26 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DA

More focus on training, development and culture. SSA takes HR in house!

stansherlocstg on October 25, 2023

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More focus on training, development and culture. SSA takes HR in house!

New to Stan Sherlock: HR Department

A few months ago we decided it was time to bring HR into the business. As we grow, and are therefore inevitably exposed to a wider variety of people with different backgrounds, expectations and development needs, it made sense to bring an HR manager on board to provide further support for the team.

Step forward Rachel Smithson, no doubt the best HR manager in the world! Rachel joins SSA with more than 13 years experience in human resources. She has extensive knowledge of talent management, team development and upskilling, alongside top-level strategic planning. She has worked with an array of teams in high profile industrial sectors such as nuclear and transport.

Our Director Emma Sherlock says: “I am absolutely thrilled to have Rachel joining the team. I’ve been searching for the right HR person to help take us forward with our growth plans for quite a while. Rachel’s experience combined with her drive and fantastic personality make her the perfect fit. HR is such an important part of any business and to have someone in-house for the team is brilliant. With her focusing on our SSA family, the directors can now focus on growing our business, knowing the team’s needs are being taken care of”.

Rachel says: “I was looking for my next opportunity when I found out that Stan Sherlock Associates were looking to move their previously outsourced HR provision in house, as their team continues to grow. Emma and Bobby have a great vision for their business, and they know that their people are right at the heart of driving this vision forward. Their commitment to investing in their people is fantastic and I’m so excited to be on this journey with them helping them and their employees achieve their goals!”

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Further growth for SSA!

stansherlocstg on November 28, 2022

Arran Pamphilon
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Further growth for SSA!

Introducing Arran Pamphilon

We’re growing our team of advisers, despite the economic downturn, to give you more access to great advice.

Stan Sherlock Associates has taken on Arran Pamphilon to widen our team of financial advisers enabling us to help even more clients. Arran has spent years developing his business acumen with companies such as Lidl, Dyson and Rolls Royce. With this experience under his belt, he has now chosen to turn his attention to personal finance and helping our clients achieve their financial goals.

Arran said: ‘I’m excited to join the Stan Sherlock Associates team and be a part of the business’s continued success in and around Cumbria. The decision to join was made easy by the scale of the opportunity that Emma, Bobby & their support team provides the practice’s advisers. I was also attracted by the dynamic nature of the business & the fact it is clear to see the focus being on looking after their team, secondary only to delivering brilliant outcomes for clients. I can only see this as being of benefit to my own development during the next phase of my career & I know they will support my longer-term ambitions also.’

Arran joins our local family firm as an holistic financial adviser, with the ability to help clients with all their financial needs. Arran can advise on pensions and investments, mortgages and insurances.

Practice Principal Bobby Sherlock said, “we are thrilled to have Arran on the SSA team. It was obvious from the outset that he would be a fantastic asset. He has a strong head for numbers and a great understanding of business. His drive for success combined with his passion and care for the client makes him the perfect addition. We’re excited to have him, and his clients are lucky to have him looking after their money.”

Outside of work, Arran enjoys chasing balls around… so can usually be found either training at Penrith Rugby Club, swinging a club at Penrith golf course or on the cricket ground at Stainton CC.

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Meet Megan Cook

stansherlocstg on August 14, 2022

megan-cook
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Meet Megan Cook

Name:

Megan Cook

What do you do at Stan Sherlock Associates?

I’m PA to the Director, so I work closely with Bobby and his clients, ensuring he is where he needs to be, when he needs to be there, and all his client documentation is processed correctly and efficiently. This means helping Bobby process his mortgage and wealth cases, liaising with lenders and solicitors to ensure a speedy service for our clients.

What do you enjoy most about your role and being a member of the business support team?

I enjoy being able to support the clients through their financial journey, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for them. It is incredibly rewarding to fulfil the clients’ goals and see the benefits of financial planning. Being part of the business support team is an integral cog in this process and it’s great to support Bobby to ensure the needs of every client are met.

What has surprised you the most about working in Financial Services?

How quickly circumstances can change, for our clients as well as for the lenders/providers we use. It has really highlighted the importance of securing high-quality, thorough advice, especially in these uncertain times. Also, the complexity and individuality of every single case has been a surprise – each case requires a unique and different approach to secure a successful outcome for our clients.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

I am organised, kind-hearted and dependable.

Would your family use the same three words?

My mam and sister said I am hard-working, diligent and a perfectionist and my niece said I was loving, caring and awesome, so I’ll take that!

If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

As it says items rather than people, I would definitely need some sort of sports equipment, like a football or something to keep me entertained, as well as music to sing and dance along to.

If you could choose any superpower, what would you choose and why?

