Andy Severn

Managing Director

Andy is Castlegate’s Managing Director and also a Director of Duncan & Toplis, in charge of their Grantham office where Castlegate is based. Andy originally joined the Group in December 1983 and specialises in tax advising on matters affecting individuals, settlements and businesses. Andy has particular expertise in advising agricultural estates and on farm diversification projects. Andy lives in Nottingham and lists cars, sport, travel and good food as his interests.

Email: andy.severn@casfin.co.uk

Nick Gardner

Director

Nick is a Director of Castlegate and has been assisting the Board since the company formation in 1994. Currently Managing Director of the InvestAcc Group, Nick has previously worked for a large provincial Accountancy Practice and a national pension provider specialising in the self-invested pension market. In addition to consultancy assignments Nick provides general financial planning advice to a wide portfolio of clients, many of which are second generation. Nick is a Chartered Financial Planner (APFS) and Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII). When not in the office Nick is a keen golfer.

Email: nick.gardner@casfin.co.uk

Graeme Hills

Director

Graeme is a Director of Castlegate, as well as a Director of Duncan & Toplis, and is based at the Grantham office. Graeme sits on the Castlegate Board, as well as its Investment Committee and is driven to support the team in providing a high-quality, client-focussed service at Castlegate. Graeme is also Head of Tax at Duncan & Toplis and sits on the Group’s Operations Board. Outside of the office, Graeme enjoys cooking, gardening, obeying the whims of his cat and is a keen American Football enthusiast.

Email: graeme.hills@casfin.co.uk

Jamie Moore

Office Manager

Jamie joined Castlegate in 2017 and works closely with the Board of Directors to manage the Adviser, Paraplanner and Administration teams. Jamie sits on Castlegate’s various committees to support and oversee a range of functions. Jamie has a background working within the education sector and holds the Award in Leadership and Management by the ILM. Jamie also holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by the CII and is currently working towards obtaining Chartered status. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with his friends, family and miniature dachshund, Sol.

Email: jamie.moore@casfin.co.uk

Joe Jones

Compliance Manager

Joe joined Castlegate in 2021 and provides compliance and technical support to our team of Financial Planners. Joe has a background in education and pension administration, and joined the financial services industry in 2017. Joe holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is currently working towards obtaining Chartered status. Outside of work, Joe enjoys running, painting and creative writing.

Email: joe.jones@casfin.co.uk

Marie Kerr

Deputy Office Manager

Marie is the Deputy Office Manager at Castlegate. Marie started with the firm in 2013 as administration support, before joining a busy adviser team. After gaining experience as a Financial Services Administrator, Marie originally became Deputy Office Manager in March 2016 and Office Manager in 2017 before taking maternity leave the following year. Returning as Deputy, Marie supports the smooth running of the office and loves to get her teeth into new projects. Prior to joining Castlegate, Marie had previous work experience within the financial industry. Outside of work Marie enjoys spending time with her partner and children, baking, gardening and home improvements.

Email: marie.kerr@casfin.co.uk

Kevin Adlington

Financial Planner

Kevin has over 32 years of experience in financial planning and joined Castlegate in 2023, specialising in investment, pension, protection and estate planning. Kevin believes the key role of an adviser is to simplify financial services and products to enable clients to achieve their objectives and goals. Outside of work Kevin is an enthusiastic sportsperson and enjoys playing football and table tennis.

Email: kevin.adlington@casfin.co.uk

Lucy Guinness

Financial Planner

In early 2023, Lucy became a member of the Castlegate team, contributing technical support and conducting research for our team of Financial Planners. Over time, she has advanced into a financial advice role with a focus on demystifying the complexities of the financial world and facilitating client comprehension. Lucy entered the financial services sector in 2021, having earned the Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers. Currently, she is on the path to achieving the Level 6 Diploma. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lucy finds joy in Formula One, horse riding, and, during the summer months, riding her motorbike.

Email: lucinda.guinness@casfin.co.uk

Heather Hodson

Chartered Financial Planner

Heather joined Castlegate in 2004 and is one of the firm’s longest serving Financial Planners. Heather holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute, providing her with Chartered Financial Planner status. Heather advises in all aspects of personal and corporate investment and protection, together with retirement and tax planning. Heather lives locally, has a keen interest in baking and enjoys travelling.

