Outsource Paraplanning | Our Team | The Timebank | Support for advisers and planners

Damian Davies

Head of Engagement

I started The Timebank in 2002 because it was clear to me advisers simply weren't able to spend enough time on what matters most - clients.

Since then I've built and refined what we do constantly as the advice sector has changed and evolved into the profession it is becoming.

My role now is to be the first point of reference for everything outside of the business. I meet prospective team members and prospective clients.

Debbie Evans

Head of Development

I've been with The Timebank since 2004 and the years have flown by, maybe too fast.

I spent the first 10 years of my career in the broadcast IT and pharmaceutical industries managing service delivery to giants like the BBC, Disney, Sanoffi Aventis, Granada and ESPN.

My role at The Timebank ensures I am able to help clients get the most out of a relationship with The Timebank.

Lauren Bower

Head of Delivery

I've worked for providers, advisers and pension trustees, in the UK and abroad.

Delivery has always been at the heart of what I do, from getting the software and hardware nailed down, to building and maintaining our systems that make the difference between fleeting service user and long-term client.

My role focusses on managing the tools we use to make sure our delivery is beyond expectation.

Melissa Hall

Head of Culture (Chartered Financial Planner)

Starting out in financial services at 16, making the tea, filing and sorting the post, I quickly developed an interest in the industry and held the Financial Planning Certificate by age 19.

I joined The Timebank in April 2011, starting out as a Paraplanner, I am now Head of Culture.

My role is to make sure the culture at The Timebank is aligned with meeting our strategic goals for both our clients and our team.

This includes developing new team members who come on board. I enjoy helping build long term relationships with our clients and getting to know how their business works so that we can help them achieve the best possible client outcomes.

Outside of work, you will find me either walking my two dogs, Frankie and Benny or lifting weights in the gym. I am also a bit of a social butterfly, enjoying a glass or two of wine with friends.

David Battle

Paraplanning Team (Chartered Financial Planner)

I started working in the Financial Services professiona in the previous Millenium in a variety of roles. I achieved Chartered status in 2007 and have worked for the Timebank since 2011.

I enjoy working closely with advisers and companies to find the best solutions for clients.

Outside of work I have been with my wife since we met on our first night at university and we now have a young daughter.

I have a love for Liverpool Football Club and music. My favourite genre of music is 'Grunge' which will surprise those who know me for my happy go lucky personality.

As well as an irrational fear of sharks I walk light-footed on beaches in case of quicksand.

Niki Gahan

Paraplanning Team (Chartered Financial Planner)

I started working in the financial services industry in 2005 and very quickly realised that paraplanning was for me and achieved Chartered Status with the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2010.

I enjoy the challenge of tackling new cases, carrying out research and finding the best solution for clients.

Louise Cleland

Paraplanning Team (Chartered Financial Planner)

I'm a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, with a keen interest in the technical detail of pensions. I recently completed a Master's degree in Financial Planning and Business Management.

Outside of work I'm kept busy with an ever-expanding collection of cats, dogs and horses.

Becky Colley

Paraplanning Team (Chartered Financial Planner, STEP)

I have worked in the Financial services profession since 2006 in various roles starting in administration and working in paraplanning, management, compliance & client advice and am a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the PFS. I joined Timebank in 2018 after a short career break and enjoy the variety of work the role provides. In my spare time I enjoy travel, football, yoga & have a keen interest in history and films.

Emma Bond

Paraplanning Team (QFA)

I have been in Financial Services for years, working as an administrator, adviser, practice manager and paraplanner over that time. Paraplanning has been the role I enjoy the most, particularly the technical side of pensions and retirement planning.

Away from work, I am a wife, mum and crazy dog mum to my black Labrador Milo who I am training for agility work. I also enjoy reading, sci-fi and fantasy films and supporting local dog rescues.

