FPC - Key Persons


Amanda Hastings

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant
"I'm proud to support a company who are passionate and dedicated to what they do." Amanda started her career at sea, working as an Assistant Purser for P&O Cruises. She then went on to work as a PA for a number of Senior Executives in a variety of industries including flour milling, oilfield chemicals and insurance before bringing her extensive experience to FPC in August 2014. Amanda started her career at sea, working as an Assistant Purser for P&O Cruises. She then went on to work as a PA for a number of Senior Executives in a variety of industries including flour milling, oilfield chemicals and insurance before bringing her extensive experience to FPC in August 2014. Her main responsibilities include: Providing full PA support to the Partners Diary management and organising travel arrangements Meeting, conference and event organisation Managing the Partners L&D and CPD records Personal PA support to Managing Partner, Moira In her free time Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis for her local club and researching her next cruise holiday.

Bernice Blundell

Job Titles:
  • Partner
"The best part of the job is helping clients make the best decisions for themselves and their families, and not always financial decisions. I enjoy getting to know people and believe that relationships matter. My maths background has instilled in me a desire to get things right so I help clients understand how their plan works as well as what we're trying to achieve. It's part of our role to share our knowledge and I enjoy working collaboratively with fellow financial planners in other firms and actively support our regional professional body. I am also involved in raising the profile of Financial Planning and other Maths orientated career paths in local schools and I'm keen to get more women into the profession." Bernice joined FPC in 1997 following a number of years at a leading pensions actuarial firm and national brokerage. She became a Partner in 2010.

Harry Baines

Job Titles:
  • Independent Economist, Peter Stanyer
  • Non - Executive Chair
"Something that I have always enjoyed, in several very varied business contexts, is problem solving and working with others to help craft robust solutions to business challenges. In FPC's case, I have the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the positive difference that they can make to the lives and goals of clients and their families."

Hayley Butler

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
"Working for FPC has given me a real opportunity to develop my knowledge and experience. No two days are ever the same so I'm always learning. FPC's client base is very diverse so one day I may be working with a client who wants to sell their business and the next day I'll be helping the team with an estate planning strategy." