Andy Severn

Managing Director

Andy is Castlegate’s Managing Director. He is also a Director of Duncan & Toplis, in charge of their Grantham office where Castlegate is based. Andy is a member of Duncan & Toplis’s management board having joined the firm in December 1983. He specialises in tax advising and planning affecting individuals, settlements and businesses. Andy has particular expertise in advising agricultural estates and on farm diversification projects. Andy lives in the Cotswolds 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 is a member of Duncan & Toplis’ Tax Strategy Board, as well as Head of Legal Practice with Duncan & Toplis Probate Services Limited. Graeme lists Corporation Tax, capital allowances and VAT on land & property among his specialisms, as well as having involvement in the tax aspects of Lloyd’s underwriters as part of the Fidentia team. Graeme is driven by a genuine (and some might say unhealthy) enthusiasm for tax work, and providing bespoke tax advice aimed at the specific needs of each client. 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 is the Office Manager at Castlegate. He joined the firm in 2017, and works closely with the board of Directors to support the adviser, paraplanning and administration functions. Jamie has a background working within the education sector and holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by the CII, together with the Award in Leadership and Management by the ILM. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys going to the gym, watching the snooker and spending time with friends and family.

Email: jamie.moore@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 becoming part of a busy adviser team. With experience as a Financial Services Administrator to an IFA, 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. Marie has previous work experience within the Financial Industry. Marie lives in the local area with her partner and young daughter and enjoys baking, gardening, home improvements and of course, the odd cocktail with friends!

Email: marie.kerr@casfin.co.uk

Nicola Brown

Financial Planner
 

Nicola has worked in financial services since graduating from university in 2011 with a degree in Law. She joined Castlegate in 2013, quickly progressing through the firm, spending much of her time working as a technical analyst. Nicola has obtained the Regulated Diploma in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status, providing advice on all aspects of financial planning; with particular expertise in relation to pensions. Outside of work Nicola enjoys travelling, running and socialising with friends.

Email: nicola.brown@casfin.co.uk

Miranda Hickson

Chartered Financial Planner
Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

Miranda has worked in the financial services sector since graduating from university in 2002. Miranda joined Castlegate in 2021 with nearly 20 years of experience as a financial advisor. Miranda is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. Miranda deals in all aspects of financial planning across a wide range of clients. Outside of work, Miranda enjoys spending time with her family, walking Bobby the dog, and getting away in the campervan.

Email: miranda.hickson@casfin.co.uk

Heather Hodson

Chartered Financial Planner

Heather has been with the firm since 2004 and during this time has achieved Chartered Financial Planner status. Heather is an Independent Financial Adviser and deals in all aspects of personal and corporate investment and protection, along with pensions and tax planning. Heather lives locally and has a keen interest in baking, and enjoys traveling.

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 has achieved Chartered Financial Planner status and is an Associate of the Personal Finance Society. He has an extensive portfolio of clients specialising in the Investment, Estate Planning and Portfolio Management of the business. 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.

Email: nick.lawson@casfin.co.uk

Peter Normington

Financial Planner

Peter has been in the Financial Services industry since 1988 and joined Castlegate in 2012 having had over 25 years in the banking sector as an Independent Financial Adviser. Peter holds the Diploma in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is working towards Chartered status. Peter deals in all aspects of financial planning with both personal and corporate clients. In his spare time Peter enjoys walking, cooking, weekends away without the children and socialising with friends.

Email: peter.normington@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 Regulated Diploma in 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

Richard Croft

Paraplanner

Richard joined the Castlegate team in 2014 and provides paraplanning support to Castlegate’s longest-serving chartered financial planner. Richard has worked in the financial services industry for 30 years, with 15 as a financial planner. Richard holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning 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 chartered financial planners. Laura holds the Certificate in Financial Planning, Certificate in Life & Pensions and Award in Long-Term Care, and is currently working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading, eating out (and in!) and going on adventures with her 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

Financial Services Administrator

Lauren joined the firm in 2016 and provides administrative support in a long-standing team. Lauren started at Castlegate shortly after finishing Sixth Form, and is currently working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, long country walks with her Rottweiler and attending pilates and fitness classes (together with the odd cocktail or two!).

Penny Harding

Paraplanner

Penny joined the Castlegate team in 2004, and achieved the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning soon after. After working as a financial planner for several years, Penny moved into Paraplanning and provides technical support and research to the firm’s advisers. 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 advisers 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 U8s, a team one of his sons plays for.

Jodie Henson

Financial Services Administrator

Jodie joined the team in 2021 and provides administrative support to our busy adviser team. Jodie holds the Diploma for Financial Advisers from the London Institute of Banking & Finance. Outside of the office, Jodie enjoys barbequing with friends and family, exploring the world and playing badminton in the Nottinghamshire League.

Email: jodie.henson@casfin.co.uk

Joe Jones

Paraplanner

Joe joined Castlegate in 2021 and provides paraplanning 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 is currently working towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Outside of work, Joe enjoys running, painting and creative writing.

Natalie McKenzie-Grove

Financial Services Administrator

Natalie joined Castlegate in 2021 as administrative support, bringing 20 years of administration and PA experience with previous time spent in the financial services industry in London. Natalie is a huge TV and film enthusiast and loves spending time with her family, two house bunnies and close friends. Natalie enjoys dancing, going out to eat and the occasional jog.

Email: natalie.mckenzie@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!

Leanne Pretlove

Financial Services Administrator

Leanne joined Castlegate in 2016, originally as a member of the receptionist team. Leanne has since 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 trying new restaurants and travelling to new places with her son.

Kathryn Rowe

Financial Services Administrator

Kathryn joined the Castlegate team in 2018, with experience of working as a Senior Administrator in the distribution sector. 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. Kathryn is studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

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.

Lynn Dolphin

Receptionist

Sue Fowler

Accounts Administrator

Tina Loosemore

Administrator

Susan Maplethorpe

Receptionist

Sharon Sharp

Service Proposition Administrator