Charlie
The O.G & Guru of BFS
Professional profile
I started my career in Financial Services in 1998 working in insurance and insurance underwriting, holding binding authority for Lloyds syndicates. Following this it seemed a natural progression to expand and train as a full Financial Adviser. I qualified in 2004, developing experience and expertise in pensions, investments, savings, insurance, and mortgage advice. In 2007 I took a career break to spend more time with my young children.
In 2011, I returned to Financial Services and due to qualification changes for Financial Advisers I decided to focus on mortgages only. Finding a forte for mortgage advice, I began specialising in complex mortgage cases. I once completed a single corporate mortgage against 32 multi-unit freehold blocks comprising in excess of 160 let units.
On setting up Balanced Financial Services I also sat the new exams required to re-qualify as a Financial Adviser in addition to the Advanced Mortgage Advice Qualification.
I am an active member of the Personal Finance Society, and the Society of Mortgage Professionals and I hold:
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Diploma in Financial Planning
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice
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Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice
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Certificate in Equity Release
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Certificate in Financial Planning
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Certificate in Life & Pensions
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Certificate in Insurance
I am proud to have been one of 3 Finalists nationally in the Personal Finance Society awards for mortgage and protection advice specialist of the year in 19/20.
I am committed to Balanced Financial Services being the most helpful, honest and ‘non-salesy’ mortgage brokerage and I keep an eye personally, on all cases within the firm. I am always prepared to speak to clients of Balanced, regardless which broker you may be dealing with.
Now get to know Charlie a little deeper....
When not living & breathing BFS, I enjoy the occasional two wheeled road trip but I am absolutely a 'fairweather fairy' and only on dry summer days do I take the two-wheeler out in search of coffee and cake. I tend not to be out for long these days, as my partner and I have a little lifetime foster doggo called BoBo (aka Little Chicken & Pickle) at home who is not really a 2 wheel fan. BoBo loves long weekend walks but spends her week days snoozing in the BFS HQ office! She snores incredibly loud for a little dog.
When not on the road or tending the whims of BoBo the Doglet, I have a passion for the beauty of the Koi pond. Although the Koi do live outside they are very much-loved pets, each fish is named individually, and has a story which I will gladly share with anyone who will listen!
Finally, I do love a little international rugby, with a few trips to ‘Twickers’ for 6 Nations matches, the dream will be to get to a world cup final.
Dream job as a kid: RAF Pilot (specifically wanted to fly the Vulcan) still a bit geeky about military planes …
Favourite meal: Steak & chips (home cooked)
Favourite TV show: Don’t really watch TV
Life changing books: 2 pence to cross the Mersey / Women hold up half the sky (many others)
Favourite tipple: Salted caramel vodka & lemonade (too much like cream soda!)
Tea or Coffee: Tea…. All day long
Love: Huge open spaces
Hate: Lots
Typical morning: 6.30 tea delivered in bed (I know I am extremely lucky) 7.30 into the office….. 12.30pm realise I am hungry and I haven’t moved in 5 hours….
10 years’ time? In the very same place I am now (maybe a house move & larger office)
Interesting fact: I am not interesting; I’ve working in financial services since I was 18
Claim to fame: I started a mortgage brokerage, and hand picked the team, that in my opinion, makes it the best brokerage in the UK
Met any famous people: Nope – I do try avoid larger numbers of people and famous people seem to attract large numbers of peoples!