Jenny Britton

Paraplanning Team

I have been working within the Financial Services since 2008 starting as a Trainee Paraplanner, gaining experience during that time to become a Paraplanner. Since then, I have obtained my Diploma in Financial Planning and I have gained experience in a variety of different areas within the financial services industry. I enjoy the research and report writing parts of the role and finding the best outcome for the client.

Gillian Wilson

Paraplanning Team

My career in Financial Service began in 1990 when I was offered an office junior position at Scottish Equitable (now Aegon). I have worked mostly in Financial Service during this time, and I have been an administrator, a paraplanner, a senior paraplanner, an office manager and a financial adviser and worked on both sides of the fence – life offices and multi-national investment firms as well as local, smaller IFA businesses. I am Diploma qualified as well as holding the Equity Release and Mortgage advice qualifications.

I joined the Timebank as it gives me the work/life balance I had been so desperately craving.

Living half the time in the UK and half the time in a cave house in the mountains of Spain has its challenges, but I would not change anything. I love my dog and my cat, I am a grandma of twins and I have a degree in Performing Arts. I like to spend my time being creative, singing, writing songs, learning to play various instruments and painting and reading. These for me, are necessary escapes from the seriousness of the financial services world! My friends say I am analytical and think outside the box and always have something to say, invited or not!

Alicia Hager

Paraplanning Team

After University I found myself working within a busy Independent Financial Advisers, where I was able to learn an array of technical knowledge and gain numerous qualifications. I stayed there for 5 years before discovering that Paraplanning was a career that I wanted to pursue and develop in.

I joined the Timebank in Spring 2021 and continue to learn new things every day. It’s a role that offers so much variety and I feel very fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to work with such an experienced and friendly team.

Outside of work, I live with my other half and our Welsh Collie, Patrick and our fluffy ginger cat, Gigi. I enjoy paddle boarding, tennis, running and kickboxing – not all at the same though!

Lauren Cowper

Paraplanning Team

I have been working in Financial Services for over 9 years. I started working in payments and was selected for a Graduate Scheme and subsequently became a Financial Adviser. I qualified with a Diploma in Financial Advice.

I enjoy working at The Timebank as every day and report is different, working on a wide range of advice areas and expanding my knowledge through the diversity in the work.

When I am at home, you can normally find me taking my dog on long walks or socialising with friends.

Ben Hudson

Paraplanning Team

Since starting my career in financial services in 2013, and after spending almost five years working for a pension provider, I decided to venture into financial advice.

Working at the Timebank enabled me to gain the experience I needed, along with the flexibility and support in studying and taking exams.
I joined the paraplanning team in 2021, and I particularly enjoy working with smaller firms and building and developing a long-term working relationship.

Adam Taylor

Paraplanning Team

Leaving university in 2003 armed with only a Philosophy degree, I roamed the globe on a motorbike, reaching as far as East Timor. Returning home after 5 years, I threw myself into building a business. Over 15 years, I expanded it from nothing to employing 45 people before selling it in 2022.

After discovering financial services as a customer, I knew I wanted to make it my second career. I studied and took many exams, leading to a position at The Timebank in June 2023. I am enjoying this new chapter and value the balance of autonomy and support provided by The Timebank to help turn theory into practice.

Outside work I can be found exploring in our campervan or enjoying the rejuvenating waters of my ice bath. I’m married, have an amazing daughter, two dogs, and a cat.

Alice Fox

Paraplanning Team

I began working in Financial Services back in 2007, having joined a Management Trainee Scheme with a local Building Society.

Since then, I have worked in a number of roles before completing my Diploma and pursuing a career in paraplanning from 2016.

I am passionate about financial services and take pride in providing suitable and effective financial advice and enjoy helping clients achieve their financial goals.

I joined The Timebank in May 2022 as I believed in the company values and am enjoying settling into my new role.

Away from my desk I am kept busy with two lively boys and enjoy spending time with our friends and family.

Michelle Sharratt

Paraplanning Team

I started working in financial services in 2004 and have worked in various roles in banking and then moved to support Financial Advisers in 2007.