I would love to be able to fly and get from place to place very quickly. The views would be amazing, and it would save me a fortune in fuel too!

How can you help me?

I will help you in any way I can. At SSA, we value our clients, and we work incredibly hard to ensure that their experience with us is positive. Therefore, I will do my best to make sure your case is processed accurately and efficiently, taking the worry and stress away.

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Meet Matt Duncan

stansherlocstg on May 20, 2022

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Meet Matt Duncan

Name: Matt Duncan

What do you do at Stan Sherlock Associates?

I am the supervisor for the Yorkshire Building Society Agency operating on the ground floor at the SSA. I also manage and run the front desk of SSA so if you’re calling or popping into our office my face will be one of the first you see.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the business support team?

I enjoy the versatility and diversity of tasks I complete in my day. I love to be busy so like that there is a constant stream of incoming work to be done. We have a great team throughout the building and my amazing colleagues make the day that bit brighter!

What has surprised you the most about working in Financial Services?

I was most surprised by how multifaceted financial services is. I have worked in many different sectors and most businesses are the same when you get down to the bare bones of it. I was surprised however at how many different elements and components of a client’s life are taken into consideration when dealing with their finances. I had always assumed that because we handle sensitive data there would be of care and diligence but I had no idea the scale and depth of care.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Funny, confident and articulate

Would your family use the same three words?

I was unfortunate enough to be sat with my parents when I was writing this so I bravely asked them the question. They gave me more than three words, so, I selected the most flattering from the plethora provided. They said funny, capable and confident. There were more which weren’t as flattering but I was selective.

If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

For a gay man I am surprisingly low maintenance (contrary to popular belief)! I would want probably a guitar or something to play music on. I listen to music all of the time and I honestly couldn’t live without it.

If you could choose any superpower, what would you choose and why?

I would have said the power to stop time. However, I have this fear that if I stopped time everyone else would stop ageing and I would age at a normal rate. I decided a long time ago that stopping time as a superpower had too many variables! So instead, I choose teleportation. I could finish work and teleport to New York for dinner, then go for a walk on the beach in Cyprus then teleport home to bed.

How can you help me?

In any way I can. It’s both simple and cliché but it’s the truth. I will be there to answer calls or greet you as you arrive. I can help with anything related to the Yorkshire Building Society and if you arrive or call for one of our amazing advisers, I will do my best to get you someone who can assist you with whatever your needs are.

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Roxy Sherlock aka The Floof, aka Roxstar, aka Roxalina, aka Mush

stansherlocstg on May 18, 2022

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Roxy Sherlock aka The Floof, aka Roxstar, aka Roxalina, aka Mush

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Name:

Roxy Sherlock aka The Floof, aka Roxstar, aka Roxalina, aka Mush

What do you do at Stan Sherlock Associates?

I am the Chief Happiness Officer which means I spread joy, positivity and light daily as I sashay around our office. My role within the business is not to be taken lightly, it’s hard being such an integral part of the business, but I get my work ethic from my parents.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the business support team?

The attention! I am like a delicate flower that needs sunshine to grow, the love and attention I receive here at SSA is my sunshine, food and water. I am a Princess of the People, so I like to be where the action is, it helps me stay grounded. I am constantly socialising with clients and colleagues to ensure that morale is high, and smiles are up 100% for the previous quarter. I enjoy knowing that I can make a difference to someone’s day by just gracing them with my presence and all I require in response is the occasional belly rub, treat or both if you’re feeling generous.

What has surprised you the most about working in Financial Services?

Nothing if you are prepared, then nothing will surprise you. I stay ready so that I do not need to get ready. The only things that catch me off guard are loud noises and cats lurking behind corners!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Fun, Flirty and Fluffy!

Would your family use the same three words?

I imagine they would struggle to come up with a mere three words to describe such a multifaceted individual as myself.

If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

I would have to say a good doggy shampoo and conditioner, these curls take work, I am not high maintenance if I’m maintained on a regular basis.

If you could choose any superpower, what would you choose and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to eat and not gain weight. Whilst I know I need to watch my figure sometimes I just want to indulgence.

How can you help me?

I can help by injecting a little bit of Roxy into your day. My personality is as light and bouncy as my beautiful brunette curls, and if you’re fortunate enough to be greeted by me, I’m sure I’ll be able to brighten up your day.

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Matt Duncan joins SSA as our Yorkshire Building Society Supervisor!

stansherlocstg on November 25, 2021

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Matt Duncan joins SSA as our Yorkshire Building Society Supervisor!

We have appointed a new supervisor to welcome and support our Yorkshire Building Society customers.

