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.

More from Damian's blog

Three tools for perfect factfinding

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

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 Paraplanning. 

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.

More from Melissa's blog

4 things still going wrong in financial services 30 years later

David Battle

Chartered Financial Planner

I have worked in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years 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 for 25 years having 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.

More from David's blog

How should you invest in your children's future?

Niki Gahan

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.

More from Niki's blog

How you can get the government to help your clients retire early using a simple ISA allowance!

Louise Spence

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.

More from Louise's blog

Considering giving advice on DB transfers?

Jill Chadburn

Chartered Financial Planner

I started working for a large international investment company and quickly realised I was drawn to regulated financial advice.

I have worked with various IFAs and developed from being an administrator to a Paraplanner, I became a Timebank Paraplanner in October 2016, when I felt my position no longer held the challenges I was looking.

Over the last 10 years I studied for my CII qualifications and finally achieved Chartered status in 2015 and I am also a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

I enjoy being a Paraplanner as the diversity in the work is the challenge I need and I enjoy building relationships with the advisers to get the best outcome for the client. 

More from Jill's blog

4 scenarios where pension freedoms could cause your clients a real problem, and what you can do about them.

Becky Colley

Chartered Financial Planner

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.

More from Becky's blog

Don't Stop....Believin'

Emma Bond

Paraplanner

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.  

More from Emma's blog

The Importance of Processes and How to Create a Process Map

Jenny Britton

Paraplanner

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.

 

Laura Harris

Paraplanner

My career in financial services started in 2002 working as an administrator for a mortgage packaging company where I gained my first financial qualification; CeMap. In 2007 I joined the Co-operative Bank as a field based adviser for 5 years having gained the full Financial Planning Certificate and the Level 4 Diploma. I then worked as an IFA for a local company for a further 2 years. At this point I made the decision to become a Paraplanner, as I always had an interest in the report writing side of the job, and I haven’t looked back joining the Timebank in 2014. I enjoy working with advisers, helping to formulate advice and I pride myself in my ability to write complicated reports in ‘plain English’. My aim is to continue to take more exams with the objective of becoming chartered in the near future.

Angela Boucher

Paraplanner

I have been working in financial services for over 15 years, having started my career as an administrator and quickly progressing to become a Paraplanner. I have worked for a number of advice firms dealing with high-net-worth clients.

I enjoy the challenge of working as a Paraplanner at The Timebank and having the opportunity to work with a range of other qualified financial services professionals.

In my spare time I enjoy trips out with my husband and children and we love travelling, with a particular passion for theme parks!

Ruth Matthews

Paraplanner

I started working in the financial advice industry back in 2007, firstly starting off as an administrator, then on to being a paraplanner. I was also a financial adviser for while which I did enjoy but as time went on I decided to go back to paraplanning so I could be more involved with the underlying research and report aspects which I enjoy. I have gained my diploma and would like to go on to be chartered at some stage. I have also held various roles such as Financial Director, Head of Risk and Compliance and been a Data Privacy Officer.

In my spare time I like to join various Boot Camps and go to Yoga classes with friends to keep myself fit and in good shape. I enjoy listening to music, especially Robert Plant and Joe Dolan (a weird mixture I know.. LOL), I also love dining out, going to concerts and travelling whenever I can.

More from Ruth's blog

Some personal experiences that might be useful for you when dealing with bereaved clients.

Colm Doyle

Paraplanner

I have been working in financial services since 2014 after finishing university where I studied business. I work as a member of the paraplanning team. In my spare time I like to be active with my favourite activities being skiing, climbing and judo.

More from Colm 's blog

This information from the FCA’s Head of Competition Policy will help you understand three new elements to the Consumer Duty price & value outcome.

Gillian Wilson

Paraplanner

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

Paraplanner

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!

More from Alicia 's blog

How global ageing populations will affect any client you have that is younger than 71.

Lauren Cowper

Paraplanner

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

Paraplanner

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.

Alice Fox

Paraplanner

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.

Will Morrall

Client Review 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.

More from Will's blog

This is 50

Charlie Taylor

Trainee Paraplanner

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.

Glenda Oduro

Trainee Paraplanner

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.

Mike James

Paraplanner

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

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.

Linsey McCallion

Trainee Paraplanner

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.

Jane Hayde

Support & Human Resources

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

I have 2 roles at the Timebank; I work as a member of the support team carrying out data harvest and I am also our HR officer.

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

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

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.