excellent level of service is received by our clients.

Sophia Christodoulou

Client Relationship Manager

With a passion for client-facing roles, Sophia is a Client Relationship Manager at Cooper Associates Mortgages. Her primary aim is to ensure all mortgage applications progress efficiently and liaises with clients, solicitors, mortgage lenders and estate agents to deliver the best possible service for our clients.

Jordan Cooper

Accounts Assistant

As an Accounts Assistant within Cooper Associates Accountants, Jordan works closely with a diverse portfolio of clients, which varies from sole traders to larger corporate businesses. He is responsible for bookkeeping and monthly payroll, and ensuring our clients remain compliant in all areas of VAT, PAYE and CIS.

Jordan has successfully completed his AAT studies, achieving MAAT status.

Lisa Cooper

Paraplanning Director

Lisa works together with the financial consultants within the team providing full technical administrative support for investment, pension and inheritance tax business. Lisa ensures all client business is processed in a compliant and timely manner.

Siobhan Cooper

Head of Client Relations

Siobhan manages the wealth management administration team and takes responsibility for ensuring clients receive an unparalleled service.

Siobhan is also responsible for coordinating, and often delivering, training to our wealth management administrators.

Siobhan holds many financial services’ qualifications and has been employed by the firm for many years.

Orla Dennehy

Marketing Executive

Orla works within our Marketing Department. Her knowledge and expertise allow us to deliver a fully integrated marketing strategy.

With previous experience in financial services, private medical and retail industries, which included working for FTSE 100 companies, she is passionate at communicating with our clients and assisting in the first-class service we offer.

Michaela Edney

Operations & Finance Assistant

Michaela is our Operations & Finance Assistant, working within the team that oversees all accounting and operational responsibilities within the Cooper Associates Group. Having started as Client Relationship Manager within Cooper Associates Mortgages, Michaela has worked her way up within the business since she started in 2014.

Michaela has extensive experience dealing with estate agents and solicitors and also holds her own mortgage qualifications. Before joining the firm, Michaela worked as a tax assistant for an established accountancy firm. During this time, Michaela developed her customer service skills and gained good knowledge of the accounting function.

Outside of work Michaela loves to spend time with her husband and son, and enjoys a good book.

Megan Ellis

Client Relationship Manager

Megan is an experienced member our wealth management client relationship team.

Prior to her role at Cooper Associates Megan worked as a customer service adviser within the retail banking sector. During this time Megan developed customer service skills, built relationships with clients and obtained a good knowledge of working within the financial industry.

Megan Frost

Client Relationship Manager

Megan is a Client Relationship Manager within Cooper Associates Mortgages. While supporting the needs of our clients and mortgage advisers, Megan is also responsible for ensuring all mortgage applications are processed efficiently by communicating with mortgage lenders, solicitors and estate agents.

Megan has a fantastic work ethic with previous experience in an accounting firm.

Helen Grendon

Client Relationship Manager

Helen acts within our mortgage client relationship team. Helen’s role involves liaising with mortgage lenders, solicitors and estate agents to ensure all mortgage applications are processed according to our strict internal guidelines.

Katherine Hannaford

Adviser Transition Manager

Katherine plays a vital role in the training and development of our Mortgage Advisers. Responsible for the administration development of our Academy intakes, she ensures each Academy graduate meets the requirements needed to progress from our Mortgage Adviser training programme.

As the former Head of Client Relations, she has extensive knowledge of Cooper Associates Mortgages and the Client Relations team, as well as holding her own mortgage qualifications.

Lucy Hawkins

Receptionist

As the Receptionist at our head office in Taunton, Lucy may be the first friendly face you get to see should you pay us a visit. Her role involves maintaining and servicing the reception area to deliver the ‘only client’ customer experience we strive for, while meeting key objectives and providing support to the wider Cooper Associates Group.

Lucy’s passion for excellent customer service grew from years of working in hospitality at Somerset County Cricket Club.

Interests outside of work include ballroom and Latin dance, yoga, reading and cricket.

Tom Hayman

Client Relationship Manager

With a passion for client-facing roles, Tom is a Client Relationship Manager at Cooper Associates Mortgages. His primary aim is to ensure all mortgage applications progress efficiently, by liaising with clients, solicitors, mortgage lenders and estate agents.

Tom has previous experience with a leading national firm within the insurance industry, where he honed his client service skills, which he now applies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

In his spare time Tom enjoys spinning and long dog walks.

Charlotte Hole

Paraplanner

Charlotte works together with the financial consultants within the team providing full technical administrative support for investment, pension and inheritance tax business. Charlotte ensures all client business is processed in a compliant and timely manner.

Thomas Jackson

Adviser Development Manager

Thomas acts as our Adviser Development Manager. In his role, Thomas is responsible for the ongoing development of the mortgage department’s overall CPD training strategy, and for the technical development of all mortgage advisers.

Thomas is the main point of contact for all adviser queries, his excellent technical knowledge being of great benefit to the firm and its clients. In addition to overseeing the advisory team, Thomas is responsible for the training, development and mentoring of the Academy.

Prior to joining Cooper Associates, Thomas acted as a mortgage adviser advising his own diverse client bank.

Ruth Kerridge

Office Manager

Ruth is a highly experienced member of our wealth management department and has worked in the financial services sector since 1990. Ruth provides administrative support to our financial consultants and oversees all aspects of day-to-day business to ensure clients receive the efficient service expected by the firm.

