Team - Para-Sols

From technical researchers to paraplanners and amazing administrators, through our team you have access to a whole host of skills and qualifications. Consider them a bolt-on to your company, ready to support you and your clients.

Awesome members in our ever growing team!

All Paraplanning Leadership Business Operations Client Support

Cathi Harrison APFS

Cathi is the founder and owner of Para-Sols; she has been in financial services since leaving university and holds both the Chartered and Certified Financial Planner status as well as being a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

Cathi splits her time supporting her team and clients, managing the strategy for Para-Sols and working hard with our leadership team. Outside of work, she spends time cuddling her baby boy and travelling as much as possible.

mailto:cathi@para-sols.co.uk https://twitter.com/CathiTweets

Jo Campbell DipPFS

Jo has been with Para-Sols since 2010 being our first full time employee! As well as the day to day paraplanning, her role includes managing the team and being the main point of contact for clients. Outside of work, Jo’s time is taken up with her two boys, attending many music gigs, and continuing with her financial planning studies as she is currently working towards both Chartered and Certified status.

In 2016, Jo won the Money Marketing Best Paraplanner award.

mailto:jo@para-sols.co.uk

Kim Binks

Kim is an integral part of our leadership team as she is also Director of our sister company, Apricity Compliance. With her expert knowledge in compliance support, she can offer invaluable advice to our team and ensure we are always in line with all regulatory updates and changes.

Outside of work Kim loves to travel and enjoys getting out in the countryside with her dogs.

mailto:kim@para-sols.co.uk

Natalie Bell

Natalie joined the team at the beginning of 2017 with a creative background in marketing and communications, culture change and generally, all things engagement. The core of her role lies in managing change as we grow and expand, ensuring we stay true to our vision. This includes coaching our staff to identify their learning and development needs, our internal leadership development programme and generally being our happiness guru!

As the team continues to grow, she puts her qualifications in Motivational Behaviour and NLP to good use by creating staff engagement initiatives, making sure that the Para-Sols culture continues to be one that we all love!

mailto:natalie@para-sols.co.uk https://twitter.com/TweetNatBell

Grant Callaghan APFS

Grant heads up one of our hubs and took part in one of our first graduate internships. He was subsequently made a full time, permanent part of the team and embarked on our trainee paraplanner programme, very quickly completing his Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and has recently achieved his Chartered status. He is also an Associate of the Personal Finance Society.

Outside work he enjoys following football (particularly Arsenal) as well as playing 11-aside and attempting to get better at golf!

mailto:grant@para-sols.co.uk

Peter Rhoden DipPFS

Peter has over 8 years financial services experience and also holds his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. His ambitious attitude and hard work, has ensured him a spot as one of our fantastic hub leaders.

Along with the rest of the team, he spends most of his spare time on his studies! Although he also enjoys keeping fit and playing cricket for Hartlepool Cricket Club.

mailto:peter@para-sols.co.uk

Kate Hall DipPFS

Following successful previous trials and internships, Para-Sols introduced and designed its own internal Graduate Scheme. Kate was one of the first successful graduates and along with her hard work and dedication, has now achieved her Diploma in Financial Planning! She also has her Certificate in Mortgage Advice.

Kate’s degree was in Zoology and she still retains an interest in this on a recreational basis, but chose to pursue a career that reflects her other academic interest of Maths and it’s paying off!

mailto:kate@para-sols.co.uk

Rachael Wilson DipPFS

Rachael joined us in the Summer of 2016 after applying for our Graduate Scheme. She joined us fresh with the knowledge and enthusiasm university brings having just graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a degree in BA Accounting and Finance – and achieving a first class honours no less!

Outside of work Rachael enjoys going to the gym (she’s a natural gym bunny!) and spending time with family and friends, especially when it involves food or something fun like theme parks or high ropes courses. Rachael’s hard work and dedication have paid off, as she has achieved her Diploma in Financial Planning.

mailto:rachael@para-sols.co.uk

Holly Johnson DipPFS

Having joined the team in May 2017 as part of our graduate training programme, The Grad Scheme, Holly has a real desire to learn the nitty-gritty of paraplanning. With 2:1 degree in History from Newcastle University, she is no stranger to a research task and has superb report writing experience.

Forever with a smile on her face, she loves all animals, even the creepy crawly kind (we know, weird huh?) and duvet days spent in her pjs! Holly holds her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

mailto:holly@para-sols.co.uk

Lee Hastie DipPFS

Lee joined the team via our graduate training programme, The Grad Scheme, in Summer 2017 having graduated from Northumbria University. With a 2:1 degree in History, he’s mastered the art of analytical thinking and carrying out focused research projects which are proving advantageous as his role develops.

