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.

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.

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.

Diana Cooper

Operations & Finance Director

Diana joined Cooper Associates when the business was formed in 2008 and has been a key figure behind the continued expansion of the company to over 50 employees.  Having worked in the finance industry for nearly fifteen years, Diana’s promotion includes overseeing all accounting, IT and facilities responsibilities within the Cooper Associates Group.

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

Mortgage Adviser

Paul provides advice within all areas of mortgages and his meticulous approach to understanding his client’s objectives has enabled him to develop into a holistic mortgage adviser.

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

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

Steve Broad

Senior Wealth Manager

Steve acts as a senior wealth manager and has particular expertise in providing advice to private and corporate clients who are higher rate taxpayers. Steve has worked within the financial services sector since 1996, previously establishing himself as one of the top financial consultants in the country during his time with Prudential Assurance Co Ltd. Steve has extensive experience in all areas of investment, pension and inheritance tax planning.

Steve acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Joanne Canniford

Mortgage Adviser

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

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

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 was previously an experienced member of our mortgage team, advising on mortgages and equity release for several years. Jason started his career with Cheltenham & Gloucester where he acted as an intermediary manager for Somerset.

Christopher Chedzoy

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Christopher acts within our team of mortgage advisers. Christopher has a wealth of experience in remortgages, purchases, investment finance and all associated protection products.

Before joining the company, Christopher acted as a senior adviser for a specialist insurance house. During this time, Christopher developed extensive knowledge in all areas of personal insurance.

Justin Clark

Mortgage Adviser

Justin acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages and thrives on delivering an exceptional level of service to his clients.

Justin is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy and also held the position of Relationship Manager, focusing on ensuring our key professional relationships receive an exceptional level of service.

Martyn Cole

Senior Financial Consultant

Martyn specialises in providing investment, pension and inheritance tax advice. In addition Martyn is a long term care specialist and works collaboratively with legal professionals 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. In 2010 Martyn joined Cooper Associates.

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

Jack Cooper

Senior Financial Consultant

Jack specialises in 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.

Jack Cooper acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

James Cooper

Mortgage Adviser

James has been a qualified mortgage adviser for a number of years. James joined Cooper Associates after six years with Santander where he acted within the retail sector.

James looks after a diverse client bank ranging from first-time buyers to those with extensive property portfolios and takes a particular interest in the protection planning requirements of his clients.

Simon Dawes

Financial Consultant

Simon is a financial consultant who specialises in providing investment and financial planning advice to his clients, helping them achieve their financial goals.

Simon was previously a member of our mortgage team, advising on mortgages and protection.

Simon successfully graduated from our Academy and before joining Cooper Associates he held management positions with a FTSE 100 company.

Blake Ellis

Financial Consultant

Blake is an experienced financial consultant who has vast experience of advising a wide variety of individuals and businesses. Blake specialises in providing investment and financial planning advice to his clients to help them achieve their strategic goals. Blake initially started his career with Lloyds Banking Group where he acted as a financial consultant whilst specialising in protection planning.

Blake Ellis acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Simon Farrar

Mortgage Adviser

Simon acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages and provides bespoke advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning.

Simon is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy.

Nick Feetenby

Mortgage Adviser

Nick provides advice in all areas of mortgage and protection planning. Nick joined the team after successfully completing the internal Cooper Associates Academy. Prior to joining Cooper Associates, Nick spent 13 years within Avon & Somerset Constabulary as a Detective.

Hannah Freeland

Mortgage Adviser

Hannah acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, providing advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning.

Hannah is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy. Prior to joining Cooper Associates Hannah worked in the insurance industry, where she was employed by one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers in a business development role.

Carl Gazzard

Senior Financial Consultant

Carl advises on investments, pensions, inheritance tax and protection. He looks after corporate clients, sport professionals and individuals. He specialises in planning and implementing financial strategies after taking a holistic approach to a client’s financial situation.

Prior to joining Cooper Associates in 2009 Carl enjoyed a successful career as a professional cricketer. Most notably, Carl was in the 2005 Twenty20 winning side as Somerset beat Lancashire at the Brit Oval.

Carl Gazzard acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

John Harris

Mortgage Adviser

John acts within the mortgage team providing advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning. John joined the team after successfully completing the internal Academy programme. John joined with prior experience in the private banking sector.

Ross Harrison

Mortgage Adviser

Ross looks after all areas of mortgages, from those looking to purchase their first property to those with extensive portfolios.

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

Owen Irish

Mortgage Adviser

Owen acts as a mortgage adviser and provides advice on all areas of mortgages, including first-time buyers, remortgaging, buy-to-lets and affordable housing schemes. Owen takes a particular emphasis on ensuring any secured mortgages are protected properly through appropriate protection planning.

Owen originated from our successful Academy programme, spending 12 months being trained in-house and has extensive knowledge and experience in all areas he provides advice within.

Gareth Lewis

Financial Consultant

Gareth acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Gareth advises on investments, pensions, inheritance tax and protection.

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

Oliver McGeown

Mortgage Adviser

Oliver acts within our mortgage team, providing advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning, including first-time buyers and remortgaging.