Lee Kinsey

Client Relationship Manager

Lee is a Client Relationship Manager who is passionate about putting our clients first, ensuring they have the best possible experience as we help them obtain a mortgage. This involves regular communication with our clients, so they know where they are at with every stage of the mortgage journey.

Lee has previous experience from client-facing roles within a FTSE-100 organisation, providing him with a sound understanding of the industry and building rapport with clients.

Outside of work Lee loves to exercise, mostly with long distance running. He also plays the electric guitar.

Ros Kirk

Head of People Strategy and Development

Ros is responsible for all HR matters within the firm. Ros is fundamental in developing the strategic HR framework that exists at Cooper Associates Group and has almost 25 years of industry experience.

Jeremy Lock

Head of Compliance

Jeremy joined Cooper Associates in June 2018 and is responsible for the compliance of our mortgage and protection business. Jeremy has over 20 years’ experience in financial services which has covered compliance advice, management and training.

Prior to joining the firm, Jeremy was Training & Competence Manager for a large new build brokerage.

Sophie Marlow

Accounts Assistant

Sophie is an Accounts Assistant within Cooper Associates Accountants and works with our clients to support their monthly payroll and bookkeeping.

Sophie assists with a diverse portfolio of clients, from sole-traders to larger corporate businesses, ensuring they remain compliant in all areas of VAT, PAYE & CIS.

Kerry Nelson

Head of Client Relations

Kerry manages the mortgage client relationship team, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of this busy division and ensuring all service standards are met.

Kerry previously worked within the retail banking sector, where her responsibilities included both branch and area management.

Bev Phelan

Paraplanner

Bev works together with the financial consultants within the team providing full technical administrative support for investment, pension and inheritance tax business. Bev ensures all client business is processed in a compliant and timely manner.

Hayley Potter

Business Development Executive

With substantial experience in delivering high levels of customer service, Hayley is applying her skills to the role of Business Development Executive.

Hayley has responsibility for building and maintaining relationships with our network of introducers. Working closely with our Marketing Department, Hayley ensures we are meeting wider business objectives.

Sarah Potter

Client Portfolio Manager

Sarah is an accountant with over 12 years of experience. Sarah looks after a large number of clients to whom she provides expert accounting, tax and business advice. Sarah has experience in assisting businesses to set up internal control systems and ensuring they are compliant in areas of VAT, PAYE and CIS as well as other business taxes. Sarah has worked with clients in retail and the construction industry and is also the treasurer & trustee for a local charity.

Hollie Richards

Client Relationship Manager

As a Client Relationship Manager for Cooper Associates Wealth Management, Hollie’s role primarily focuses on working with our Advisers to ensure each client receives the best possible experience.

Having worked within the financial industry sector for several years, Hollie has a proven track record for delivering excellent levels of service to her clients.

In her spare time she loves to read and spend time with friends and family.

Bethany Rodger

Business Development Executive

Bethany works within our Marketing department, where she is responsible for business development. She has extensive experience, including running her own business development firm. She recently worked for a successful wholesaler, where she regularly exceeded the targets required to grow the business.

In her own time Bethany likes running, watching comedy and cooking for her family and friends.

Kirstie Russell

Client Relationship Manager

Kirstie works within our mortgage client relationship team. Kirstie’s main responsibilities are ensuring all mortgage applications are processed in an efficient way, liaising with mortgage lenders, solicitors and estate agents.  Kirstie provides support to our clients and mortgage advisors and has ten years’ customer service experience from working within the travel industry.

Kate Steward

Executive PA

Kate has been with Cooper Associates since its inception in 2008. Kate has spent considerable time within the mortgage and wealth management divisions, as well as marketing. Kate has extensive knowledge of all facets of the organisation and now provides executive support to Samantha Jackson and Lee Cooper.

Sammie Taylor

Client Portfolio Manager

Sammie is an accountant and looks after a large number of clients to whom she provides expert accounting, tax and business advice. Sammie has managed many clients in general practice dealing with all areas of business from small ‘sole trader’ payrolls to larger limited companies. Sammie has experience of many different business sectors including agricultural and has also assisted in a specialist tax department dealing with the more complex tax queries such as capital gains tax and inheritance tax.

Caroline Tilley

Paraplanner

Caroline works together with the financial consultants within the team providing full technical administrative support for investment, pension and inheritance tax business. Caroline ensures all client business is processed in an compliant and timely manner.

Jessica Truscott

Client Relationship Manager

Jessica’s main responsibilities are to ensure all mortgage and insurance business is managed in an efficient way and to provide first class service to our clients as well as supporting our mortgage advisers. Jessica has gained valuable experience over the years working as a personal banker in NatWest.

Kelly Wallburton

Paraplanner

After a successful career as a Senior Client Relationship Manager, Kelly progressed into the role of Paraplanner. She works with our financial consultants providing full technical administrative support for investment, pension and inheritance tax business. Kelly ensures all client business is processed in a compliant and timely manner.

Neil Wyatt

Head of Marketing

Neil joined Cooper Associates in January 2018 and is responsible for the business development and marketing strategy within our business.

Neil has over twenty years’ marketing experience in a number of industries including the financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and charity sectors.

Away from work Neil enjoys spending time on the golf course and with his family.