Financial planning runs in the family and his ambition and passion for paraplanning are clear to see – almost as much as his passion for all things football!

mailto:lee@para-sols.co.uk

Sunaina Khaylar

Despite her tiny 5ft 1″ (and a half!) frame, Sunaina has a bucket load of energy which is one of the reasons that secured her success when applying for our graduate training programme, The Grad Scheme. Sunaina graduated from Nottingham Trent Uni with a degree in English & Linguistics so it comes as no surprise that she has a natural talent for all styles of writing, from informal blog-like articles to the more traditional structured style reports.

mailto:sunaina@para-sols.co.uk

Alex Buckle DipPFS

Psychology graduate, Alex, joined us in 2017 having successfully applied for our graduate training programme The Grad Scheme. She graduated from Durham University with a 2:1 and her forensic way of thinking and naturally analytical mind is proving to be a key skill as she develops her role in the world of paraplanning!

She told us her friends and family are likely to describe her as friendly and hard-working and we have to say, we’d have to agree with them!

mailto:alex@para-sols.co.uk

Sophie McIntosh DipPFS

If there was an award for ‘Best Cover Letter in the History of Para-Sols’, Sophie would be the sure winner. Having applied for our graduate training programme, The Grad Scheme, in 2017, Sophie impressed us with her natural flair for written communication and evidencing the depths of her research on understanding us and the role before compiling a strong application.

Now in post, she continues to prove she has what it takes and puts the research and analysis skills she acquired as a History graduate to good use.

mailto:sophie@para-sols.co.uk

Helen Hartley

A successful candidate of The Grad Scheme in 2018, Helen joined us from Northumbria University where she studied Business & Economics. No stranger to all things spreadsheets, numbers and research, she also has a whole host of skills including impeccable customer service. It’s no surprise she has a mathematical mind, which is the super power within her role.

Outside of work Helen is a social butterfly and loves nothing more than a beer garden with friends (weather permitting!).

mailto:helen@para-sols.co.uk

Fran Wigham DipPFS

Fran was recruited through our graduate training programme, The Grad Scheme, having graduated from the University of Teesside. She joined us with a 2:1 degree in Business Management and a tenacious attitude towards learning. Despite previous management skills in retail, she was ready for a change in career and is now immersed in the world of financial services.

When asked about her dislikes, she was rather passionate about her dislike of Minions, so we’re assuming that so long as none turn up here at Para-Sols, Fran will always enjoy working here!

mailto:fran@para-sols.co.uk

Alasdair Wilson

Alasdair (or more warmly known as Ali) graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in Geology. Originally choosing to explore a career in teaching, he taught A-level Geology and Geography for 5 years (even teaching his younger sister) across Teesside and Durham. Although he enjoyed his time as a teacher, the career progression proved to be questionable and so he focussed on developing a career in another profession that excited him – financial services! His academic background has proved instrumental as he settled into our graduate programme – The Grad Scheme – learning a new world has proved natural to him.

Now that it’s not considered ‘work’, his love and interest for all things Geology has been encouraged!

mailto:alasdair@para-sols.co.uk

Andrew Broderick

Andrew graduated with a 2:1 degree in History from Aberystwyth University. Although he is used to research and report writing, financial services marks quite a departure from early-20th century political history he was used to.

He remains a keen historian but if you’re ever to have a conversation with him regarding this, be sure to stay clear of Tudor times! There are two main loves in Andrew’s life – his guinea pigs, Clive and Wesley.

mailto:andrew@para-sols.co.uk

Michael Cooke

Another keen Historian among us – Michael graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in, you guessed it, History! During his studies, he worked part time as a Reviewer for Northumbria Students’ Union and also volunteered in a research project which tracked the career trajectories of Northumbria grads. This experience provided the research and report writing skills that he holds today, which ultimately landed him a place on The Grad Scheme.

His can do attitude is a real encouragement within the office.

mailto:michael@para-sols.co.uk

Johnathan Jules

Johnathan graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications, before moving to the North East and landing a job at Para-Sols. Preferring to keep his superb videography skills as a hobby, he decided that a career in finance was much more up his street!

He has a great eye for detail and is known for his amazing laugh within the office.

mailto:johnathan@para-sols.co.uk

Luke Pottage

Luke graduated with a 1:1 in Business Management from Teesside University. Whilst there, he particularly enjoyed the modules in which he was able to research extensively and so, when he heard about a career in paraplanning, he knew it was meant to be.

Even in his free time, he is known to play strategy games where he can analyse different ways to improve his style of play and spends hours reading about the games and watching other players – he really is an extensive researcher!

mailto:luke@para-sols.co.uk

Ellie Lockington

Ellie graduated from Teesside University with a degree in fine art and has previously worked in operational roles, before deciding that a career in finance was much more appealing! She is a self-confessed organisational queen and loves nothing more than getting things in order.