Email: heather.hodson@casfin.co.uk

Nick Lawson

Chartered Financial Planner

Nick has been with the firm since it started in 1994 and has been connected with Duncan & Toplis since leaving the Kings School in 1979. Nick is Castlegate’s longest serving Financial Planner, has achieved Chartered Financial Planner status and is an Associate of the Personal Finance Society. Nick has an extensive portfolio of clients specialising in investment, estate planning and portfolio management. Nick is a keen golfer and a qualified football referee. Nick hosts Castlegate’s Annual Charity Golf Day in aid of local charities.

Email: nick.lawson@casfin.co.uk

Carl Stephenson

Chartered Financial Planner
Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

Carl has worked within the financial services industry for over 20 years and joined Castlegate in 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from the investment, insurance and bancassurance sectors. Carl is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. Carl aims to simplify the complex nature of financial services and enjoys nothing more than helping individuals make the right financial decisions towards their long-term planning. Outside of work, Carl enjoys spending quality time with his family and, when time allows, challenging himself on the tennis court and in the gym.

Email: carl.stephenson@casfin.co.uk

Adam Thompson

Financial Planner

Adam has worked in the financial services sector since graduating from university in 2015. Starting out as an Administrator, Adam quickly moved into a Technical Analyst role and is now a qualified Financial Planner. Adam has obtained the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status. When Adam is not catching up on the sporting news or playing cricket for the village team in Welby, he will more than likely be found at the gym.

Email: adam.thompson@casfin.co.uk

Callum Tindall

Financial Planner

Callum joined Castlegate in 2023 and has worked in the financial services industry since 2017. Callum originally joined as a member of the paraplanning team and soon progressed into the Financial Planner role. Callum holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by the CII and is currently working towards a PhD in International Politics from the University of Nottingham. In his free time Callum is a sporting enthusiast, following his hometown team of Kings Lynn Town FC.

Email: callum.tindall@casfin.co.uk

Becky Womble

Financial Planner

Becky joined Castlegate in 2023 with 12 years of financial services experience. Becky originally started in the industry as an Administrator throughout college and university, before working as a Paraplanner whilst studying to become a Financial Adviser. Becky has obtained the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status. Becky has featured in the VouchedFor Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide four years running for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Becky helps to simplify the complex world of financial services for clients, working with them to plan their future. Outside of work, Becky loves to travel and to practice yoga and the aerial arts.

Email: Becky.Womble@casfin.co.uk

Nicola Brown

Paraplanner

Nicola has worked in financial services since graduating from university in 2011 with a degree in Law. Nicola joined Castlegate in 2013, quickly progressing through the firm and becoming a Financial Adviser following her achievement of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute. Nicola now works as a Paraplanner, providing technical analysis and research with a particular expertise in relation to pensions. Outside of work Nicola enjoys travelling, running and socialising with friends.

Kathryn Chamberlain

Lead Financial Services Administrator

Kathryn joined the Castlegate team in 2018, with experience of working as a Senior Administrator in the distribution sector. Kathryn works closely with the management team to support and develop Castlegate’s administration. Outside of the office, Kathryn is a member of her local netball and darts teams, and enjoys socialising and meals out with family and friends.

Richard Croft

Paraplanner

Richard joined the Castlegate team in 2014 and provides technical support for one of the firm’s Financial Planners. Richard has worked in the financial services industry for 30 years, with 15 as a Financial Planner himself. Richard holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning from the CII and the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice. Outside of work, Richard enjoys baking, gardening and going to the gym.

Laura Geeson

Paraplanner

Laura joined Castlegate in 2006 and currently provides paraplanning support to one of our longest-serving Chartered Financial Planners. Laura holds the Certificate in Financial Planning, the Certificate in Life & Pensions and the Award in Long-Term Care. Laura is currently working towards the CII’s Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading, eating out (and in!) and going on adventures with her husband and two sons.

Charlotte Hall

Paraplanner

Charlotte joined the Castlegate team in 2015 and has progressed from administrative support to paraplanning, ensuring suitability reports are accurately researched and completed to a high standard. Charlotte has a history of working in financial services and is currently studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys going to the gym, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren Hanson

Paraplanner

Lauren joined the firm in 2016 shortly after finishing sixth form and has progressed from administrative support to paraplanning, helping to provide high quality research and reports. She is currently studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning which she hopes to complete in the next couple of years. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling and long country walks with her two dogs.