After working as an administrator to advisers for many years, I decided I wanted to be a paraplanner and gained my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2022.

I joined The Timebank in April 2024 and work with a fantastic team as a Paraplanner.

I love the variety that my role brings and expanding my knowledge through the diversity of work.

Outside of work, I am kept busy with two children, a husband and a dog. I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as listening to music.

Larissa Biggs

Paraplanning Team

I started my career working in banking at the age of 17 where I developed a passion for all things finance. In my fifth year of working in banking I decided to take the leap in educating myself in the world of financial advice by studying with the London Institute of Banking and Finance, achieving my Diploma.

After a year of working as a Trainee Financial Adviser I joined the Timebank in September 2023 as a Paraplanner.

Outside of work, I love to play netball in my local league. I am also a huge foodie and spend most of my weekends exploring food markets around the London area.

Will Morrall

Client Review Team Coordinator

After 8 (long) years I escaped retail banking and found myself a new challenge with The Timebank. I enjoy the diversity data harvest brings and continue to learn more each day. I have also been coordinating our client review process which is an exciting project to get stuck into.

Away from work I enjoy playing and watching football, following England around the world is becoming something of an expensive pastime.

Linsey McCallion

Trainee Paraplanning Team

I have worked in the financial services industry since 2004, starting off in business banking in a large corporate bank. For the past 6 years I have been working within the financial advice sector, which I have really enjoyed. I would like to progress my career by obtaining my Level 4 Diploma.

In my spare time I like to go to the gym and spend time with my family by going out for lunch and having movie nights. I am also an avid baker, and I am always making cakes, blondies, brownies any anything else sweet.

Charlie Taylor

Trainee Paraplanning Team

After finishing university in 2019 I worked at a pension provider for 2 years before moving to an IFA business, and finally making my way to the Timebank in 2022.

Working at the Timebank has given me the opportunity to work with a fantastic team and gain some great experience while I complete my qualifications.

Outside of work I like to spend my time rock climbing and running.

Garard Smialko

Trainee Paraplanning Team (BSc (Hons) Banking & Finance)

I started my professional journey in retail banking while I was at university. There, I developed an interest in the financial planning sector and joined The Timebank shortly after graduating in July 2024 as a trainee paraplanner.

My role is to obtain information from a variety of providers, prepare meeting packs for advisers and write both pre and post review reports.

I enjoy to stay busy – you’ll frequently find me in the gym, watching football and hiking when possible.

Oraze Lange

Trainee Paraplanning Team (BSc Financial Planning & Practice)

I began my professional journey in the financial industry with The Timebank in June 2024. This role has provided a strong foundation for my career and marks the beginning of my impactful contribution to the sector. I am excited to continue building my professional legacy, leveraging my skills to drive meaningful impact in this industry.

Outside of work, you will find me either going for swimming or meeting up with my friends and argue about peripheral topics.

Jordan Smith

Trainee Paraplanning Team

Starting in Finance in 2021 as an apprentice admin assistant, I quickly developed my understanding and gained a passion for Paraplanning and the behind the scenes work that goes into Financial Advice. Having achieved my certificate, I am now working towards my Level 4 Diploma in Financial Services.

My current role is to support the Paraplanning team by data gathering, ranging from Pensions to EIS’s, ensuring accuracy of information in order to collate reports and ensure the best outcome for clients through a meticulous and attentive approach.

In my spare time you’ll find me in the gym, running, or walking my dog (Buster). Sometimes you can even spot me playing the occasional rugby match or skiing.

Glenda Oduro

Trainee Paraplanning Team

I began my career in the Financial Planning world back in Brisbane, Australia in 2018. I started work as a Client Relationship Manager for one of Australia’s top financial planning providers that is AMP Advice. Having lived and worked in Australia for 5 years, I moved back to the UK in November 2022 and began working for a partner firm of St James’s Place. Over the years, I developed a genuine interest in the Paraplanning aspect of the job and joined The Timebank in August 2023.

