Financial Planning isn’t just about facts and figures
It’s about helping our clients to make smarter financial decisions, to allow them to reach their goals.
Request a meetingWe are Independent, award-winning Chartered Financial Planners
We’re passionate about achieving exceptional client outcomes for every person we work with.
Established over 35 years ago, we are a firm of Independent and Chartered Financial Planners providing no-nonsense financial planning services to people across Yorkshire and beyond.
We believe financial planning is about enabling you to attain, and more importantly maintain, the lifestyle you choose. It’s all about getting you to where you want to be – wherever that is.
That’s exactly what we do for the people we work with.
Our accreditations evidence our excellence.
This means you can be reassured you’re dealing with advisers who are committed to providing the very highest standards of advice and client care.
Here are some of the accreditations that make us stand out from the crowd:
Financial Planners with the highest standards of advice and client care
Our accreditations prove we have the skills and experience to deliver exceptional financial planning services.
Our service can only be as strong as the people who deliver it. Fortunately, we have a team who have the skills and experience to do just that.
Deb is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (one step beyond individual Chartered status) and has worked for PenLife since 2013, with 20 years banking experience prior to this. Deb is a holistic planner but specialises in Retirement and Lifestyle Planning (transforming clients’ lives and helping them get the most out of their investments over the long-term). Guiding clients get to the bottom of what they really want out of life, Deb then coordinates their finances to facilitate whatever it is they’re looking for. Developing a trusted ongoing relationship in which the client feels completely comfortable is extremely important to Deb. And one of Deb’s biggest skills is putting clients at ease by making complex scenarios easy to understand. Deb also manages the activity of the sales team and, as one of four Board Directors, is responsible for making strategic and operational decisions to drive the business forward.
Meet Deb
Tom has been with PenLife since 2009, having worked in pensions since 2002, and over that time has amassed a wealth of knowledge. In 2023, Tom achieved his Chartered status. With his unquestionable experience, as Senior Financial Planner, Tom has helped hundreds of clients in all areas of advice; specialising in Inheritance Tax and Retirement Planning (specialising in Pension Transfers). Tom is well versed in dealing with complicated tax and pension planning, while being able to lay this out for clients in such a way that they gain valuable understanding and confidence to move forward together on the most suitable path. Tom’s dual role sees him on the Board of Directors and he is responsible for protecting the interests and viability of the company in order to guide it towards a successful future.
Meet Tom
Nina joined PenLife in 2013. She has over 30 years’ experience in financial services spanning various roles, from office management to compliance to adviser support. As Administration and Compliance Team Leader, Nina is responsible for ensuring that the business, the employees and all projects comply with all relevant regulations – by ensuring that all policies and processes comply with regulatory and ethical standards. In addition, Nina is responsible for coaching and developing our team of administrators who provide support to the advisers and take care of our clients’ needs. As one of four Board Directors, Nina provides leadership and oversight to enable the company to reach its goals.
Meet Nina
Bernadette (otherwise known as ‘B’) has worked in financial services for over 28 years and joined PenLife in January 2013. She’s worked in various roles, including being a Financial Planner. B’s passion lies in the business-side of things, and as Data & Project Team Leader, B ensures the company runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. She is responsible for providing integrated direction, management, and leadership across all company projects. B is also one of four Board Directors and is responsible for strategic planning, ensuring that it continually aligns with the company vision.
Meet BernadetteThe highly-qualified and accredited Financial Planners who make proper financial planning possible.
Deb is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (one step beyond individual Chartered status) and has worked for PenLife since 2013, with 20 years banking experience prior to this. Deb is a holistic planner but specialises in Retirement and Lifestyle Planning (transforming clients’ lives and helping them get the most out of their investments over the long-term). Guiding clients get to the bottom of what they really want out of life, Deb then coordinates their finances to facilitate whatever it is they’re looking for. Developing a trusted ongoing relationship in which the client feels completely comfortable is extremely important to Deb. And one of Deb’s biggest skills is putting clients at ease by making complex scenarios easy to understand. Deb also manages the activity of the sales team and, as one of four Board Directors, is responsible for making strategic and operational decisions to drive the business forward.
Meet DebTom has been with PenLife since 2009, having worked in pensions since 2002, and over that time has amassed a wealth of knowledge. In 2023, Tom achieved his Chartered status. With his unquestionable experience, as Senior Financial Planner, Tom has helped hundreds of clients in all areas of advice; specialising in Inheritance Tax and Retirement Planning (specialising in Pension Transfers). Tom is well versed in dealing with complicated tax and pension planning, while being able to lay this out for clients in such a way that they gain valuable understanding and confidence to move forward together on the most suitable path. Tom’s dual role sees him on the Board of Directors and he is responsible for protecting the interests and viability of the company in order to guide it towards a successful future.
