"I've always found the advice and service that I receive to be of the highest standard with a commitment to long term service received from all within the business."
Simon Pain
Personal and Corporate client for 25 years
Simon Pain
Personal and Corporate client for 25 years
It is true what they say, any company is only good as its people and at Boolers we're proud of our team.
Click on each name to find out more: -
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David Ball
- David originally trained with Equity and Law (Now AXA) in 1973 and subsequently built up experience with NPI, MG and Prudential. He joined Boolers in December 1986 and became a partner in May 1990.
David enjoys client contact and continues to be the cornerstone of business development. Having taken the company’s helm in December 2003 he is keen to continue steering Boolers through its next period of development and beyond.
On a personal front David is married to Barbara with 2 sons, Richard and Chris. He is an avid fan of sport with a particular love for cricket and Derby County FC.
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Paul Quaid
- Paul came to Boolers after spending 7 years at Pointon York. With 20 years experience in the industry, he has now been at Boolers 13 years and became a Partner in January 2002. Paul has a wealth of experience specifically in the SSAS and SIPP marketplace.
Time away from work is enjoyed with his family, spending time with his wife and two children together with looking after his house-full of pets.
He enjoys skiing and playing tennis and watches various sports, particularly rugby.
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Richard Borrington
- Richard's career in Financial Services began after graduating in 1998. He has been an Independent Financial Planner since 2003 and joined Boolers in early 2008.
He has obtained the PFS Diploma Qualification and is a member of the Personal Finance Society. Day to day he’s out visiting clients and professional firms, providing specialist advice in pensions and wealth management.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys playing and watching competitive sport, seeing a good film and “doing up” the house.
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Michelle Mason
- With over 17 years experience within the industry, Michelle started working with a local Financial Advisory firm, followed by The Bank of Scotland and joined Boolers in September 2009.
Michelle has always been a strong advocate of independent financial advice. As a member of the Personal Finance Society, she currently advises clients on a wide range of financial planning areas including SSAS and SIPPs, Investments and Protection together with providing Group Pension advice to corporate clients.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys keeping fit by cycling and is a keen Derby County supporter.
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Chris Ball
- Chris initially joined us as part of his university placement and is now a full time member of the team. This has enabled Chris to get to know the organisation and learn about Financial Services in more depth, and is working towards his Diploma in Financial Planning, having already gained the Certificate in Financial Planning.
Having graduated from Manchester University with an upper second class level degree (2.1) Chris rejoined the business in 2009 and is now a member of the consultancy team.
When not at work Chris enjoys both watching and playing sports, listening to music and thoroughly enjoys winter holidays abroad skiing whenever possible.
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Andrew White
- Andrew moved into Financial Services straight from University over 20 years ago, initially working for another provincial adviser before joining Boolers in 1996. He became a partner in 2002 and runs the Investment Team, formulating investment strategy.
Outside of work, his interests include golf, cricket, laborious visits to the gym, travelling, skiing, food & drink. He is also a member and keen follower of Leicester Tigers.
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Gavin O'Neill
- Gavin's financial services career began in 1992 when he joined a local IFA firm straight from college as a trainee. He joined Boolers in 2004 and now holds the PFS Diploma Qualification.
His role with Boolers as one of the Investment Managers is overseeing the construction and analysis of client investment portfolios.
In his spare time Gavin enjoys time with his wife and two young sons, Jake and Toby, prior to which he played rugby for a number of years. He now enjoys Rugby from the stands, as a regular supporter watching his local team, Leicester Tigers.
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Louis Totaro
- Louis joined Boolers in January 2006.
He graduated from Southampton Solent University in 1998 with a 2.1 Honours Degree in Business Studies after which he joined the Financial Services Industry. During this time he accumulated a wealth of experience gaining his Financial Planning Certificate.
As an Investment Account Manager, he is responsible for the formulation and ongoing management of our client’s investments.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending a great deal of time with his family. One of his other past-times is Campanology and since January 2000 has held the position of Ringing Master at All Saints Parish Church, Oakham.
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Nina Ljuna
- Nina has built a wealth of experience within client services, working at Centrica and moving on to work as a PA to a Property Manager prior to joining Boolers.
She joined us in 2005 as Office Assistant, Nina’s role is now supporting administrator to the Head of Investment Management, Andrew White. This role has enabled Nina’s experience widen greatly in the world of investments.
Nina loves spending time with her children and family, as well as cooking for friends and enjoying a good movie.
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Blake Beardsley
- Blake joined the Investment Team in December 2009 having graduated from Derby University with a BA in Business Studies. During his time at University, Blake spent time as a Junior Auditor at Smith Cooper in Derby together with spending time with Boolers as an Administrator.
Blake is working towards becoming one of our Investment Account Managers, and whilst not at work is a very keen sports fan, in particular playing football and has a love for skiing for his winter holiday.