Matt Duncan has joined our team as Yorkshire Building Society Supervisor and Client Care Adviser.

We run the Yorkshire Building Society at our offices on Lowther Street and Matt will welcome clients arriving to meet their financial or mortgage adviser as well as look after the building society’s customers, known as members.

Like all mutuals, the Yorkshire Building Society is owned by its members – those who hold savings and investment accounts or have mortgages with them – rather than investors or shareholders, and customer care is vitally important. Matt is a Musical Theatre graduate from the University of Cumbria and has been tasked with using his creativity and great communication skills to raise awareness of the Yorkshire Building Society and its important role within the local community.

Speaking of Matt’s appointment, our Chief Operating Officer, Emma Sherlock said: “Matt really impressed us at interview. His creative mind alongside his business insight makes him perfect for the role. Matt cares deeply about customer service and getting it right for the client, which goes hand in hand with our Stan Sherlock Associates values and the needs of the Yorkshire Building Society. He has an eye for detail and is so organised. It’s unusual to find someone with both great organisational skills and brilliant interpersonal skills and he has both! We’re lucky to have him – he’s a real asset to the team.”

Matt Duncan said: “I’m really enjoying my new role and getting to know the Yorkshire Building Society members and clients of Stan Sherlock Associates. The Yorkshire Building Society is very well established in Carlisle but I’m looking forward to further embedding it in the local community and working to support other local organisations and charities.”

Prior to joining Stan Sherlock Associates and completing his degree in Musical Theatre, Matt worked in the insurance department of an energy company. He’s originally from Perth and has now set up home in Carlisle.

In his spare time, Matt plays the guitar and writes and sings his own songs. He loves to perform and can’t wait for more venues to host live performances again as the pandemic restrictions continue to ease.

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Welcome to the team Deborah Riding!

stansherlocstg on June 2, 2021

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Welcome to the team Deborah Riding!

We’re delighted to announce that a financial adviser with an outstanding reputation and 26 years experience in the financial services and mortgage advice sector has joined our practice.

Deborah Riding joins us in the newly created role of Compliance and Development Manager. Deborah will offer financial advice directly to our growing portfolio of clients, and she will also coach our advisers and business support team to further develop their own skills and experience.

Deborah comes to Stan Sherlock Associates after a wide-ranging 21-year career as a financial adviser with HSBC. There her roles included mortgage and protection advice to holistic wealth management, retirement and Inheritance Tax advice. Her last role was as Area Premier Relationship Manager where she led and coached a financial advice team. Deborah’s earlier career began as a graduate trainee with the Cumberland Building Society before she quickly developed into branch management and investment and mortgage adviser roles.

Deborah particularly enjoys dealing with complex financial advice matters and helping people live their lives without worrying about financial problems. She said: “Everyone worries about money – whether they have a lot or a little. I aim to make complicated financial matters as simple as possible for my clients. I take the time to understand their personal needs and recommend the right options for them so their decision-making process is as stress-free as possible.”

“Stan Sherlock Associates puts their customers first and, as a local family-run firm, they can find the right solution which ensures the best outcome for each client. I look forward to sharing my experience and expertise, but I know I will also learn a lot from their brilliant, well established and supportive team.”

Our Practice Principal Bobby Sherlock said: “We are delighted to welcome Deborah to the Stan Sherlock Associates team. She’ll be a huge asset to our clients and our staff are looking forward to learning from Deborah’s vast experience in the financial services industry. Everyone at Stan Sherlock Associates wants to find the right financial solutions for our clients and we’re all looking forward to continuing to develop our skills and knowledge together.”

Deborah lives with her family in Cumwhinton, on the outskirts of Carlisle, and in her spare time enjoys being outdoors riding her horse or walking her two Labradors. Welcome to the team Deborah!

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“Practically perfect in every way”… We introduce you to Annette Hunter:

stansherlocstg on August 3, 2020

Annette Hunter
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“Practically perfect in every way”… We introduce you to Annette Hunter:

Name: 

Annette Hunter 

What do you do at Stan Sherlock Associates? 

I am a senior administrator within the mortgage and wealth departments. I have recently moved to the wealth department, but I still turn my hand to mortgages. I input and process cases, problem solve and see a case through to completion. 

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the business support team?

I really enjoy working closely with our fantastic advisers, being supportive and efficient to ensure cases go through as smoothly and as quickly as possible. I love being part of our clients’ journeys and helping them secure their financial needs and desires is truly rewarding. Having worked at SSA for almost 17 years, I have encountered a wide range of hiccups and problems that can occur when processing a case; using my skills and knowledge to solve these problems and help a case make progress is a part of my job I also enjoy.

What has surprised you the most about working in Financial Services?