I am currently studying for my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and, provided that I am not all ‘studied out’, would like to complete a Master’s Degree in Financial Consulting and Planning.

Aside from my studies, I am dog obsessed and spend a lot of time forcing kisses and cuddles out of my pooch, Shahya (pronounced as it’s spelt), who flew back from Australia with me. Where possible, I also dog-sit just to get that extra fix of dog! In between all of this, I enjoy Hot Yin yoga, reading and cups of tea with plenty of milk.

Tom Boyes

Trainee Paraplanning Team (BSc (Hons) Banking & Finance)

Shortly after finishing my BSc (Hons) Banking & Finance degree in May 2024, I decided that a career in the financial planning industry was the most suitable path for me. With a specific interest in Paraplanning, I started working for The Timebank in October 2024.

As a Trainee Paraplanner, my main role is to prepare pre-review reports for advisors. I have to ensure they are accurate and completed in a timely manner. I also liaise with various providers to obtain the data needed for the reports. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Timebank so far, and I am excited to see how my role adapts going forwards.

In my spare time, I (painfully) support Arsenal, going to as many games as I can. When I am not busy with football, I play darts. It is safe to say that Luke Littler isn’t in any danger of losing his job just yet!

Mike James

Head of Timebank Research

Starting my Financial Services career in May 1982, I have had many roles over the intervening years, with different employers. A desire to have more control over my work/life balance meant that in 2004, I, along with a friend, bought an established IFA firm in Solihull.

We sold our business in 2019, leaving the business two years later. The intervening years were my most challenging and happiest, providing a bespoke service to our clients. As the co-owner of a regulated business, many skills were developed, not least on the client side, but also in marketing, investment selection and understanding and meeting regulatory requirements. It is these regulatory skills and the Adviser side insight that will be put to effective use within The Timebank.

Karen MacKinnon

Quality & Standards Team

I have been working in financial services since 2001, initially with two IFAs before spending years with a large financial services outsourcing firm specialising in complaint handling, investment reviews and paraplanning. During this time, I also completed my Diploma in Financial Planning.

I joined The Timebank (October 2022) as part of the Quality Assurance team and I am enjoying the challenge and the variety of work this entails.

Outside of work, I am kept busy with two energetic children, a husband and a dog who are all sports mad. I enjoy the great outdoors and spending time with family and friends as well as upholstery, upcycling and art.

Ali MacKenzie

Support Team

I started in Financial Services since 2008 working for a provider. After moving 500 miles away to Scotland (there’s a song about that!) I started working for IFA’s and held a number of different roles such as administrator, paraplanner and admin manager.

Working for both Provider and IFA’s, big and small it has given me a broad knowledge of the industry. I’m all about driving processes – I do love a spreadsheet and a flow chart!

I don’t have spare time – I have two young children, so my knowledge of Minecraft and Disney princesses has grown dramatically over the last few years.

Jane Hayde

Support Team

I have been working in financial services since finishing University with a BA in Business and HR.

I work as a member of the support team carrying out data harvest and other tasks to help our advisersdeliver the best experience to their clients.

In my spare time I like to keep myself fit including going to classes, taking the dog for long walks and competing with a local running club.

Romy Parrington

Support Team

I spent years in London working in Events and Marketing for hospitality.

In 2010 I relocated and became Freelance; working alongside Organisational Psychologists to deliver Leadership Programmes. Inspired by my interest in 'Learning Organisations' and employment law, I gained my professional certificate in Law & Practice with CILEX. I joined the Timebank in 2018 and really enjoy the variety of challenges and projects that we undertake for our clients.

I am also religious CrossFit freak and passionate about nutrition. Eat. Sleep. Work. Train. Repeat.

Derren Hotchkiss

Head of Finance and Accounts

With years of experience, Derren is Timebank's friendly face of Finance and Credit Control.

His first love of spreadsheets is closely followed by playing squash, football and consuming copious amounts of Coca-Cola.