About Us
We are one of the leading firms of specialist IFAs (Independent Financial Advisers) for dentists. in the UK. We've been working for dentists for many years and would like to think we've earned an excellent professional reputation for the individual service we offer to dentists throughout the UK. Here's a little about each of us....
- Thomas Dickson
I was brought up in Hong Kong and studied at Aston University Birmingham and in Tokyo. I now live in Kings Heath, Birmingham with my wife Sarah, and 3 children, Alexander, Irene Phoebe.
I used to manage to go for the occasional run but feel lucky just to keep up with the kids at the moment, let alone get out the house at the weekend for a run! I've been known to cycle to work when it's not snowing, raining, or too chilly and try to do an "event" at least once a year - half marathon, 125km bike ride, 40 mile walk (harder than it sounds..).
I started working as a financial adviser in 1993, set up practice in 1998, and subsequently established and was a founder partner of ‘money4dentists’. In August 2007, I set up Essential Money Limited to provide Independent Financial Advice for dentists nationwide. I really enjoy working with clients and helping them to get the most out of their money.
I've been awarded the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate by the Chartered Insurance Institute and qualified as a Certified Financial PlannerCM in 2004 Read Thomas' profile here
I have also attained the highest qualification in financial services as a Chartered Financial Planner Read what being Chartered means here
Qualifications
Chartered Financial Planner Chartered Status
Certified Financial Planner Read Thomas' profile here
AF4 Advanced - Investment Planning
K10 Advanced - Retirement Options
K20 Advanced - Pension Investment Options
G60 Advanced - Pensions
G10 Advanced - Taxation & Trusts
J06 Diploma - Investment
J07 Diploma - Supervision
MAQ - Mortgage Advice Qualification
CF2 Certificate - Investment
FPC 1,2,3 - Financial Planning Certificate
BSc - Aston University – Managerial & Administrative Studies
- Lisa Burke
I'm married with 3 children, 2 of them young and one grown up. I'm the Practice Manager at Essential Money and have worked with Thomas since 1996. Thomas says I have an amazing ability to do 23 different things at the same time (whilst on the phone) despite having a seemingly clear desk at all times. I'd just say it's because I'm a woman...!
- Sarah Gwilt
Born and raised in rural south Shropshire, I'm a true country girl. I'm now living in Manchester with husband Mike and cat Basil (Cybil disappeared a few years ago!) I have a passion for old property, and have renovated 5 houses so far with my current Victorian home being my largest project to date. In my free time you will find me walking the local hills or cycling the flat areas.
I joined Britannia Building Society in 1991 and worked with Northern Rock, before joining forces with Thomas in 2004, dealing with his clients' mortgages. With mortgage market conditions as they are, I've recently put my other qualifications to use and am now advising clients on all aspects of financial services.
My future plans are to take some further advanced financial qualifications, continue to build my client list and make the most of the exciting market conditions..... you never know I might be on the lookout for property number 6!
I'd like to thank all the clients that send me their lovely (unprompted) testimonials and I'm sure this helped motivate me to win Mortgage Adviser of the Year award in 2005.
- Lisa McRobert (previously Lisa Cooper)
I'm now back to work after my maternity leave and still very very happy with my baby boy. I'm working part time as I can't bear to leave my boy for too long. So I'm now back to submitting online applications; chasing medicals, insurers and occasionally clients; and all the other 101 administrative duties that make our clients lives easier.
- Stephanie Robotham
I joined the team in August 2008 and am responsible for adding all the information to our back office system so our clients have access to all their policies on our secure website. I'm also the one that answers the phone, and puts you straight though to the person you want to speak to rather than speaking to a computer.
- Rob Griffin
I've recently moved to Earlswood, South Birmingham, with my wife Sally and 3 teenage boys. I'm a big Birmingham City fan so have spent the last 35 years frustrated and enjoying my football a lot less than I'd like to - but that just comes with being a Blues fan! My principal role is helping dentists to arrange the finance when buying or setting up a practice. Having established very close relationships with healthcare managers representing several banks and working closely with specialist solicitors and accountants helps me to provide a service that enables a smooth transaction. I also advise on the practice finance insurances as well as income protection and other aspects of clients financial affairs.
Jordan Nasser
I left high school in Summer 2009 and decided to go straight to work. I'd had enough of being in a classroom and wanted to gain experience in the workplace and start a career. Since last summer I’ve gained my Business and Admin NVQ Level 2 and I’m now staying as part of the team to complete my Level 3. Wish me luck!
Cathy Conway
I am a proud mother of three beautiful children; I have two sons and a daughter. I joined the team in January 2010 and I am settling in really well. My role is to submit applications and do everything that needs to be done to make sure they go through smoothly and easily for our clients. I am keen to take further qualifications so I can prove I know what I'm talking about!