Our Managers

VICTORIA KIMMINGS

Victoria is our General Manager and primarily looks after all the advisers.
She joined the firm in January 2001. She previously worked for ABN Amro Securities in London trading in UK equities for large institutional clients.
Victoria is married with two young children, Emily and James. She enjoys doing different activities with her children, films, music and rugby (watching not playing!).

ANNIE WRIGHT

Annie is our Office Manager and works alongside Victoria, our General Manager, looking after all of the administration support staff. Annie is currently heading up the Pensions Department, working ‘hands on’ with the pensions team.

Annie joined CFM in April 2004. She has many years experience in the Financial Services Industry, having worked for various life companies since 1988. Annie holds the full Certificate in Financial Planning and has passed the Pensions Simplification exam CF9. She is currently studying for the Pensions Technical exams. Annie has also been admitted into Membership of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Annie lives locally with her son. She enjoys listening to rock music and being a mum. She would like to enjoy more hobbies but does not have the time!!

PAUL NEWTON

Paul has worked in financial services for nearly 20 years, has qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner & has graduated as an Associate from both The Personal Finance Society & from the Compliance Institute.

His role is to provide technical support to all staff, 'quality control' for the advice offered by CFM, product & fund research and ensures adherence to the regulator's rules & legislation.

Paul is married with two cats; consequently, Paul is currently ranked third in his household.

Our Administration Staff

JODIE DRURY

Jodie joined CFM in February 1998 as an administrator. She has over 15 years experience of the Financial Services Industry and is FPC1 and FPC2 qualified and is currently studying for her CF2 exam. Jodie looks after our Newark and Lincoln adviser, Nick Lawson.

Jodie lives in the Vale of Belvoir with her partner and Dalmation "Buster". She enjoys socialising and walking her dog in the local countryside.

Heather Lamin

Heather joined CFM in July 2004 and has successfully completed FPC1, CF2, CF3 and CF9 qualifications. She is currently studying for her CF4 and CF5 exams in order for her to achieve the Certificate in Financial Planning.
Since joining the firm she has gained experience as a Pensions Administrator, working with SSAS and SIPP products and is now working closely with Sam Gibson as his Personal Assistant.
Heather lives in Grantham. She enjoys socialising, eating out and plays badminton regularly.

Sharon Sharp

Sharon joined CFM in April 1996 with 18 years experience in the Financial Services Industry having worked for various life companies. She is qualified to Certificate in Financial Planning level 2.

Sharon has recently been on maternity leave and has returned to work on a part time basis, working in the administration team on client valuations.

Sharon and her family live locally. She enjoys music, Formula One and looking after her four cats.

Melanie Nicholson

Melanie joined the firm in April 2006 as a Para-Planner assisting all of our advisers, bringing with her over 19 years experience of the Financial Services industry. Melanie is full FPC qualified and is currently studying for the Diploma in Financial Planning.

Melanie lives just outside of Grantham with her husband and son and enjoys cycling, swimming, socialising with friends and eating out.

Paula Fowler

Paula joined CFM in 2006 and works in general administration along side PA’s & Advisers having gained experience in a local bank. She is currently studying for a Certificate in Financial Planning Level 1. Paula is also currently attending a part-time university course for a BA Hons in Business Studies.

Paula lives in Grantham, enjoys socialising, shopping and horse riding.

Hedley Davies

Hedley joined CFM in July 2006 as a PA to Russell Kitchen and brought with him over 25 years experience in the banking sector, having worked for TSB and HSBC in various clerical and management roles, including financial planning. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (Degree equivalent) and is full FPC qualified.

He is a qualified cricket coach, supporting junior teams at Grantham Cricket Club and at County level as manager/coach of Leicestershire under 9s. Hedley enjoys football, road cycling, country walks and wildlife.

Laura Harris

Laura joined CFM in September 2006 as our Head Receptionist having previously gained experience working at Grantham Hospital. Laura now works closely with the PA’s on general admin work. She is currently studying for the Financial Administration 1 and 2 qualifications and Certificate in Financial Planning Level 1.