Penny Harding

Lead Paraplanner

Penny joined the Castlegate team in 2004 and achieved the CII’s Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning soon after. After working as a Financial Planner for several years, Penny moved into Paraplanning and now provides research and technical support for our Financial Planners, together with training and development for Castlegate’s newest Paraplanners. Outside of work, Penny enjoys swimming, baking and trips away with her family.

Simon Hayes

New Business Administrator

Simon joined the Castlegate team in 2016 and works closely with the firm’s Financial Planners and Administrators. Prior to joining the firm, Simon worked in quality and training for the insurance industry. Outside of work, Simon is a football fanatic and an avid supporter of his local team, Grantham Town. Simon runs on a regular basis and proudly coaches the Gonerby U12s in Grantham.

Susan Maplethorpe

Receptionist

Susan joined Castlegate in 2003 and provides reception and administration support to the team and our clients. In her free time Susan enjoys keeping fit, gardening, reading, dining out and holidays abroad.

Natalie McKenzie

Receptionist

Natalie joined Castlegate in 2021 with over 20 years of administration and PA experience and currently works as part of our Reception team. Prior to joining Castlegate, Natalie had worked within the Financial Services industry in London. Outside of work, Natalie loves spending time with her family, 2 house bunnies and close friends. Natalie enjoys dancing, going out to eat and is a big TV and film enthusiast.

Hattie Moore

Financial Services Administrator

Hattie joined the Castlegate Team in 2021 with a background in team leadership and customer services. Hattie currently provides administrative support to the firm’s Advisers. Outside of the office, Hattie likes to read, bake and travel around the world.

Email: harriet.robertson@casfin.co.uk

Louise Naylor

SSAS Account Manager

Louise joined the team in 2006 and supports many of Castlegate’s self-administered pension schemes. Outside of the office, Louise enjoys cooking, baking, gardening and going to the gym, together with ferrying her son around between his various activities!

Asia O’Sullivan

Financial Services Administrator

Asia joined the Castlegate team in 2021 and provides support to the firm’s advisers and administrators, bringing with her 8 years of customer services and business management experience. Outside of work, Asia enjoys shopping for shoes to add to her extensive collection or trying to train her puppy, Pickle.

Sharon Sharp

Service Proposition Administrator

Sharon joined the Castlegate team in 1996 and now provides service proposition support to the Adviser teams. In her free time, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, her four cats (Gin, Tonic, Cider and Ed) and her three dogs (Bella, Rolo and Daisy).

Robert Singer

Financial Services Administrator

Robert joined the Castlegate team in 2024 following his graduation from the University of Newcastle and Northumbria University, where he studied economics and politics. Robert works closely with our Financial Planners and clients to provide administration support. Outside of work, Robert enjoys going to the gym, supporting the Leicester Tigers and spending time with his German Shepherd, Lyra.

Courtney Smith

Financial Services Administrator

Courtney joined the Castlegate team in 2023 after she found herself wanting a new challenge, subsequently pursuing a change of career with Castlegate. Courtney is currently working as a Financial Services Administrator providing administration support to a Financial Planner and our clients. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trips to the coast and exploring new places.

Leanne Taurins

Financial Services Administrator

Leanne joined Castlegate in 2016, originally as a member of the receptionist team. Leanne progressed into administration and has provided support to a number of Advisers and a range of clients. Leanne has a background in finance, and is currently working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of the office, Leanne enjoys socialising, spending time with family and travelling.

Kayleigh Wand

Financial Services Administrator

Kayleigh joined our team in 2022, having previously worked in the beauty industry. Kayleigh found herself wanting a new challenge and pursued a change in career with Castlegate. Kayleigh currently provides administration support to one of Castlegate’s longest-serving Financial Planners and is working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by the CII. In her spare time Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the English countryside.

Sophia Ward

Financial Services Administrator

Sophia joined the team in 2023, having previously worked in the dental industry. Sophia found herself wanting a fresh challenge and a career change, which led her to Castlegate. Sophia currently provides financial administration support to one of Castlegate’s Financial Advisers. In her spare time, Sophia enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two young nieces.

Email: sophia.ward@casfin.co.uk

Connie Young

Financial Services Administrator

Connie joined the Castlegate team in 2002 and has provided administration support to Adviser teams and within Castlegate Pension Administration. In her free time, Connie enjoys gardening, keeping fit, sewing classes and baking.