Many of our clients value our personal service, delivered by members of our highly trained and qualified team.
“Service always outstanding and all staff pleasant and helpful” Mrs S, May 2008
As much as we ask our clients about themselves, many like to know more about who we are:
Nicola Watts – Director and Certified Financial Planner
Nicola, a politics graduate, joined the family business in 2000, following a brief career in recruitment. She qualified to provide advice in 2001, and has been a director of the business since 2006.
Since joining the business, Nicola has added a range of relevant qualifications, including in taxation, trusts and personal investment planning.
Most importantly, she attained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Licence – an internationally recognised benchmark for competence, achieved by fewer than 1,000 licencees in the UK, and still a measure of the best financial planning results. By meeting rigorous international competency, ethical and professional practice standards, a CFP professional is qualified to deliver financial solutions that allow you to take control of your finances and achieve your goals in life.
Nicola is married to David and has two young children, Emily and Olivia. She has lived locally for over 25 years. Working full-time, most of her spare time is spent enjoying children – with an occasional attempt at a visit to the gym or swimming pool. She is on the committee for Olney Chamber of Trade and is also involved with Pfeg –an organisation that assists young people with developing financial skills fundamental to building a successful and independent future.
Jane Smith – Company Secretary
Jane set up her own practice in 1994, having worked within the industry for over 20 years. In 2002, the focus of the business changed to planning from transactional advice, and became Jane Smith Financial Planning Ltd. Whilst in practice, Jane held a Certified Financial Planner Licence, alongside other relevant qualifications, but now takes a back seat, leaving the everyday running of the firm in the capable hands of her daughter Nicola.
Having taken retirement, Jane is now only working on a consultancy basis. Of her three children, Nicola now works as Director in the business, whilst Emma has recently left to have her second baby. Her son Neil has recently emigrated to Australia with his wife and son. Jane’s grandchildren take up quite a lot of time on occasions and she is now developing the interests outside work she never had the time for when building the business – including gardening and reading.
Melanie Christie
Melanie joined the firm in 2005, with a degree in Business and Accountancy.
She is currently working towards her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Having progressed through the ranks she is now responsible for the smooth running of the office, dealing with client queries and performing a paraplanner role to Nicola.
Melanie is married to Barry, and together they own Woody, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, going on holiday and walking her dog.
Jenny Stones 
Jenny joined us in February 2011, and brings to the team 13 yearsof experience within the financial services industry, having worked previously for companies such as Prudential, Equitable Life and HBoS. She graduated in 1998 with a Degree in Economics and she holds the Chartered Insurance Institute Diploma Certificate.
She performs a paraplanner role, assisting Nicola with research and compilation of client Financial Management Plans.
Jenny is married and recently became a mother to Abigail, who is teaching her lots of new skills in the areas of time management and multi-tasking! She also attempts to keep reasonably fit by swimming, walking and horse-riding when she gets a chance.
Hannah Wagstaffe
Hannah joined the team in January 2011, and is responsible for arranging client appointments and day-to-day client administration and new business processing.
Hannah’s mother has worked in financial services for many years, and this prompted her interest to pursue a career in the industry. Alongside her A-levels, she completed her Diploma in Financial Studies and her CF1 (UK financial services, regulation and ethics) and is keen to continue her studies in the future.
Hannah lives with her partner, Hayden, in Wolverton. She enjoys music, socialising with friends and is a regular festival-goer, reminding the rest of the team of what it was like to be young!
Debra Davis 
Debbie joined us in 2003, and runs our accounts and finance function.
Debbie lives on a dairy farm in north Bedfordshire with her husband, 2 teenagers, 2 dogs, 100 rare breed chickens and 200 cows.
She spends much of her limited spare time involved in children’s activities including Olney rugby and ladies cricket; but tries to find time to do pilates, entertain and shop!!
