The Paraplanners team
Our clients rely on us to interpret and sensibly apply the latest technical, regulatory and legislative developments in the paraplanning work we do with them. So we ensure that our team members really know what they’re talking about; always seeking to achieve the highest possible relevant qualifications, and following a rigorous programme of continuous professional development, whether that’s through reading industry publications, attending professional events or sharing best practice with our peers.
Richard Allum
Managing Director
I’m proud to have built an experienced team that focuses on bringing our knowledge, insights and expertise to bear on our day-to-day paraplanning work for clients. Every member of our team has hands-on experience working alongside financial advisory practices and understands what makes them tick. With team members located throughout the UK, we’re able to support our clients, no matter where they are based.
I spotted the opportunity for outsourced paraplanning and set up the business in 2002 and am a leading advocate for paraplanning in the UK. I’m responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the business. I’m still involved in live cases and often lead on consultative projects for clients.
In 2011, I combined my expertise as a Certified Financial Planner with a lifelong interest in technology to launch Moneyscope – a web-based lifetime cash flow forecasting tool. In 2013, I went on to start the paraplanning community, the Paraplanners Assembly. I continue to be involved in both of these initiatives.
Claire Goodwin
Director
I was a part of this business even before I officially joined the team! My journey started in 2013 when I began to develop the Paraplanners Assembly. Playing an active role in our profession has always been important to me and I loved being part of the Assembly team, developing and running the smaller regional gatherings of like minded individuals. I have now stepped back from being actively involved in the organisation and running of the Assembly but I do like to take part when I can (they’re great fun!)
Joining The Paraplanners in January 2014 was a natural progression and challenge for me. I was one of the few paraplanners accredited via the IFP (later CISI) at the time and had never worked in the outsourced world. Over the ensuing years, and in an ever changing environment, I found that I really enjoyed working with our clients on their businesses and indeed, developing our own business.
I am now a director of The Paraplanners working on our overall strategy and development. I also work with our clients on individual cases and project work. Day to day I don’t do much actual paraplanning anymore but I do still love a good cash flow analysis.
Becci Jones
Paraplanner
Becci first started her career in paraplanning in 2002, working in-house with local financial planning firms in Doncaster. She achieved her Level 4 Diploma in 2009 before having her daughter Victoria.
Balancing family and work life is a challenge at times, and Becci became aware of outsourced paraplanning through the Paraplanner Assembly movement and the greater flexibility available to people that are able to work from home. Having decided the time was right, The Paraplanners happily introduced her to the wonderful world of outsourcing, giving her the opportunity to spend valuable time with her daughter, as well as being able to put her technical knowledge and experience to good use and continue to further her career.
Shannon Stazicker
Operations Manager
I entered the financial services industry in 2013 as a junior administrator for a successful financial planning practice in Lancashire. There I developed the experience, knowledge and skills to became a paraplanner and achieved CII Diplomas in Financial Planning and Regulated Financial Planning.
I love being a paraplanner because we play a crucial role in assisting a financial adviser in creating a personalised plan for clients – helping them pursue their financial objectives. I guess I can’t help finding fulfilment when clients are able to achieve their goals!
We also work in an industry that is constantly evolving and I enjoy learning about – and adapting to – new information, regulation and investment strategies.
Out of work, I represent my local Morris Dancing team and enjoy walking my two dogs, Kobi and Archie.
Colin Stewart
Paraplanner
Colin is a Chartered Financial Planner and achieved Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Paraplanner status in 2015.
His financial services career started in 1999 and took a few turns in the early years. This included time in a pensions call centre, local government pensions administration and a business development role with Scottish Life. In 2002 he discovered paraplanning.
Since then Colin has held a number of positions in a small financial planning firm, a large national adviser and a private bank.
Colin has a lot of experience in most aspects of financial planning. With his strong pensions background he spends most of his time working with complex retirement plans, including cash flow plans, and defined benefit transfer analysis.
Mel Holman
Director, CATS
It’s important the advice and support we give our clients helps them remain compliant. That’s why we work closely with Compliance and Training Solutions (CATs for short), to keep up to date with regulatory changes. CATS Director, Mel Holman is an essential part of our team. Mel is a Certified and Chartered Financial Planner and has worked in the field of compliance for over 20 years.
Annie Bryant
Paraplanner
I joined the dynamic world of Financial Services in 2011, starting in administration for a Chartered IFA firm. I then went on to work within general insurance, pensions, employee benefits and annuities.
I started as a Trainee Paraplanner in 2017 and achieved my Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services with the CII. I was then promoted to Paraplanner and supported a portfolio of high-net-worth clients to achieve their financial objectives. In 2024, I achieved my Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Advice and went onto join The Paraplanners.
I love being a Paraplanner and all that comes with it – keeping up with regulation, continuous learning and being part of an incredible team who strive to deliver the highest standards.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping active, photography, travelling and baking. Spending quality time with friends and family also brings me a lot of joy!
Sophie Oakes
Paraplanner
I started my career in financial services at the age of 19 through an apprenticeship, which sparked my passion for the field. I then went on to become a paraplanner and achieved the CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning.
What I love most about being a paraplanner is how rewarding and varied the role is. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s keeping up with changing regulations or finding ways to improve my technical work. I take pride in being detail-oriented and organised, as these skills help me to create accurate, high quality financial reports.
It’s such a great feeling knowing that the work we do to support financial advisers helps clients build a secure financial future.
In my spare time I love going on long walks with my dog, Teddy, spending time with my family and going to the gym.
Lisa Johnstone
Paraplanner
Starting my career journey with a first-class honours degree in Business Management, I eventually found my way to paraplanning in 2015 and discovered my passion for this constantly developing role and industry as a whole.
I joined The Paraplanners in 2025 to delve into the new adventure of outsourced paraplanning. The role gives me the opportunity to continue to expand and apply technical knowledge and collaborate with a wide variety of advice firms.
Paraplanning, as a career, appeals to both my interests and my personality, and I enjoy taking an analytical approach to a wide array of financial planning client circumstances and helping to achieve their objectives.
Having achieved my Certificate in Paraplanning in 2018, followed by my Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning in 2020, I am continuing to work towards the Advanced Diploma and Chartered Status. I’m always looking to learn more, and have a particular focus on retirement planning, later life and client vulnerability.
Out of work, most of my time is spent getting out and about with my husband, two kids and two huskies, or playing mum-taxi role. I also enjoy some me time including comedy, cinema & theatre nights out and my local book club.