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Carole Waghorne
- Carole joined Boolers in 2000, and has been in the industry for 15 years following completion of an honours law degree.
Carole’s role is Pensions Manager, with responsibility for the SSAS, SIPP and Group teams, providing technical support to our advisers, external professional contacts and clients. In addition to her Degree Carole has also achieved her PFS Diploma.
Having become a Mum at the beginning of 2009, Carole enjoys the challenges and rewards this brings. When there is any time to spare Carole likes enjoys reading, watching rugby and attending music concerts.
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Chris Ward
- Chris joined Boolers during the summer of 2005, having previously worked as a SIPP administrator for Pointon York SIPP Solutions and Berry Birch & Noble Trustees. In 2001, Chris completed a degree in Financial Services at Sheffield Hallam University and he has more recently been awarded a Diploma in Financial Planning by the CII.
Chris's role as Assistant Pension Manager means he assists the Pension Manager, Carole Waghorne, with her duties, provides technical advice and support to staff, whilst administering a portfolio of 25 Small Self Administered Schemes.
Outside of work Chris's life is mainly centred around his family and his two children. When time allows he enjoys art and music and watching football, cricket and American football.
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Maria Bagshaw
- Maria has over 8 years experience, graduating with her Business Studies Degree in 2001. Having spent time with various IFA companies, including Michael Ambrose Ltd, Berkeley Burke Financial Planning and Ward Mitchell Limited she then joined Boolers in 2005. Maria was promoted to the role of SIPP Team Leader in 2007 and since then has achieved her full PFS Diploma qualification.
When not at work Maria enjoys the theatre, spending time with family and friends and is very creative with her art projects.
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Sarah Makosch
- Sarah starts her maternity leave on Friday 15 July 2011, we wish her every success (and good luck!) in her new role as a Mum.
Sarah has a wealth of experience having worked in the Pension industry for a total of 11 years, and specifically within the SIPP environment for 9 of those years. She has also qualified to Financial Planning Certificate level.
When not involved with Pensions Sarah likes nothing more than socialising with friends and catching up on the latest movies.
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Mary Jackson
- Mary has worked within Financial Services for over 38 years. Since joining Boolers in 2007 she has worked with various departments in the firm and now assists the specialist pension departments.
Outside of work Mary enjoys keeping fit by walking and swimming, as well as relaxing with a good book and general socialising.
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Dominic Gray
- Dominic joined Boolers in May 2010. Having gained valuable Financial Services and Corporate Benefits experience through employment with T F Bell, AXA PPP and Canada Life UK Ltd, Dom is qualified to CeFA III level.
Away from his desk, Dom has an interest in motorsport, having previous experience in rallying, as well as 5-a-side football and socialising with friends.
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Amy Wood
- Amy originally joined the SIPP Team in March 2009, transferring over from SIPP specialist Mattioli Woods, she has over 7 years’ experience in the pensions industry.
Outside of work Amy enjoys travelling which includes recent trips to Central and South America and the Far East, music, and socialising with friends and family.
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Jon Richards
- Jon's experience in the SSAS environment spans more than 17 years, joining Boolers in 2002. His role as SSAS Team Leader adds to his vast experience in self invested pensions.
When not overseeing his SSAS team Jon enjoys mountain biking and golf and when not indulging these interests always has time to follow his local football team, Leicester City.
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Alison Wheatley
- Alison reached her first decade with Boolers in August 2010. After Graduating in 1993, Alison worked in the Final Salary Pension department at Leicester City Council, bringing her total experience in pensions to over 12 years.
During this time Alison has gained the Financial Planning Certificate, together with the Advanced Pensions Qualification G60.
Her spare time is mostly devoted to being with her two young sons, allowing herself a little bit of time now and then for socialising with her friends.
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Laura Mitchell
- Originally joining Boolers as a Typing Assistant in 1996, Laura showed an aptitude for pensions and is now a member of our SSAS team, taking care of a portfolio of schemes.
Laura admits that Boolers has witnessed a number of changes to her personal life, not least being the arrival of her two children and a step-son. Whilst away from work, Laura enjoys time to herself getting stuck into her favourite book or listening to her favourite music if she isn’t tending the overgrown allotment!
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Sarah McMullan
- Sarah joined Boolers in May 2011. She has worked in the pensions industry and specifically with SIPP and SSAS pension schemes since graduating from Keele University in 2007.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys going to the cinema, shopping, dining out with friends and going on holiday.
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Sarah Bailey
- Sarah is available to assist you with any issues concerning financial services regulation. She has actually worked for the firm twice, initially between 1992 and 2000, and then rejoining the firm in April 2002. Sarah joined the industry in 1984, initially for a national Bank before moving into the independent financial advice sector in 1986.