Meet Tom
After a 20-year career in Sales and Computing, John began working in financial services in 2002. He initially worked for the financial services arm of a firm of accountants based in Halifax. He joined Pen-Life in 2011 and qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2012. He has a wealth of experience advising about pensions and has specific expertise in investments and Inheritance Tax planning. He has extensive experience helping clients grow and protect their wealth; using a variety of tax effective investment strategies to help clients achieve their goals and aspirations. John thoroughly enjoys the process of advising. In his own words, “it’s often possible to make a real difference to people’s wealth and wellbeing”.
Meet John
Louis joined PenLife in 2014, after a eureka moment of deciding he wanted to work in finance. He started as an apprentice and after several years of hard work, grit and dedication he progressed through the ranks, successfully qualifying as a Chartered Financial Planner at the age of 26! Specialising in retirement planning, including pension, investment and tax planning advice, Louis finds being able to make a real difference to people’s lives is the most rewarding part of the job. He loves the fact that each client is unique, one of the highlights of his role is understanding more about who they are as individuals, so that he can build financial plans to meet their aspirations. Louis is also involved in training younger members of the admin team and helping them on their financial services journey – a journey that Louis is very familiar with!
Meet Louis
Adam joined PenLife 2012 as an apprentice and after dedicating several years of hard work and study, (most of his weekends and evenings were spent with his head in a book!), he qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2022. Adam also became a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society in 2023. Adam’s expertise is listening to people’s aspirations, then guiding them every step of the way to the right financial path. He finds the most enjoyable aspect of his role is being a part of making a positive difference in people’s lives; whether that’s creating a plan so they can retire earlier than expected or helping their children onto the property ladder. With specialisms in retirement planning, including pension, investment and tax planning, Adam helps people make sense of their finances without the confusing jargon. Adam also provides help and support to the younger members of the team, helping them with their studies and coaching them through their financial services journey.
Meet Adam
James has worked in Financial Services for over 8 years and joined PenLife in January 2022. He is an experienced financial planner and after extreme hard work and dedication, James has become a Chartered Financial Planner. He enjoys really getting to know his clients and helping them on their journey to meet their financial and life goals. He has built up extensive technical knowledge in a number of areas including pension and investment planning, retirement planning as well as estate planning. Ultimately, James looks to create financial plans that provide his clients with confidence and clarity, enabling them to live the life they want to.
Meet James
Craig joined the PenLife team at the start of 2022 as an experienced Financial Planner and achieved Chartered status in 2023. Specialising in investment, pensions and inheritance tax planning advice, Craig helps clients plan for their futures, work out what they want to do with their time and money and then encourages them to do it. Be it a long-awaited gift to a loved one or reassuring them that they can retire earlier than they had planned. Craig has a knack for being able to help convey complex information in an easy to understand fashion.
Meet Craig
Soyfur is a Financial Planning Professional. Having completed his degree in Accounting and Finance, he has been working in financial services – gaining over 18 years of experience, specialising in IHT, investment and pensions
Recognising that each client has individual needs, Soyfur dedicates himself to understanding and appreciating each client’s situation before making recommendations. Soyfur prides himself on communicating effectively so clients will have the utmost confidence in all phases of their lives. He likes to work creatively to ensure that clients can achieve their goals in the most tax efficient manner possible.
Meet Soyfur
Haydn joined PenLife in 2016 on the business administration apprenticeship. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, not just in completing his apprenticeship, but also passing all of the necessary exams required to become a qualified Financial Planner. Having years of experience and a myriad of exams under his belt, Haydn now looks after his own clients as well as supporting John with his. In his day-to-day role, Haydn deals with clients/responds to product specific queries, undertakes complex technical research (such as analysing client’s existing pensions and investments) and holds annual reviews. Having gained a wealth of experience throughout his journey to become a Financial Planner, Haydn spends time helping our new apprentices learn the ropes, guiding them through the process.
Meet Haydn
Kriss joined PenLife back in 2018 as an Administrator and quickly progressed to Tom’s Dedicated Support. After three years of shear hard work and determination, he successfully qualified as a Financial Planner in 2021 and now looks after his own clients. Kriss particularly enjoys working on retirement planning, he finds it rewarding to help demystify clients’ investments and pensions. Renowned for getting the job done promptly and efficiently with no-nonsense, Kriss is a great example of what PenLife is all about! Having been through the exam pathway, Kriss understands the challenges it can bring and so is always on hand to help those team members who are following the same pathway.
Meet Kriss
John spent 42 years working in banking, climbing up the ladder to become a Bank Manager. Following that, he diversified to become a Regulated Sales Manager. And in 2017, John joined PenLife. Today, as our Adviser Development Manager, John supervises the advisers, meeting with them on a regular basis and completing observations.
