Adviser & Office Support

Catherine joined Atkins Bland in 2018 to provide specialist assistance to the Adviser team in a range of areas requiring a high level of technical knowledge in financial planning.

Catherine started out in the Financial Services industry in 2006, originally as a qualified Mortgage and Protection Adviser before moving into the pensions and investments side of the business as a Paraplanner after starting a family. Her main responsibility is to support the Adviser and Administration teams in ensuring that the company is running as well as it possibly can, providing a smooth and efficient service that meets the expectations and needs of our clients and regulator.

Outside of work she is a busy mother to two children, Chair of Governors for their school and an avid football fan who enjoys attending Southampton FC matches with her son.

Michelle joined ABL in January 2022, having previously undertaken administrative roles within training and office management, now ensuring the office is well “Coordinated” in every aspect of supporting staff and clients alike.

In her own words:

“I joined Atkins Bland in January 2022 after a long career training apprentices in practical skills and customer service skills to management level. My role as office co-ordinator here at Atkins Bland allows me to be customer facing, talking to clients over the telephone and face to face. On a daily basis I support our friendly team with administrative tasks. I also have the pleasure of organising social events to allow our team to continue to bond”

In Miles’ own words:

"I joined Atkins Bland in March 2018, initially working as part of our Portfolio Review Team, while studying to gain my professional qualifications. I obtained my Diploma for Financial Advisers from the LIBF in October 2021, and I'm currently working as a Trainee Financial Advisor with the intention of soon becoming a fully fledged Financial Adviser.

I enjoy helping people in achieving their financial goals and guiding them through the financial planning process.

Outside of work, I spend most of my free time playing sports. I enjoy running, football and golf".

In Anne’s own words:

“I have been PA/Technical administrator assisting clients looked after by Darren Coughlan since 2010. My role is to provide support in all aspects of client servicing, including writing financial reports/advice letters, preparation of client portfolio reviews, processing changes to client's portfolios, research and analysis and other general administrative duties (and, of course, being a point of contact for our clients).

I have Financial Planning Certificates to level 3, and also a Certificate of Mortgage Advice & Practice”

Elaine has worked in various financial services roles for over 30 years, most recently as a mortgage and protection adviser.

She joined Atkins Bland in January 2023 as a paraplanner assisting the advisers with research and report writing. She is enjoying the varied role the change in career path offers.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends and keeping fit at the gym and long outdoor walks.

Nicole joined in 2015 and looks after Kevin and his clients with a cheerful “can do” attitude and all the attributes needed for such a demanding job.

In Terris’ own words:

“I have worked as a part of Atkins Bland since 1996. I have seen the company and industry change and it has been great to see the firm grow. I work closely with clients looked after by Simon Cox, assisting in executing portfolio changes and new business, gathering necessary client information and generally helping ensure our clients receive the very highest level of personal service and attention.

I am the main point of contact for Simon's clients, and so have a good understanding of each individual case as it comes through our team.”

In Debbie’s’ own words:

"I have worked closely with Darren Coughlan and Jim Salmon since 2011, as a PA for both, assisting in the development and execution of portfolio reviews, research and analysis, liaising with clients and providers and general administration.

I hold the Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP), the CII Level 3 Award in Financial Administration, and am also studying for the CII Certificate of Paraplanning."

In Nina’s own words:

“I have been working for clients looked after by Simon Cox in the pensions team since 2006. My main duties include preparing pension and investment reviews, and the administration for clients across different wrap providers. I also look after the group schemes and their members, and ensure each of our clients is treated in an efficient and friendly way.

I hold the certificate in CII (FA2) Pensions Administration”.

Heather combines the roles of P.A. and wife of director John Knott and joined the firm shortly after John did.

In Heather’s own words:

"I enjoy the challenges of working in a changing industry, for a firm which holds knowing its clients, honesty and integrity as its main objectives.

Outside work, I enjoy renovating and showing classic vehicles, and canal boating."

In Leanne’s own words:

“I've been part of the team assigned to clients looked after by Simon Cox since 2007 and assist with typing and delivering client correspondence, as well as other general administrative duties.

It is good to work in such a tight-knit team with a deep understanding of our client's needs”

Kelly joined Atkins Bland mid 2018 as a receptionist and quickly progressed to the role of Personal Assistant to the Adviser Team.

In Kelly’s own words:

“My job is all about helping clients and supporting the Adviser Team. I enjoy working for a team of Advisers as it provides me with a wide variation of tasks to help with. I help ensure that all our clients receive a smooth and efficient service.

Most of my spare time is spent with my son, exercising at the gym, and keeping up with family and friends.”

Amy joined Atkins Bland on a part time basis in 2019 having worked for HMRC for over 15 Years. Amy’s role includes manning the reception and supporting the teams with general administration tasks.

Dawn joined Atkins Bland in 2018 to provide support to John’s team and his clients.

In Dawn’s own words

“I have many years’ experience in the financial services and banking sectors.

I was delighted to join the company whose professionalism and commitment to providing exceptional, personal service to their clients is refreshing after a number of years working in the corporate world”.

Liz joined Atkins Bland in 2022 to help support our Accounts Department, bringing with her a wealth of experience after spending the majority of her career assisting businesses in various accounting and finance roles.

In Liz’s own words:

“I have around 30 years’ experience in accountancy. I enjoy working at Atkins Bland as it is a new area of finance for me, and I find the company to be both highly professional and incredibly friendly.

My spare time is mainly spent with my family and friends and I am an avid open water swimmer.”