She has a wide range of financial services experience, including roles within pensions and investment management, and was authorised as a financial adviser from 1992 until 2008. Regulation and compliance have been her areas of expertise since 2000. Her title of Compliance Manager includes acting as the firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Complaint Officer. Sarah is an Associate of The Personal Finance Society (APFS) and is heavily involved with the recruitment and training processes within the firm.
Outside of work Sarah’s passions are history, travel and good food, which she manages to combine as regularly as the firm allows!
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Louise Wilcox
- Initially, Louise began her career with Boolers in 2007 as Office Assistant. Duties at that time were varied assisting the very busy SSAS and SIPP departments.
In June 2009 she received promotion to Compliance Assistant, alongside the Compliance Manager, Sarah Bailey. Louise’s duties now involve extensive in-depth reading which broadens her knowledge and understanding of the Financial Services Authority and procedures within Boolers.
Away from work Louise enjoys spending time with her daughter who keeps her just as busy and is also partial to a game of Pool and has taken up gardening, when the sun is shining!
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Joan Higginson
- With more than 35 years in the Financial Services Industry Joan joined our ranks in 1997. Prior to this Joan worked with Fenchurch followed by Pointon York. Over the years she has gained the Financial Planning Certificate qualification together with the Advanced Pension Qualification G60.
Joan’s role at Boolers involves administration of all insured products including life and Pension polices for individuals and Group schemes including employee benefits.
Outside of work she enjoys entering all manner of competitions – her last success being a weekend in Rome in 2008 courtesy of Just Retirement – very nice!
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Val Percival
- Val joined the Group team in August 2006. Her previous experience included working as an Administrator for a medical company for 8 years. Previous to this she was employed by BUPA for 13 years.
At Boolers her role involves dealing with Individual Insured Pension and Life cases together with Insured Company Products such as Group Pension Schemes and Group Protection cover.
When away from work she enjoys going regularly to shows and concerts, gardening and travelling when the opportunity strikes.
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David France
- David joined Boolers in November 2009.
David has a vast amount of accounting experience with over 28 years in the industry. The first 18 years within audit practice before moving into industry working for Small Medium Entities in the areas of Conference & Incentive Travel and later the Mechanical & Electrical business.
Time away from the office is spent with his wife, daughter and son.
David admits to being an “absolute sports fanatic” – sadly watching not playing now, frustrated golfer and mad Gooner follower.
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Bev Bell
- Bev has been with us now for over 4 years having previously worked for Norwich Union for 25 years in accounts. Bev’s role is primarily assisting David France within the accounts department.
Time away from work is enjoyed with her husband and 2 children and she admits to being an avid Manchester United Fan.
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Tracey Law
- Tracey has worked within financial services for over 15 years and she is a long serving employee of Boolers having been with us over 9 years. Her main duties include general administration and coordination of office supplies.
When not at work she enjoys time with her beloved Chinese Crested dogs, attending music concerts and watching rugby.
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Sheila Stewart
- Sheila joined Boolers on a part time basis after 20 years as a PA at a Leicestershire college and four years in Occupational Health. Her interests include live music and acoustic evenings, holidays abroad, walking in the Lake District, archaeology and secretarial support for the Leicester Search Society (metal detecting).
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Nicola Askins
- Nicola joined Boolers at the start of 2011 having worked previously for a local IFA firm for nine years and for ten years in the banking industry.
Travelling is certainly a hobby. Nicola has worked in South Africa for a year and lived in Canada for three years.
Outside of work Nicola enjoys entertaining with family and friends and spending time in her garden trying to keep it presentable!
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Ben Lancaster
- After finishing further education Ben decided to follow in his father's footsteps and work towards becoming a Financial Adviser. He joined Boolers in December 2010 under the Trainee Financial Services Professional programme. Ben will spend at least 6 months in each department of the business to gain experience and knowledge, supplemented by studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Away from work Ben loves spending time playing and watching sport, particularly golf and has represented Leicestershire. He also admits to being from a family of avid Manchester United fans much to the dismay of many of his colleagues!
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Ami Dewick
- Ami joined Boolers in October 2011 after graduating from The University of Leicester with a degree in mathematics. Ami will spend the first 6 months of her training within the pensions department gaining experience and knowledge, supplemented by studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
In her spare time she likes to socialise with family and friends, and tries to keep fit at the gym.
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Jo Clamp
- Jo joined Boolers in March 2011 to take up the newly developed role of HR Manager. She brings with her a wealth of experience in all aspects of Human Resource Management including recruitment and staff development, having spent over 20 years in a variety of Senior HR Advisor posts in the NHS.
In her spare time Jo enjoys spending time with her family; her husband, three children, two cats and a horse, and enjoys socialising with friends. She also enjoys running, taking part in 10K runs when motivated to do so!