Meet JohnFrom our Managers to our Marketing team, our support team members ensure we can continuously deliver exceptional client service and grow our business sustainably.
Justine has been with PenLife since 2017 and has over 25 years’ experience in banking, the majority of which were in financial planning. Justine provides the Financial Planners with administrative support and helps the younger team members when they need guidance. Justine also assists with a lot of project work.
Meet Justine
Adam joined PenLife in 2021 as a Junior Data & Project Assistant and in 2023 he completed his Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship. Adam’s main duties lie in the business side of things, such as cleansing and updating data and assisting with projects. Adam is our biggest tech wiz and he can follow and create processes like there’s no tomorrow! He is also the macro specialist – he can create a macro which automates a task, it really is magic!
Meet Adam
Nic has worked for PenLife since 2004 and she has progressed to become Deb’s Dedicated Administrator. She keeps up to date with all of Deb’s cases and ensures that the pensions and investments administration runs smoothly for each and every client. Nic is also responsible for processing and submitting new business, and her wealth of experience enables her to deal with more complex and technical cases.
Meet Nicola
Dom has been with us since 2019 and has quickly progressed to Dedicated Administrator. He supports Asif and is responsible for submitting new business, assisting with tax calculations and liaising with clients to ensure they are kept full updated on progress. Understanding each client’s unique circumstances and their particular aspirations is one part of Dom’s role that he especially enjoys – and being part of a team that helps a client to achieve those life goals gives Dom real job satisfaction. Since his arrival at PenLife, Dom has been working his way through the series of exams that will eventually see him achieve a Diploma in Financial Planning.
Meet Dom
Jemma joined PenLife in 2022 as a Dedicated Administrator. Jemma has expansive experience in financial planning administration. Her role centres around liaising with clients and providers, ensuring a smooth process throughout is maintained and clients expectations are met. Jemma is involved with the preparation behind annual reviews, valuations, withdrawals, rebalances and obtaining information from providers. The most enjoyable aspect of Jemma’s role is working in tandem with Tom to deliver the best outcome for the client. Jemma is your first port of call and is ready and waiting to help you.
Meet Jemma
Ben joined us in 2019, and since starting at PenLife, has completed his apprenticeship in Financial Services Administration. In addition, he has been getting his head down studying for the Financial Planning series of exams, and has already passed several. He loves helping clients and making sure they have the best experience with PenLife and he’s proud to be part of a team that can make a real difference to people’s futures. One of Ben’s biggest strengths is his organisational skills which is key to his role as he ensures that our Financial Planners have everything they need to ensure the client’s journey is as seamless as possible.
Meet Ben
George started working for PenLife in 2020 and supports both the admin and reception teams. His admin role sees him sending off letters of authority, generating valuations and chasing up information from providers to ensure no hold ups for the client. George also helps on reception and is particularly good at taking client calls – nothing is too much trouble for George!
Meet George
Jack started with us in 2021 having left college and deciding he wanted to cut his teeth in the world of financial planning. Jack absolutely smashed his apprenticeship in 2023 with a grade distinction. He is currently responsible for posting off and chasing information requests for clients. He has been enjoying his role so much, that he is now successfully working his way through his finance exams, with the goal of becoming a Financial Planner one day. Jack is so determined, we are certain it won’t take him long!
Meet Jack
Drew has been with us since 2018 and works ‘front of house’, supporting Carolyn with client and professional connection relationships and keeping everyone at PenLife organised. Drew is one of the most welcoming people you’ll meet, and she makes a mean brew. Her role involves greeting clients, organising calendars for the Financial Planners, booking client appointments and generally being a huge support to the whole PenLife team.
Meet Drew
Sharon joined PenLife in 2021 and having previously worked for Lloyds Bank in York for 30 years as a Customer Assistant. You’ll find Sharon on reception where she works alongside Drew, giving our clients a warm Yorkshire welcome and making sure they are looked after. She also assists Carolyn with the client care side of the business, ensuring that our clients receive the important little extra touches, and is always on hand if they just want a friendly chat. She also manages to squeeze in time to help with the organisation of events and charity fundraisers.
Meet SharonOur Leaders ensure our behind-the-scenes processes and procedures run as smoothly as possible, whilst our Receptionists will be ready to greet you with a warm welcome.
Deb is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (one step beyond individual Chartered status) and has worked for PenLife since 2013, with 20 years banking experience prior to this. Deb is a holistic planner but specialises in Retirement and Lifestyle Planning (transforming clients’ lives and helping them get the most out of their investments over the long-term). Guiding clients get to the bottom of what they really want out of life, Deb then coordinates their finances to facilitate whatever it is they’re looking for. Developing a trusted ongoing relationship in which the client feels completely comfortable is extremely important to Deb. And one of Deb’s biggest skills is putting clients at ease by making complex scenarios easy to understand. Deb also manages the activity of the sales team and, as one of four Board Directors, is responsible for making strategic and operational decisions to drive the business forward.