How incredibly different every client’s circumstances are .There are no two cases that are alike and each one requires a slightly different approach, whether that be lenders/providers or products. I have also been surprised by the complexity of financial services and how it is an ever-changing environment. An expert eye really is required to help you achieve your specific needs.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Organised, caring and loyal.

Would your family use the same three words?

Yes they would, although they consider my level of organisation and planning to be fussy!

If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

A Kindle, with plenty of books pre-downloaded to keep me occupied. I would also take a tent for shelter, whether that be protection from rain or sun – I am prone to burning easily! However, if we can class people as items, I would take some family/friends for company.

If you could choose any super power what would you choose and why?

A Mary Poppins style tidying up super-power.I would love to be able to click my fingers and all the boring household/DIY chores are magically done, leaving me with extra time to enjoy life with family and friends.

How can you help me?

My aim is to help you in any way I can to the best of my ability.Clients are at the centre of what we do at SSA, so it is very important to us all to give you the best experience possible. My wealth of knowledge and experience gained in this industry can help to process and progress your case efficiently and smoothly, making your journey stress, and hassle free.

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Sandra Sproat takes the limelight in the next part of our series “Getting to know our Business Support Team”…

stansherlocstg on July 27, 2020

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Sandra Sproat takes the limelight in the next part of our series “Getting to know our Business Support Team”…

 Name:

Sandra Sproat

What do you do at Stan Sherlock Associates?

I’ve worked here for almost 22 years, so I have my finger in many pies! As office manager, I work closely with Bobby and Emma Sherlock and we all try to maintain a happy environment for the staff. My secondary role has been described as ‘office mum’ which is quite an honour!

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the business support team?

I enjoy seeing cases through from start to finish.I get a real buzz from problem solving and love to make the experience, for our clients, as smooth as possible. If we do encounter any hurdles during the process, I like to make sure they are sorted without troubling our clients, so the stress of life finances stays firmly with us and not with them.Our support team is amazing, and we all help each other out if one of us needs a hand.

What has surprised you the most about working in Financial Services?

The complexity of some of the products and procedures and the realisation that it needs an expert to guide clients through the journey; be that mortgages, investing, or having the right pension. Our advisers have a wealth of knowledge and really know their stuff so our clients can be confident that they are in the best hands.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Caring – Clumsy – a worrier!

Would your family use the same three words?

Probably!

If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

A big box of photo albums – I love looking at old photos and enjoying the memories. A radio with a lifetime supply of batteries – I couldn’t live without music.

If you could choose any super power what would you choose and why?

I would love to be able to fly. Imagine the exhilaration, clean air and peace up there! No pollution or traffic jams.

How can you help me?

I will do my very best to help in any way I can. Our clients are what our business is built on so you are very important to us. We want to look after you and give you confidence in our ability to take care of all your financial needs. If an adviser is busy with another client or away from the office, I will do everything I can to assist and answer any queries you may have. My experience in the industry means that I can help to progress a case efficiently knowing the best way to tackle any problems that might crop up.

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Business Support Structure

stansherlocstg on July 6, 2020

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Business Support Structure

During our 30 years in business we’ve helped thousands of clients navigate their financial decisions and achieve the right results, from buying a first home to providing an income in retirement and everything in between. Ensuring consistently great results for our clients is essential to our success, and that in turn relies on the experience and knowledge of our whole team.

While the client may only see their adviser, behind them is a skilled business support team. That team has submitted tens of thousands of applications on our clients’ behalf and developed sleek processes to manage them all. They’ve built strong relationships with their industry contacts and provide the ‘scaffolding’ and support systems for our advisers.

As a family run business, we’ve always believed that everyone in our team has equal value. We know our support team of skilled administrators is as vital to our business as our client facing advisers. As a business we recognise and reward, not only those who directly create revenue, but those that are behind the scenes maintaining fantastic client service and making our business the best version of itself. If we could offer one piece of advice to those making changes to their business structure, for whatever reason, don’t underestimate the power of a good business support structure.

We have made changes to our team to allow for a culture of mutual respect and a shared common goal: the best outcome for the client. Our current team of advisers have been chosen to join Stan Sherlock Associates because they believe in our values and genuinely care about helping our clients achieve their dreams. These advisers recognise that our business support team is vital to achieving that success for both our clients and our business.

Despite the stresses and strains of working through a pandemic, it’s been fantastic during the last few months to see our whole team work together with mutual respect for one another’s skills, knowledge and experience. If we can achieve that during lockdown, from the kitchen table, then we’re really looking forward to seeing what we can do as we return to the office and our new ‘normal’. 

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Registered Address: 26 Lowther Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8DA

Company Number: 05719965

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