Laura has lived locally for the past 18 years and enjoys socialising with her friends.

Sue Gregory

Sue has worked for CFM for just over 2 years. She helps out in reception and undertakes general admin duties. She has worked for various local companies including a local free newspaper and the local hospital. Her interests include aerobics, dining out, socialising with friends and spending quality time with her children.

Connie Edwards

Connie joined CFM in August 2002 in general admin and is now working as PA for Penny Harding. She is currently studying for the Financial Administration 1 and 2 qualifications and Certificate in Financial Planning Level 1.

Connie has always lived in Grantham and spends her spare time socialising, decorating her home and keeping fit.

Selina O'Neill

Selina joined CFM in November 2004 as our Receptionist. Selina currently works in an administrative role working closely with advisers and PA’s. Selina is studying for the Certificate in Financial Planning level 1.

Selina enjoys socialising, listening to music and amateur dramatics.

Trudy Bowles

Trudy joined in March 2007 as Receptionist. She has a background as secretary/PA within various organisations including commercial and merchant banks, industry and the NHS. She has lived in Grantham for about 10 years with her son and staffy!

Jacqui Barrable

Jacqui joined CFM in May 2007 as a Paraplanner supporting the advisers, bringing with her over 23 years financial services experience in the industry all in the independent sector. Jacqui has acquired the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate (Dip PFS) in addition to G60 and K10 Pensions and is also part qualified at ACII level (6 parts).

Jacqui is returning to her native Midlands having lived in Scotland for 5 years and currently lives in Rutland. Jacqui is an avid animal lover always responding to any animal in distress and enjoys relaxing by socialising with friends, listening to music and reading.

Anna Hall

Anna joined CFM in October 2007 having worked in the financial industry for the past 11 years. Anna has qualifications FP1, CF3 & FA1 and is currently working towards the CF4 examination. Anna is PA to Morton Weir and carries out general admin duties.

Anna lives in Sleaford with her partner. She enjoys socialising with friends and eating out.

Colin Warrener

Colin joined CFM in December 2007 as a Paraplanner and brings with him over 23 years Financial Services experience. He holds the full Financial Planning Certificate together with the CF9 Pensions Simplification qualification.

Colin was born and educated in Kent and he has recently re-located from an IFA brokerage in Oxfordshire. He is married with two young children and in his spare time he enjoys reading, current affairs, basic DIY and spending time with his family.

Our Advisers

NICK LAWSON

Nick was born and bred in Grantham and has been connected with our sister organisation Duncan & Toplis since leaving the Kings School. Nick has been with the Company since it started in 1994 and is responsible for advising clients of the Newark and Lincoln offices'. He has an extensive portfolio of clients specialising in the Investment, Estate Planning and Fund Management of the business. Nick holds the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate.

Nick is a keen golfer and a qualified football referee. He is chairman of the Duncan & Toplis Charity Golf Day which holds an Annual Golf Day in aid of local charities.

SAM GIBSON

Sam advises clients at the Boston, Stamford and Melton Mowbray offices of Duncan & Toplis. Sam began his career with Castlegate in September 2000, having previously been employed by Duncan & Toplis since graduating from University in 1996. Sam was born and raised in Lincolnshire and has a strong knowledge of the local business environment.

He is currently studying for the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate and when not at work he enjoys fishing, shooting and snooker.

RUSSELL KITCHEN

Russell joined Castlegate in June 2004, bringing with him the experience of 23 years in the financial services industry, of which 18 of those years were as an Independent Financial Advisor dealing in all aspects of personal and corporate investment and protection, along with pensions and tax planning. He was granted one of the very first Royal Charters for Financial Planners awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

As well as holding the 'Chartered Financial Planner' designation, Russell is also an Associate of both the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) and the Personal Finance Society (APFS), not to mention (some years ago of course) a Graduate of Trent Business School in Nottingham. Returning in 2001 from a long career in the London area, Russell resettled in his native Lincolnshire with partner, Karen, and two teenage children. He says, 'It's good to be back!' In his spare time, if there is any, he is a keen gardener, a keen but untalented golfer, and enjoys continental travel.

