Meet the Steering Group

The NTA Steering Group is chaired by Tom Hegarty, MD of M&G Wealth Advice, previously MD of the SimplyBiz New Model Business Academy and Chair of the Financial Adviser Apprenticeship Standard.

The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) will act as Secretariat for the steering group.

The Steering Group members, listed below, represent a broad spectrum of expertise from across the sector. Other key stakeholders will be encouraged to join NTA working groups, ensuring diversity and inclusivity.

  • Tom Hegarty (Chair)

    Tom Hegarty (Chair) – Managing Director, M&G Wealth Advice

    Tom Hegarty is Managing Director of M&G Wealth Advice, a key advice channel within M&G Plc’s distribution strategy, and built the M&G Wealth Advice Academy in 2021 to support the accessibility and affordability of financial advice in the UK.

    Previously, he was Managing Director of the SimplyBiz Group’s not-for-profit training and development division, the New Model Business Academy, where he developed one of the first Apprenticeship programmes in Financial Services.

    His career in financial services now spans three decades, during which time he has gathered experience across the entire sector with perspectives of adviser, provider, network, and training academy.

  • Rob Atherton

    Rob Atherton - Chartered Financial Planner

    Rob Atherton has been a prominent figure in the financial planning profession for over two decades. As one of the first Chartered Financial Planners, he established Atherton Associates in 2008, a pioneering Chartered Financial Planning practice, and later founded RWA Financial Planning. His expertise lies in developing and mentoring the next generation of financial advisers, including guiding individuals from back-office roles to front office and becoming Chartered Financial Planners.

    After successfully orchestrating management buy-ins for his businesses, Rob has dedicated the past few years to pro bono work, assisting emerging talents in the profession. Passionate about continuous learning, he recently completed CISI exams to complement his CII qualifications.

    His extensive skill set includes client advising, business development, acquisition, recruitment, training and development, HR, legal, IT, and ensuring compliance, all while maintaining exceptional client outcomes.

  • Lewis Byford

    Lewis Byford - Co-Founder, The Financial Planning Club and Antony George

    Lewis Byford has been a business owner since the age of 19, most recently co-founding The Financial Planning Club and Antony George, the UK's first subscription-based recruitment agency focused exclusively on the financial planning sector.

    Lewis loves fostering long-term relationships to support firms' development and growth alongside enhancing the corporate culture and business strategies of companies.

    Outside work Lewis enjoys yoga, cycling, journalling and spending time with his family.

  • Matt Cordas

    Matt Cordas - Recruitment Marketing, St James's Place

    Matt Cordas began his career in financial services over a decade ago as an apprentice at St. James's Place, where he subsequently directed major marketing campaigns and a pivotal brand transformation.

    He currently heads the recruitment marketing team, focused on attracting career changers to its Financial Adviser Academy.

    Matt is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation, elucidating career opportunities and enhancing their grasp of the financial advice profession.

  • Natalie Dawes

    Natalie Dawes - Candidate Support, Trainer & Business Development Adviser

    Natalie Dawes wears a few hats at Bespoke Training Solutions (BTS) albeit her main focus is supporting learners through the CII exams, wherever they are within their studies. Natalie also supports businesses to better enable their teams when it comes to their professional development.

    She’s a part of a team of committed individuals who all strive to make a difference within our sector and the issues that we face. They do this via their well-known arm of support for exams, but also helping individuals in their financial services career steps via the BTS Careers Zone.

    BTS speak with individuals everyday who are looking for a route into the financial advice profession. Natalie and the rest of the team are on a mission to create more opportunities and as a result, increase the number of people coming into the sector.

    Natalie says “Many of us who already work within the sector got here by accident and that’s something we need to change moving forwards. However, for that to happen, we need to create some change and then some opportunity.”

  • Sarah Elson

    Sarah Elson - Co-founder, Berry & Oak

    Sarah Elson is the co-founder of Berry & Oak, an award winning Chartered and Accredited Financial Planning Firm based in Boston Spa, Yorkshire.

    She has over 30 years’ financial services experience, Chartered and Certified Financial Planner status, and is also a Fellow of both the Chartered Insurance for Securities and Investment and the Personal Finance Society (PFS).

    Sarah is passionate about helping young people receive access to a financial education; regularly delivering financial education workshops across Yorkshire schools. She also worked with the PFS to launch the financial education module as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, an achievement that she’s extremely proud of. 

    Outside work, Sarah loves traveling the world and exploring new places, photography and watching her 19-year-old son, Connor, play basketball.

  • Amanda Ford

    Amanda Ford - Co-Founder, The Financial Planning Club

    Amanda Ford has over 20 years’ experience in financial services. Specialising in Events, Recruitment, Operations and an executive role as Managing Director for two national appointed representative firms. Amanda is a key figure in The Financial Planning Club, providing IFA business owners with valuable insights, coaching, and a supportive community.

    Passionate about fostering long-term relationships, wellbeing and individuals loving their life both personally and professionally, Amanda enjoys working closely with firms to enhance their culture, improve operational efficiencies and create sustainable success.

