Our Valuable Team Members
Andrew LaithwaiteIndependent Financial Adviser & Managing Director
Andrew is the Managing Director and oversees the day to day management of the firm. Prior to setting up Laithwaite Financial Services Ltd, Andrew was the Manager of the Financial Services Department for Robbins Olivey Solicitors. Prior to that he was employed by Sun Life as a Financial Adviser and has over 25 years’ experience in dispensing financial advice.
Richard BraidIndependent Financial Adviser
Richard joined the firm at the start of 2016 and brings with him over 22 years’ experience in the industry, the majority of this as an Independent Financial Adviser. Richard holds advanced qualifications in both Investment Management and Retirement Planning.
Ian CrumpIndependent Financial Adviser
Before he joined Laithwaite Financial Services in April 2018, Ian has accumulated 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Starting in Ascot, before spending 8 years working for a firm in Richmond, Ian has worked for local firms providing advice to both private and corporate clients. In recent years Ian has developed a specialism working in the Auto Enrolment arena, assisting a number of small and medium sized companies in implementing their new workplace pension schemes.
Ian has a Postgraduate MBA in Business and has attained the Diploma in Financial Planning as well as the required qualifications to provide advice in respect of Long Term Care.
Ian has a Postgraduate MBA in Business and has attained the Diploma in Financial Planning as well as the required qualifications to provide advice in respect of Long Term Care.
Rob SuttonChartered Financial Planner
Rob joined in 2019. He brings more than 26 years of experience in diverse roles at independent financial advice and wealth management firms, life assurance companies and employee benefit consultancies. He has given expert advice on pensions and investments to many household name organisations and their leadership teams.
James EagerIndependent Financial Adviser
Following the completion of his Accounting & Finance Degree, James started his career in 2021 working as an administrator for a Wealth Management company. James joined Laithwaite Financial Services as an administrator in March 2023 and is keen to gain more experience looking at whole of market financial advice. James has recently completed his Diploma in Financial Planning and is now working towards Chartered status.
Harry TheiakodimitrisConsultant
Harry began his career in the hospitality industry, where he developed a strong appreciation for delivering exceptional customer service. In 2016, he transitioned into financial services, joining Old Mutual Wealth as a pension and investment administrator.
After gaining a solid understanding of the industry, Harry chose to further his career in paraplanning, becoming Laithwaite Financial Services’ first Junior Paraplanner. He now works in a consultant role for Laithwaite Financial Services.
After gaining a solid understanding of the industry, Harry chose to further his career in paraplanning, becoming Laithwaite Financial Services’ first Junior Paraplanner. He now works in a consultant role for Laithwaite Financial Services.
Carly McCloskeyParaplanner
Carly joined Laithwaite Financial Services in June 2021 having worked in the financial services industry since 2002; she began as an Administrator before progressing to a Paraplanner role.
Carly started her career working for Independent Financial Advisers and most recently, spent 9 years working for a Wealth Management company. Carly attained the Certificate in Financial Planning in 2009, the Diploma in Financial Planning in 2018 and is working towards completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
Carly started her career working for Independent Financial Advisers and most recently, spent 9 years working for a Wealth Management company. Carly attained the Certificate in Financial Planning in 2009, the Diploma in Financial Planning in 2018 and is working towards completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
Nicola PerkinsParaplanner
Nicola joined Laithwaite Financial Services in June 2025 having worked in the financial services industry since 1999, starting as an Administrator with Prudential before moving to provide administrative support to a Wealth Management company. From 2005 onwards, Nicola has worked as a Paraplanner for Independent Financial Advisers and has attained the Diploma in Financial Planning.
Jemma LongParaplanner
Jemma joined the firm in late 2025, bringing with her four years of valuable experience as a Paraplanner with Independent Financial Advisers. Having successfully completed her Diploma in Financial Planning, she is now focused on deepening her expertise in Paraplanning while preparing to transition into a Financial Adviser role. She is thoroughly enjoying her journey as a Paraplanner and is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead at Laithwaite Financial Services.
Tom CunnliffeParaplanner
Tom joined Laithwaite Financial Services in April 2026 with eight years’ experience in financial services. He began his career as an intern at a discretionary fund manager after completing his Master’s in Finance in 2018, later moving into Private Client Advice. He went on to lead the paraplanning department at another wealth management firm. Tom holds the Diploma in Investment Advice and is working towards Chartered status.
Jane CoxonOffice Manager & Assistant to Ian Crump
Jane started her career in retail following her graduation from Liverpool University. After various head office planning and marketing roles, she took a career break to look after her children, joining Laithwaite Financial Services in 2009. Jane holds the Award in Financial Administration, Certificate in Investment Operations and Certificate in Financial Services, Cert CII (FS). Jane works closely with Andrew Laithwaite, providing operational support in all areas and also provides administrative support to Ian Crump.
Sharon MitchellSenior Administrator & Assistant to Richard Braid
Sharon has worked in the financial services industry since 1984. She spent 13 years working in the head office of Crown Financial Management and since 1997 has provided administrative support to Independent Financial Advisers and joined Laithwaites in 2006. In addition to the administration of private clients, Sharon also handles the administration of our corporate business.
Victoria InglisSenior Administrator & Assistant to Robert Sutton
Victoria has worked in the financial services industry since 2002 in a variety of roles for product providers, including Zurich and Friends Provident. She joined the firm at the start of 2018 having returned from a career break raising her family. Victoria is supporting the newly expanded paraplanning team, and is working towards completing her Diploma in Financial Planning.
Jamie LaithwaiteAdministrator & Assistant to Andrew Laithwaite
Following Jamie’s graduation from University in May 2023, where he studied Business Studies with Marketing, he entered the corporate housing industry with a company he connected with during his placement year. Jamie has now joined Laithwaite Financial Services, bringing the experience he gained working with high-net-worth clients and is working towards the completion of the Diploma in Financial Planning.
Sue BystramReceptionist & Administrator
Sue first worked as an office administrator at the Ministry of Defence in London and has since developed her skills in a variety of public and private sector roles. Her previous experience includes working for the NHS and OFSTED, as well as the Priory Group and Surrey County Council.
Aidan KellyAdministrator & Assistant to Andrew Laithwaite
Aidan joined the company in August 2025 bringing with him a strong background in hospitality management. Earlier this year Aidan made the transition into the financial services sector, focusing on inheritance tax solutions and prospecting. Now at Laithwaite Financial Services, Aidan supports the team as an administrator to Andrew Laithwaite, whilst continuing to work towards his Diploma in Financial Planning.
Linda WarnerAdministrator
Linda has over 30 years’ experience within the financial industry. She spent 10 years with Allianz (formerly Cornhill Insurance) where she headed a life claims department at their head office. In 2000 she moved to a local IFA firm during which time she gained her Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP) qualification, going on to join Laithwaite Financial Services in January 2013.
Maria PolitiAccounts Manager
Maria joined the firm in 2013, with a primary responsibility for managing our accounts and financial transactions. Maria has an Accounting Certificate and she has experience working as a Junior Accountant. Following this role she ran her own business for some time before going on to work as a manager for a Major US retailer.
Sophie DayAdministrator
Sophie has worked in the financial services industry since 2002 when she joined a financial services firm in Ripley as a part time secretary, eventually specialising in mortgage administration. In 2004 Sophie completed her Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA) and subsequently passed the Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP) bridge qualification. Now she looks after the accounting side of the business.