Before joining Para-Sols, Ellie spent time travelling North America – she still loves to travel whenever possible.

mailto:ellie@para-sols.co.uk

Cheryl Lunn

Cheryl joined Para-Sols in 2016 and oversees operations and performance across the business. With a strong administrative background, she has control of the technical research team ensuring a seamless transition from data gathering to the report writing. Cheryl also trains entrants to our graduate scheme on the world of finance!

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her little dogs, Bobo and Pippa.

mailto:cheryl@para-sols.co.uk

Hannah Douthwaite

Drama & Theatre graduate Hannah joined the team in 2017 and took no time in getting her feet under the Para-Sols table. With a background in debt collection and administrator based roles, organisation and data gathering comes naturally and proves advantageous when supporting a very busy team of paraplanners.

Hannah focusses on the defined benefit pensions scheme cases and is an integral member of the growing technical research hub.

mailto:hannah@para-sols.co.uk

Megan Flounders

Megan joined us with a degree in English from the University of Teesside. This could explain her Grammar Pedantry Syndrome, (yes, that’s a real thing), meaning you’d better make sure that your grammar is spot on when communicating with her! As a previous estate agent, she brings with her plenty of customer service and administrative skills and is certainly no stranger to client research and an excel spreadsheet.

Outside of work Megan enjoys binge watching TV series’ and going out for a cheeky daiquiri (or 5).

mailto:megan@para-sols.co.uk

Ellen Wood

Ellen has a multitude of different skills that she brings to the team and has experience in a number of different areas, including an AAT Level 2 in Bookkeeping. She has a high knowledge of all things admin and enjoys being super organised, as well as this, she’s an Excel whizz and a bright cheery voice at the end of the phone!

When she’s not working you’ll probably find her with a Bubblegum Daiquiri in hand.

mailto:ellen@para-sols.co.uk

Dwight Scaife

Dwight joined Para-Sols in Summer 2019 with a varied background and work history. Having initially graduated in Design and then working for 8 years as a Graphic Designer (And having a 6-month career break teaching English in China), it turned out that it was the talking bit he liked, not the actual design.

This revelation led to him then co-running his own events company for several years in a client-facing role, dealing with hotels and couples looking to organise events and weddings. Progression proved to be limited though and so, after a period spent working in Insurance, Dwight joined Para-Sols to progress his career and engage with our fabulous clients!

Away from work he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Sasha.

mailto:dwight@para-sols.co.uk

Naomi Graham

Naomi (aka Nome) is our Marketing and Events Manager. She oversees the strategic marketing activity for both Para-Sols, and across the whole of The Verve Group. She has a broad range of experience in managing communications, driving cultural change and developing large scale live event solutions for a wide variety of sectors.

She is a qualified NLP Practitioner and an expert in inter-generational theory which she uses to develop creative communications to engage a wide range of audiences, especially those considered hard to reach.

Nome is a born crafter and enjoys all things artistic.

mailto:naomi@para-sols.co.uk

Jasmine Nattrass

Jas is our Marketing & Events Coordinator. With a degree in Advertising in Social Media & Creative Enterprise, she uses her experience to strengthen our brand positioning across The Verve Group. She’s our go-to for all things digital (no surprise as a self-confessed ‘millennial’) and is the voice of our social media on a day-to-day basis.

A lover of the arts, she’s previously danced at the Royal Albert Hall and has ran three half marathons (including one in Spain) despite hating running. Creative and ambitious – that’s Jas!

mailto:jasmine@para-sols.co.uk

Lindsey Duggan

Lindsey graduated from university with a degree in Psychology with Business Management, which combined Accountancy, Business and People Management – making her the perfect fit for our in-house Financial Controller role. On a day to day basis, Lindsey is responsible for invoices and all things financially related to the business – you may hear her friendly voice over the phone if you happen to have any queries!

Outside of work, Lindsey is a busy Mum of two – so spends as much time as she can with her children and husband.

mailto:lindsey@para-sols.co.uk

Sam Lennie

Sam is one of our Marketing and Events Managers. She coordinates the strategic marketing and events activity across the whole of The Verve Group, including Para-Sols. Sam has almost a decade of experience in creating engaging and impactful campaigns, driving brand success and developing and delivering a wide variety of online and physical events across different sectors.

Sam is a qualified NLP Practitioner which allows her to use creative techniques to make positive, lasting change in individuals, groups and businesses.

A self-confessed holiday addict, Sam loves to spend her time outside the office travelling to new places.

mailto:samantha@weareverve.co.uk

Andrew Rees

Andrew graduated from Teesside University with 2:1 in Information Technology and has 27 years experience of working as a software engineer across a variety of industries including the publishing and financial sectors in both the UK and the USA.

Andrew is responsible for the continuing development of both the Para-Sols and Apricity systems.

Outside work he loves to travel, mainly by cruise ship (its the only way to travel) and tasting the local beers wherever he goes.

mailto:andrew@weareverve.co.uk