    Amanda is a mum of one and lives in Harrogate. She has a passion for personal development (always has a book to recommend), spending time with family and friends… with a taste for a gorgeous, crisp glass of rose!

  • Najma Ibrahim

    Najma Ibrahim - CRM and Learning Specialist, Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment

    Najma Ibrahim is the Client Relationship Manager and Learning Specialist at the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). She focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with schools, universities, and other organisations to inspire and support the next generation of finance professionals.

    Her journey into finance began unexpectedly at NatWest Group, where she gained experience across various roles before discovering a passion for education and outreach. Now, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on young people’s lives by promoting financial services as an accessible and inclusive career path.

    Najma is particularly passionate about improving diversity in finance and ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, feel empowered to explore opportunities within the sector.

  • Helen Longland

    Helen Longland - Principal Director, The Openwork Partnership Business School

    Helen Longland is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the CII and LIBF with 29 years’ experience in financial services, I’m currently Principal Director of The Openwork Partnership Business School, providing learning and development for business owners, advisers, support staff and colleagues at the centre.

    Outside of work family life with my husband, 2 children and Archie the dog, keeps me busy. I still love to learn and, as well studying for my ILM Level 7 Coaching and Mentoring qualification, in my spare time I can often be found with my head in a book, listening to a podcast or learning from friends. Sport’s my go to stress relief and whenever I can I like to run, walk and most recently getting back in the pool. My fun fact is I’m a qualified yoga teacher.

  • Scott Millar

    Scott Millar - Founder, Finova Money

    Scott Millar is the founder and chartered financial planner of Finova Money. His motivation day to day is to empower clients to live their lives free from financial stress and anxiety, helping them focus on what really matters most to them and help create a life they love.

    One of Scott's overriding aims is to build a profession where the next generation actively choose this rewarding career. We’re passionate about giving back which means giving the next generation of advisers and paraplanners the platform to learn, grow their skills and make this a conscious career choice to help more people.

  • Jennifer Parker

    Jennifer Parker - Chief Operating Officer, Brand Financial Training

    Jennifer Parker is Chief Operating Officer at Brand Financial training, a company which provides exam resources for thousands of candidates studying towards CII financial advice exams, each year.

    Previous roles include Head of Training and Head of Academy at financial advice and training businesses, providing training for advisers and financial advice apprentices, as well as roles within business development, compliance and training.

    Jen holds a Master’s degree in Business Management and Administration.

  • Emmelia Powell

    Emmelia Powell - Independent Financial Planner, Premier Wealth Solutions Ltd

    Emmelia Powell is runs a boutique financial planning firm in Cheshire. She is keen to help improve the attraction into the industry and uses her social platforms to bring more understanding and clarity on what the role encompasses.

    She actively voices how she feels more women and young professionals should consider financial services as a career option, where longevity of relationships and trust is at the forefront of a successful planning firm.

  • Hayley Rabbetts

    Hayley Rabbets - Head of The Verve Foundation

    Hayley Rabbets followed the classic story of 'falling into finance' back in 2007 and has worked in a wide variety of roles from reception through to senior management. With experience in these areas, Hayley is able to understand the challenges financial services faces and is well positioned to provide support and guidance to those looking to enter the profession.

    Passionate about changing the stereotypes within finance and breaking down barriers to both advice and entry, Hayley heads up The Verve Foundation; a not-for-profit developing initiatives to attract more new people to finance, and support early-stage advisory firms in the early days.

  • John Somerville

    John Somerville - Director of Financial Services, LIBF

    John Somerville has over three decades of experience in Regulated Financial Services and has held various roles, including Financial Adviser, Regional Manager, and Business Development Manager at renowned companies such as Aviva, AXA, and Legal and General.

    Prior to joining The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), John served as the Regulated Learning and Development Manager at Nationwide Building Society and as a Regulated Learning and Development Consultant at Intrinsic Financial Services, now Quilter.

    For the past five years, John has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Mortgage and Financial Advice Professionals at LIBF. He takes immense pride in helping individuals achieve their qualification ambitions, thus playing a vital role in shaping the future of the UK Financial Services Profession.

  • Laura Wharfe

    Laura Wharfe - Career & Talent Lead, Chartered Insurance Institute 

    Laura Wharfe is the Career and Talent Lead at the Chartered Insurance Institute, leading initiatives to inspire young people and career changers to explore careers in personal finance and insurance. She manages various programmes aimed at attracting, recruiting and developing a skilled workforce, with a focus on building a diverse and inclusive talent pipeline for employers.

    From school outreach initiatives, virtual work experience programmes and promoting apprenticeships, she is passionate about changing the perception of careers within the financial planning and insurance sectors, breaking down barriers to entry and supporting young people to achieve their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

    Having worked in the insurance sector since leaving school (including eight years in Gibraltar) and studying towards the Advanced Diploma in Insurance and becoming Chartered, Laura took an extended career break to care for her four children before pursuing a new professional direction when joining the CII in 2022.

     
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