Abi Town
Client Services
Background
Abi joined DB Wood in 2023. She has quickly settled into our team, bringing an enthusiastic and diligent approach. With a background in law, Abi is now keen to further her knowledge; training to be part of the technical support team.
Interests
Interests: Loves friends, family and fitness.
Ashley Brooks
Managing & Investment Director
Background
Ashley is Chairman of the Board and Managing Director at DB Wood. He has over 25 years’ experience in the wealth management industry, qualifying as a Financial Advisor in 1994. Ashley is highly involved in our business strategy, holding key roles as one of our lead Financial Planners as well as Chairman of our Investment Committee.
Interests
Ashley is a passionate squash player, competing avidly in the Nottingham Squash Leagues.
Dominic Harrison
Financial Planning Consultant
Background
Graduating with a First-Class Joint Honours Degree in Business Finance, Dominic joined DB Wood in 2015 and has since become a Chartered Certified Accountant alongside holding the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Interests
Dom enjoys pushing his body to the limit, proven by completing various endurance challenges, such as the Otillo Swimrun.
Claire Jenkins
Client Services
Background
Claire has a long history in the client services industry joining DB Wood in 2007, and previously working for a company in manufacturing and medical supplies. She is a very organised individual that takes great pride in offering a personal service to our clients.
Interests
Family, Holidays, Rugby – in that order.
Jane Hendry
Client Services
Background
Jane originally joined DB Wood in 2000, further to significant experience in the investment departments of both a commercial bank and an asset manager. She has worked with the team for over 15 years in total, but latterly re-joined in 2014 when the business returned to Newark. Jane thoroughly enjoys the team-based culture at DB Wood, getting personal satisfaction from helping others, and is driven to deliver an excellent client experience.
Interests
Never afraid of an uphill struggle, Jane can often be found pedalling around Lincolnshire on her bicycle.
Michael Simms
Senior Financial Planning Consultant
Background
Prior to joining us in 2005 Michael held roles at Aviva, Scottish Life and Scottish Widows. He holds a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning as well as specialist qualifications in Pensions, Investment Risk Management and Taxation and Trusts. Michael predominantly works as a Financial Planner, although he is also an important part of our Investment Committee.
Interests
Michael enjoys spending his time with his wife and two kids.
Phillipa Mullarkey
Client Services
Background
Philippa joined DB Wood in July 2022, further to the acquisition of MLi Advice. Philippa completed her diploma in Regulated Financial Planning January 2023 and enjoys working with a mixture of private and corporate clients to help them achieve their financial planning goals.
Interests
Philippa loves nothing more than spending time with her family and friends.
Alex Chappell
Investment Manager
Background
Alex is Investment Manager at DB Wood. Joining us in 2014 further to his Mathematics and Economics degree at Loughborough University, Alex primarily spends his time overseeing our investment process and portfolio outcomes. He is a CFA Charterholder, and was previously recognised as one of the industry’s top talents by Citywire’s Top 30 Under 30.
Interests
From monitoring investment swings, to perfecting his own, Alex is a devoted tennis player and is also in fact a qualified coach.
Ecaterina Armeanu
Financial Planner
Ecaterina joined DB Wood in July 2021, and has quickly progressed and become an important part of our financial planning team. She graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Economics from Loughborough University and has subsequently achieved her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Neil Holmes
Senior Financial Planning Consultant
Background
Neil holds over 30 years’ experience here with us at DB Wood. He is a qualified Financial Planner and holds further specialist qualifications in Life & Pensions, Long Term Care and Equity Release. Neil’s personal aim is to provide quality support to his clients, ensuring he delivers a service that is highly suited to their needs.
Interests
Neil is an avid football fan and has a decent right boot himself.
Owen Meads
Financial Planning Consultant
Background
Prior to joining us in 2022 Owen co-founded MLi with Steve Loomes in 2006. He holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning along with being a Pension Transfer Specialist and prides himself on offering professional financial advice with exceptional customer service.
Interests
Outside work, Owen is found spending time with his family and friends, mostly supporting his children in their passion for sport.
Jennie Hullis
Financial Controller
Background
Jennie joined DB Wood in 2022, further to the acquisition of MLi. A qualified accountant, Jennie is involved in all financial aspects alongside the novation and integration of business acquisitions.
Interests
Jennie is an avid tennis player, volunteering on the committee at her local club as well as being Captain of one of the Ladies Teams.
Joel Rollitt
Financial Planning Consultant
Background
After graduating from university, Joel followed in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in Financial Services, joining DB Wood in 2017. Picking it up quickly, he has completed his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and now delivers high quality advice to clients.
Interests
An ideal Saturday for Joel consists of a friendly squash match followed by a visit to the local curry house.
Adam Sedgwick
Senior Financial Planning Consultant
Background
Adam joined DB Wood in 1999. He has over 25 years of industry experience, qualifying as a Financial Advisor in 1996. Adam specialises in advising private individuals, specifically providing generation and wealth planning solutions to DB Wood clients.