PENNY A HARDING

Penny is responsible for advising clients at the Sleaford and Spalding offices of Duncan & Toplis. She has worked in the industry since she graduated with a degree in Business Economics and Finance in 2000 and joined CFM in April 2004.

Penny is currently in the process of developing her advanced qualifications.

Penny is originally from Yorkshire. She enjoys keeping fit by swimming, walking and cycling and is an active member of her local swimming team. She also enjoys contemporary music, eating out and socialising and spending time with her two cats, Molly and Harry.

MORTON WEIR

Morton was born in Glasgow and has been involved in the financial services arena for over 18 years. He has spent 10 years working in London before relocating to Lincolnshire shortly after getting married.

He has a wide experience of dealing with both corporate and personal clients and can offer a holistic financial planning approach. He is responsible for advising clients in the Lincoln, Skegness & Louth offices.

Morton is currently progressing towards the Diploma in Financial Planning.

In his spare time, he enjoys golf and motorcycling.

Our Pensions Administrators

RITA HILL

Rita joined CFM in February 2001, initially as a Group Pensions Administrator. She has over fifteen years experience in the Financial Services Industry and is Certificate in Financial Planning level 2 qualified. Rita has diversified her skills within CFM and has expanded her expertise within SSAS and SIPP administration. She continues to support the business in this area.

Walking, playing tennis and being an avid football supporter are some of the interests that Rita has.

JENNY GOODGE

Jenny joined CFM in August 2003, having worked previously in a local accountancy practice and in industry as an assistant accountant. She is a part-qualified management accountant and hopes to study for the Certificate in Financial Planning examinations.

Her experience and expertise assists her in the book-keeping and preparation of accounts for the SIPP and SSAS pension schemes. Jenny lives locally and enjoys looking after her home, garden and three cats.

Andrew Palmer

I joined CFM in October 2005 as a GPP Administrator. I previously worked as an Employee Benefits Administrator/Account manager for a firm of Employee Benefits Consultants, who specialised in administering benefit packages for companies predominantly in the IT sector.

I have worked in the financial services sector since graduating with a degree in European Studies (German). In addition to having the Certificate in Financial Planning 1 paper, during my time at CFM I have attained the CF3 paper. I am looking to continue my studies by taking CF2 and CF4.

I am an avid follower of Nottingham Forest FC (well somebody has to), and spend most weekends watching the Reds home and away. When not watching Forest, I enjoy motorcycling, music and historic aviation.

Louise Naylor

Louise joined CFM in April 2006 and is based in our Pensions Department.

Since completing her degree in Business and Accounting in 2001 she has worked in the pensions field and is currently studying for the CF1 exam.

Louise enjoys reading, cycling and following a recent move to Lincoln with her partner is currently renovating her house and garden.

Heather Wiltshire

Heather joined CFM in September 2005, bringing over 18 years of administration experience and has worked as a Personal Assistant to a number of our advisers during the last two years. However, she is now expanding her expertise by undertaking the administration of SSAS/SIPP products within the CFM Corporate Pensions Department.

Qualified to Certificate in Financial Administration (Life) level, Heather will now continue studying for Pensions qualifications.

Heather and her family live locally and in her spare time she enjoys Tae Kwon Do, socialising with friends and going for long walks at the weekend.

Gary Horsman

Gary joined CFM in December 2007 bringing with him 21 years of experience in the financial industry. Gary worked for a life office dealing with executive and individual pension arrangements and pre-sales new business in Life, Offshore products and pensions throughout this time.

Gary is married with two step-children and a cat called Tess, who seems to rule the roost! Outside of work he enjoys listening to rock music, going to concerts & theatre, good food & drink, and playing the guitar! He is also an avid fan of Leeds united, which causes household friction since his wife is a Nottingham Forest season ticketholder!