Oliver graduated from the Cooper Associates Academy. Prior to joining Cooper Associates, Oliver worked for a regional insurance broker, where he was part of the business development team. Oliver also has experience working in the telecommunications industry.

Edward Mortimore

Financial Consultant

Ed is an experienced financial consultant who provides tailored advice to his clients. Ed’s calm and measured approach to any transaction is highly valued.

Ed is passionate about explaining financial matters in a clear and straightforward manner when delivering investment and financial planning advice.

Ed acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Robert Phelps

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Robert acts within our mortgage department and has 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.

Robert’s career in financial services began over 13 years ago with the British Army. Robert was trained in both finance and law and acted as a criminal law adviser during his service.

Robert acted as a business manager for a financial services organisation in Surrey before joining Cooper Associates.

Bobby Phillips

Financial Consultant

Bobby specialises in designing and implementing investment, tax and retirement planning strategy for his diverse client portfolio. Bobby has a detailed understanding of the financial planning requirement issues faced by individuals, and is experienced at helping clients meet their objectives.

After graduating in law, Bobby worked within a prestigious law firm before joining Cooper Associates Wealth Management.

Bobby Phillips acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Lizz Reading

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Lizz is an experienced adviser who advises on mortgages and associated protection products. Lizz is passionate about delivering a first-class service and transparent advice.

Lizz was formerly an adviser within the retail banking sector before becoming a successful adviser within our mortgage division.

Sasha Reed

Mortgage Adviser

Sasha acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, providing bespoke advice on mortgage and protection products.

Sasha is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy. Sasha previously held management positions within the health care sector, where she was responsible for managing young individuals with severely complex needs, epilepsy, autism and learning disabilities.

James Regan

Mortgage Adviser

James acts within the mortgage division and looks after a large number of clients within the cricket world. James looks after all areas of mortgages from those looking to purchase their first property to those with extensive portfolios.

James joined Cooper Associates following his career with Somerset County Cricket Club.

Jonathan Southgate

Mortgage Adviser

Jonathan acts within our mortgage team, providing advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning.

Jonathan is a graduate of our Academy and has previous experience in business transfer and residential property, helping a variety of clients across the South of England and South Wales.

Oliver Teal

Mortgage Adviser

Oliver acts within Cooper Associates Mortgages, where he provides advice on mortgages and protection.

Oliver is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy. Before joining Cooper Associates Oliver was employed by one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, where he held a client facing role. Previously, Oliver worked as an oil trader in London.

Kate Ward

Mortgage Adviser

Kate acts within our mortgage team, providing advice within all areas of mortgage and protection planning, including first-time buyers and remortgaging.

Kate is a graduate of our Academy and has previously held management roles in the automotive and personal finance sectors.

Ellis Watkins

Mortgage Adviser

Ellis provides advice in all areas of mortgage and protection planning.

Ellis is a graduate of the Cooper Associates Academy. Before joining Cooper Associates Ellis had a background in the transfer of residential property, helping a variety of clients throughout the South West.

Ben Wellington

Financial Consultant

Ben’s particular areas of expertise are pensions, investments and inheritance tax planning. Ben is passionate about client service along with transparent advice and has a commitment to building long term, professional relationships with clients.

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, providing support and guidance to Somerset County Cricket Club and the England Cricket Board.

Ben acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management.

Jamie Wheeler

Mortgage Adviser

Jamie provides advice on mortgages and protection. Jamie has extensive experience also in advising members of the military on appropriate mortgage planning.

Jamie gained experience and financial qualifications within the retail banking sector as a customer adviser for Barclays.

Charl Willoughby

Financial Consultant

Charl specialises in providing financial planning and investment advice to his clients, helping them to achieve their financial ambitions.

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

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

Charl acts as a financial consultant within Cooper Associates Wealth Management Ltd.

Steve Woodbridge

Senior Mortgage Adviser

Steve acts as one of our mortgage consultants and has now completed over 16 years within financial services. 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.

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.

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.

Lisa Darbyshire

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 an compliant and timely manner.

Michaela Edney

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Michaela is one of our experienced senior client relationship managers and looks after designated mortgage advisers, ensuring all clients receive an excellent level of service. 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.

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.

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.

Hollie Hackling

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.

Katherine Hannaford

Head of Client Relations

Katherine manages the mortgage client relationship team, ensuring the smooth running of this busy division and ensuring all service standards are met. Katherine also holds her own mortgage qualifications.

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 an 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.

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

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Kerry works within our mortgage client relationship team, providing support to our clients and mortgage advisers. Kerry’s main responsibilities include ensuring all mortgage applications are processed in an efficient way, in addition to liaising with mortgage lenders, solicitors and estate agents.

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.

Sarah Potter

Manager (Accountant)

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.

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

Manager (Accountant)

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

Senior Client Relationship Manager

Kelly is an experienced senior client relationship managers within our wealth management team. Kelly specialises in processing pension transfers and investments. Prior to joining the firm, Kelly acted as a personal banking adviser for a large retail bank assisting her own clients with their own personal finance requirements.

Neil Wyatt

Head of Marketing

Neil joined Cooper Associates in January 2018 and is responsible for the 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.