HW INDEPENDENT Financial Management
MEET THE TEAM
At HWIFM we have over 20 years’ experience in Financial Services. Based in Holmes Chapel our team has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help business owners and families secure the lifestyle they want. Helping our clients map out their short, medium and long-term goals enables them to see the bigger picture. We will make your money work harder and provide you with financial freedom without the fuss.
MEET THE TEAM
Gary Makin
Managing Director
Gary has worked at HWIFM for over 20 years. As Managing Director, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the business alongside helping clients plan their finances for the future.
Gary started out as a trainee accountant and progressed through the ranks before deciding to retrain in Financial Services. He completed his studies to become ACCA qualified in 2010 and became a HWIFM Partner in 2018.
In his free time, Gary enjoys playing tennis, padel and golf. He loves spending time with his young family, and their dogs, Bella and Willow.
MEET THE TEAM
Paul Galley
Independent Financial Adviser
Paul Galley is one of our team of Independent Financial Advisers and has been with HWIFM since 2011. He enjoys getting to know his clients and learning all about their life goals and ambitions, helping to bring these to life through sound financial planning.
Paul studied Business Law at University before going on to become a Certified Financial Adviser.
Outside work, Paul enjoys a game of tennis at Bramhall Queensgate, spending quality time with his family and friends, and watching Manchester United.
MEET THE TEAM
Catrina Walker-Jones
Independent Financial Adviser
Catrina is a Chartered IFA with over 25 years’ experience. She enjoys discussing financial goals and potential solutions, helping clients to make good financial decisions and gain peace of mind for the future.
Part of our team since 2002, Catrina specialises in pensions, investments, Inheritance Tax Planning and long-term care. She is qualified to CII Diploma level 4 and is a Chartered Associate of the London Institute of Banking and Finance.
In her free time, Catrina volunteers as a Trustee of Trafford Carers Centre. You may also have heard her as a financial affairs guest speaker on Radio Didsbury! Catrina is a keen reader and photographer.
MEET THE TEAM
Penny Williams
Independent Financial Adviser
Penny is an IFA specialising in Pensions, Investments and Protection. She is passionate about simplifying complex areas of financial planning to help her clients feel involved and assured about their future.
She holds a Diploma in Personal Financial Planning and is also a trained counsellor. It’s a combination that makes Penny a great listener who loves hearing about her clients’ lives and goals. Her skills come into their own when people are unsure of their financial position and want to take a more proactive approach.
Away from work, Penny enjoys running, hiking, paddleboarding, travelling, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She has a cocker spaniel named Willow.
meet the TEAM
Jessica Brassington
Senior Financial Planning Assistant
Jessica has been part of the HWIFM team for over 15 years and enjoys getting to know our clients and supporting the team. You may have met her at the various events we attend, or when you visit our office.
Before joining HWIFM, Jessica worked in mortgages, but actually studied and qualified as a Fine Art Auctioneer. At the age of 17, fearless Jess went on a solo trip to Australia and stayed there for a year.
Her proudest achievement is her two children and, when she’s not running around after them, you’ll find her relaxing with friends. Jessica’s advice for life is to take each opportunity that comes along, have fun, and don’t stress too much.
MEET THE TEAM
Rachael Hough
PA/Office Manager
As Gary Makin’s PA, Rachael has supported him throughout his progression from trainee to Partner and Managing Director. She is also our Office Manager, making sure everything at our Holmes Chapel base runs smoothly and efficiently.
Rachael has been part of the HWIFM team since 2008. She joined on a 9-month maternity cover contract and never left! Before this, she spent 10 years as PA to the Sales Director of a housebuilding firm.
Away from the office, Rachael keeps active playing netball, going to the gym, jogging, and walking with her dog Ralphie. She also loves trips to the theatre with friends and family.
meet the TEAM
Lorraine McMahon
Admin Manager
Lorraine has been keeping us organised and working efficiently since 2010. Her role is to oversee our administrative processes and identify ways to improve our ways of working and simplify processes to make life easier for our team and our clients.
Before joining the team, Lorraine worked as a Banking Adviser for a high street bank. She loves the welcoming atmosphere at HWIFM and is proud of the high level of professional expertise we provide to clients.
Away from the office, you will find Lorraine spending quality time with her three grandchildren. She is also secretly creative and, if she was not working at HWIFM, Lorraine would love to train as a florist.
Meet the TEAM
Jane Hadfield
Financial Planning Assistant
Jane supports our Advisers by preparing and processing client business and responding to queries. She joined HWIFM in 2022, having previously worked as a PA in an accountancy practice.
Jane is client-focused and enjoys meeting and interacting with clients and being able to answer their questions and put people at ease.
Outside of work, Jane loves to walk her dog, Walter, and explore new places. She especially loves to go to the beach with her family and their dogs. She also enjoys music, reading and the theatre. Her dream is to own a little B&B or café by the sea.
meet the TEAM
Max Roberts
Paraplanner
Max is responsible for writing reports, carrying out due diligence, and product, investment and fund research. He has been a member of the HWIFM team since 2014.
Max holds a Diploma for Financial Advisers. His favourite parts of the job are completing large research tasks and making sense of complex or convoluted financial situations, knowing what a difference this could make to a client’s life.
In his leisure time, Max enjoys film and photography, and is an enthusiastic DIY-er, talented in both woodworking and electronics.
Meet the TEAM
Lotte Tyers
Financial Planning Assistant
Lotte is part of our Administrative Support team, supporting our IFAs by preparing and processing business on behalf of clients. This includes setting up pensions, ISAs, Venture Capital Trusts and protection policies.
Lotte previously worked as a Paraplanner at a small IFA firm. She holds a CII Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services and is working towards her Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Away from work, she loves to explore the countryside with her young family and their dog, Buzz. She also enjoys running, gardening and crafting.
meet the TEAM
Sally Murphy
Financial Planning Assistant
Sally supports our team of IFAs by getting quotes, processing new business, issuing letters of authorisation and contacting clients, as well as general office administration.
Before joining HWIFM, Sally worked as an IFA assistant. She started her financial services career in roles at Barclays and Lloyds, before moving with her family to Canada where she worked as a bank manager for over a decade.
Early-riser Sally has two daughters, a husband who is a keen cook, and two miniature schnauzers called Seamus and Fin. A qualified dog-groomer, she loves to pamper her pooches. Sally also loves musical theatre and concerts, camping, city breaks, and fly and flop holidays.
Contact us
Get in touch to book a meeting today.
Plan your legacy today to ensure your wealth stays in your family tomorrow.
For a free, no obligation meeting please get in touch.