John graduated from Dundee University with a degree in Business Economics and Marketing and started work in the financial services sector in 2010. In 2014, John moved to Bristol to progress his career as a Paraplanner. He holds the Diploma in Financial Planning qualification and is working towards Chartered status. John is very client-focused, friendly, and approachable, always striving to deliver an excellent service. Outside of work, John enjoys running and has helped raise money for charity by taking part in several organised events in recent years; including the Race for Life, Bristol 10K, South West Tough Mudder and the Bath Half Marathon. Coming from Scotland he also loves the mountains and successfully completed the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ as well as the ‘Cateran Yomp’ – a 54-mile cross country trek in 24 hours!

Steve is a Senior Paraplanner and brings with him over 16 years of experience in the financial services sector. Before joining Aspirations, Steve worked as a Paraplanner for 9 years & before that was a Pre Sales Support Representative. Steve is responsible for carrying out a lot of the background work required for clients who seek help with financial planning and works alongside Financial Planners to create, implement, & review client’s financial plans. Steve has a Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently working towards becoming Chartered. His specialties include pensions and cashflow planning. Outside of work, Steve enjoys hockey, where he plays and volunteers for his local hockey club, he is the Men’s Club Captain and League Liaison, having previously captained one of the men’s sides. Aside from hockey Steve also enjoys cricket and cooking.

Laurin joined the team in March of this year as a Paraplanner and brings with her 7 years of experience in the financial services sector. Before joining Aspirations, Laurin worked as a Paraplanner for two years and prior to that, as Senior Administrator and Administrator. Laurin’s role involves supporting Financial Planners with the writing of their recommendation reports and any research that is required. Laurin has her Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning and will soon be pursuing Chartered status. Outside of work, Laurin is passionate about film and enjoys travelling. She is currently trying to see as much of Europe as possible. She also enjoys cycling and keeping fit using online fitness classes.

Keiron joined the team in April bringing with him 20 years of experience in financial services. Having started out working with stockbrokers and insurance brokerage firms, Keiron moved on to the world of Independent Financial Advice. Keiron has his Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning and is part way through to becoming Chartered. Having moved from Northampton to Bristol 5 years ago, Keiron enjoys exploring Bristol’s rich culture and all the city has to offer. When he’s not working and weather-permitting, Keiron can be found cycling over the Suspension Bridge. In bad weather, Keiron enjoys binge-watching Netflix.

Stuart is a Trainee Paraplanner and has enjoyed a 15-year career in the finance sector across various administration roles, mainly working in pensions which is his specialty. Previously, Stuart has worked for Halifax, AXA, Jelf and St. James’s Place partner practice. Stuart achieved the Certificate in Financial Services, Certificate in Life & Pensions, and Award in Financial Administration. He is currently working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Stuart enjoys watching various sports and is a proud season ticket holder for Bristol City with love for the Bristol Bears too. Stuart is also a keen cyclist and makes sure to get out on the bike once or twice a week.

Sarah joined Aspirations in 2021 as a Senior Administrator and offers further support in resource management as well as management of our internal systems. Before joining Aspirations, Sarah worked for Clifton Asset Management and her career spans various roles within the finance sector over the last 15 years, working in support, management and sales roles. Outside of work, Sarah loves to spend time with her friends and family surrounded by good food and is kept very busy by her two-year-old. Wherever possible, Sarah loves to travel.

Keith has worked in financial services for 13 years and has previously worked for AXA/Aviva. He provides sound investment knowledge, analysis and administration to support his team. Keith is knowledgeable on a variety of financial products and has extensive experience working with bonds, pensions, life cover, bereavements, mortgages and maturities.  In his spare time, Keith spends every spare moment playing sports which include anything from football with friends to 5k runs with his family. Keith is also a licenced and qualified golf professional. 

Tayla joined the team in June 2019 and has been working in the financial services sector for 4 years. She has recently taken on the role of Senior Administrator, priding herself on her excellent customer service and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. With a strong drive to see things through to completion, Tayla has recently embarked on further studies towards becoming a diploma-qualified Paraplanner. In her spare time, Tayla enjoys keeping fit by walking the dogs and has recently started up running. She can also be found whipping up a tasty concoction in the kitchen!

James is a Senior Administrator with over 5 years of industry experience working in both administrative and research roles. Before joining the team at the start of the year, James was a private client administrator at Chase de Vere and previous to that, an assistant Paraplanner at Close Brothers with research and analysis of existing client portfolios being one of his main responsibilities. James has his Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently studying for his J10 Discretionary Investment Management qualification. In his spare time, James likes to keep fit by playing sports. Whether it’s playing for his local football team on a Saturday or cycling into work with the company’s cycle-to-work scheme in true green fashion, James is always on the move!

Ellis joined Aspirations as an Administrator at the start of 2021 with 4 years of experience in the industry after having worked for WP Financial Services. After only a few short months, Ellis was promoted to Senior Administrator, helping to support Administrators, Paraplanners and Financial Planners, as well as the wider team at Aspirations. Having completed the LP2 Financial Products and Solutions exam, Ellis is currently studying towards a certificate in Investment Operations with the CISI. Outside of work, Ellis enjoys playing football among many other social events. Ellis has participated in a variety of charity events for Cancer Research which is a subject that is very dear to his heart.  

Jacob joined Aspirations in June 2021 to help support the senior administrators, paraplanners and financial planners. Before joining Aspirations, Jacob obtained a law degree from Swansea University and went on to work in the Hartley Pensions’ SIPP department where he worked as an Administrator. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys playing a friendly game of football with friends and is a pub quiz enthusiast.

Mira joined Aspirations in November 2020 after a 9-year career working in the Retail sector. As an Administrator, Mira’s main focus is to support the Financial Planners and Paraplanners, as well as getting to grips with the financial services sector. When Mira isn’t working, she is nose-deep in a book or dreaming about where to travel next. A keen traveller, Mira has visited New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia among other countries, and is looking at her next trip abroad.  

Rachel joined Aspirations in June as Paraplanning Manager. With over 20 years of experience working in financial services, Rachel has worked across a number of roles that include advising, paraplanning and management. During this time, Rachel obtained a number of qualifications including her Level 6 Certified Financial Planner diploma.  Outside of work, Rachel is kept busy by her 7-year-old daughter and enjoys tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Greta joined the Aspirations team at the start of 2021 to help lead the company through a rebrand and to drive marketing initiatives. She brings with her 9 years of international marketing experience and has worked across a variety of sectors. Greta has a strong background in helping businesses to create their marketing functions to better meet the needs of customers and to cultivate growth. When Greta isn’t working she enjoys cooking and baking for her young family and relishes in long dog walks exploring the Somerset countryside.

Stephen is a Chartered Compliance Manager and works very closely with the Financial Planning team to ensure the advice given to clients is always in their best interests and meets all regulatory requirements. Steve has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services sector and is currently studying for his Level 7 to become a Chartered Wealth Manager. Stephen is also certified in Investment Management, Combating Financial Crime, Pensions Transfers, Mortgage Advice and Practice and Equity Release. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time with his family and is a proud season ticket holder of Bristol City with his eldest daughter. Stephen enjoys relaxing to Planet Rock with a single malt at hand.

Nickie is our Office Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the office. Nickie also oversees the financial administration of the business and has over 17 years of experience in financial services which include banking and wealth management. She brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to support the team at Aspirations. When Nickie isn’t working, she is spending quality time with her family or relaxing on the beach in Playa Del Carmen which she tries to visit yearly!