Meet DebNina joined PenLife in 2013. She has over 30 years’ experience in financial services spanning various roles, from office management to compliance to adviser support. As Administration and Compliance Team Leader, Nina is responsible for ensuring that the business, the employees and all projects comply with all relevant regulations – by ensuring that all policies and processes comply with regulatory and ethical standards. In addition, Nina is responsible for coaching and developing our team of administrators who provide support to the advisers and take care of our clients’ needs. As one of four Board Directors, Nina provides leadership and oversight to enable the company to reach its goals.
Meet NinaBernadette (otherwise known as ‘B’) has worked in financial services for over 28 years and joined PenLife in January 2013. She’s worked in various roles, including being a Financial Planner. B’s passion lies in the business-side of things, and as Data & Project Team Leader, B ensures the company runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. She is responsible for providing integrated direction, management, and leadership across all company projects. B is also one of four Board Directors and is responsible for strategic planning, ensuring that it continually aligns with the company vision.
Meet BernadetteJohn spent 42 years working in banking, climbing up the ladder to become a Bank Manager. Following that, he diversified to become a Regulated Sales Manager. And in 2017, John joined PenLife. Today, as our Adviser Development Manager, John supervises the advisers, meeting with them on a regular basis and completing observations.
Meet John
Helen has worked in finance for over 30 years and has worked here at PenLife for over 18 years. She has experience in a variety of sectors, from hotels to printing companies to financial advisory firms. Her role covers many different aspects in the company, covering Finance and HR. Helen is responsible for financial planning and analysis. She is also responsible for all HR administration and looks after our office and facilities, making sure we are working in a safe and enjoyable environment. More importantly, Helen makes sure we have a never ending supply of Yorkshire tea bags and coffee!
Meet Helen
Carolyn joined PenLife in 2017 and is responsible for the implementation of PenLife’s marketing initiatives including digital marketing, media communications, event management, client care and PenLife’s professional connection programme. It’s the variety of the role that really excites Carolyn and she loves the fact that she can be organising a charity golf event for clients and connections one day, and the next, she can be WOWing clients with a bespoke gesture. Carolyn also puts together our annual fundraising plan and loves getting the team to step outside of their comfort zone – much to their dismay!
Meet CarolynOur Marketing team keep our social media sites up to date with news and information about Pen Life.
Spencer joined PenLife in 2021 straight out of college to begin his marketing apprenticeship having decided that an apprenticeship seemed far more appealing than university. Since his arrival, he has taken to his marketing role like a duck takes to water and is now responsible for a variety of tasks including: copywriting, graphic design, creation of webinars and videos, as well as assisting with various other projects. Spencer loves nothing more than receiving a creative or copywriting brief to get his teeth stuck into! In 2022, Spencer completed his apprenticeship with a grade distinction!
Meet Spencer
In the office, Alfie the dog is here to help relieve stress, greet the odd client, eat snacks, cheer anyone up who’s having a bad day and just be his loveable self!
Meet Alfie
In the office, Milo the dog is here to bring joy, greet the odd client, eat snacks, cheer anyone up who’s having a bad day and especially running about chasing his ball! He will also occasionally perch himself underneath our desks!
Meet Milo"I have found my adviser warm, approachable, knowledgeable and accommodating. I know that I can contact her with any enquiries and they will be dealt with promptly and efficiently. "
"If you want to feel totally confident and secure in the knowledge that your personal finances are in expert hands, look no further. We know from our own experiences over 35 years that PenLife are outstanding in all respects."
"Thank you for all the advice you gave me. It came just at the right time. Everything is in place and the whole family is financially sound and settled. This couldn't have happened without your very well-timed intervention. I can't thank you enough."
"Very happy with the service I have received. I have already recommended PenLife to friends and family."
"Everyone I have dealt with has always been really helpful and answered any questions I have had in a timely manner. I have already recommended you to friends and colleagues, so hopefully they will be in touch. Many thanks for all your help."
"Everyone has been so friendly. Thank you."
"I've already recommend PenLife to a friend."
"I have been extremely impressed with how PenLife have been so easy to deal with. They have explained everything in a very uncomplicated way so that I can maximise my investments for the future."
"PenLife have a friendly, professional approach with no jargon. Everything is explained in plain English!"
"Everyone was so pleasant and friendly when you entered the office reception. We felt we were real people and not just numbers. Thank you to all."
Out of those who responded:
It’s all about developing relationships
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Read the latest news and updates from the team.
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