Interests
Adam has a history of sporting participation, in particular applying himself on the Cricket field.
Nick White
Financial Planner & Investment Analyst
Background
Fresh from his graduation from University of Sheffield where he achieved a First-class degree in Economics, Nick joined the DB Wood team in 2020. Quickly fitting in, Nick picked up the skills necessary to provide high quality service to our clients and is so far wowing us with his potential to reach his ultimate goal of attaining the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Interests
A highlight of his calendar are Nick’s 6-a-side Mondays.
Sam Bilton
Client Services
Background
Sam has significant experience in the client services sector, having worked for Yorkshire Bank up until 2007 when she joined DB Wood. Sam is a methodical individual who works diligently to ensure our clients receive a consistent service that is both engaging and hassle-free.
Interests
Downward dog, sun salutations and warrior one are all in her weekly routine, as she holds a keen interest in Yoga.
Kelvin Rollitt
Investment Analyst
Background
Further to our purchase of his business in 2017, Kelvin joined our advice team as a Financial Planner. Kelvin has a wealth of experience, with over 30 years of industry expertise, and has developed fantastic relationships with all his clients.
Interests
Kelvin plays lead guitar and backing vocals in “The Business”; a local Newark band.
Alan Jackson
Client Services
Background
Alan joined DB Wood in November 2013 after 25 years with Lloyds Banking Group. His extensive experience has allowed him to develop wide-ranging expertise in his field, and Alan prides himself on delivering excellent customer service to all his clients.
Interests
As well as bowling over clients with his superb customer service, Alan enjoys bowling during a good cricket match too.
Sonia Prime
Paraplanner
Background
Sonia is a key part of our iInvest team, providing technical solutions for clients in that proposition. She joined DB Wood in 2005, further to the acquisition of Newark Insurance Services, and has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Interests
Sonia has a love for tap-dancing and can often be seen performing in the annual show of the Charlotte Hudson School of Dance at Newark Palace Theatre.
David Radford
Client Services
Background
David joined DB Wood in 2005 at the young age of 20. Amazingly, he has been here 12 years already and is seen by all as a vital member of the team. The platform that holds our clients’ money is David’s area of expertise, but he has also developed fantastic relationships with a great number of Ashley’s clients, whom he services. Our business’ success is built on client relationships, and David helps to drive both.
Interests
David is an Ice-Hockey enthusiast, and has played since the tender age of 11.
Georgia Ayre
Client Services
Background
Georgia joined DB Wood in 2016. She has a particular flair for data analysis, and spends the majority of her time assessing our business’ and clients’ data to help us make more informed business decisions. Georgia is also heavily involved in the servicing of our iInvest clients.
Interests
Outside of work Georgia enjoys her running and can put together a mean sub-45 minute 10km.
Helen Jackson
Accounts and Office Manager
Background
Further to a rich history with Lloyds Bank, Helen now plays a crucial role as our internal Finance Manager. Responsible for reconciling accounts on all sides of our business, Helen would describe her approach to credit control as tough, but fair. Further roles include general bookkeeping for DB Wood and the part we all thank her for the most; managing the payroll.
Interests
Helen has a passion for swimming and tap dancing, and can often be found tip-tapping around the office.
Graham Hicks
Investment Analyst
Background
One of DB Wood’s longest serving team members, Graham joined DB Wood in 1984 and has over 40 years of investment experience. He originally qualified as a Financial Planner in 1980, further updating his qualifications to new industry specific standards in 2013. Graham has a passion for investment management, and thus holds an important role on our Investment Committee bringing broad experience to the team.
Interests
Outside of work, Graham is Chairman of the Newark Wine Society, and can often be found at the City Ground on a Saturday.
Tom Lang
Client Services
Background
Tom joined DB Wood in 2022, further to the acquisition of MLi. He is currently working towards achieving his Award in Financial Administration, with aspirations of becoming a Financial Planner.
Interests
An ideal Saturday for Tom involves watching Birmingham City and spending time with Family and Friends.
Joanne Fell
Financial Planner
Background
Joanne joined DB Wood in 2003. She has over 20 years’ financial planning experience and holds the Diploma in Financial Planning. Joanne is currently working towards her Advanced Diploma, with the ultimate aim of becoming Chartered.
Interests
Often found riding around on one, Jo is an avid fan of motorbikes.
Rhiannon Brooks
Financial Planner
Background
As part of our Financial Planning team, Rhiannon is responsible for assisting the Financial Planning Consultants in developing client outcomes. As well as holding the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, she has specialist qualifications in Investment Planning, Personal Tax and Trust Planning.
Interests
Rhiannon has developed a deep love for CrossFit, entering her first competition in 2018.
Oliver Crampton
Financial Planning Consultant
Background
After completing a business degree at the University of Chester, Oliver joined DB Wood in 2009. He achieved his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in May 2013 and holds additional qualifications in Trusts and Estate Planning.
Interests
Oliver is an avid runner and competes regularly for Newark Athletic Club.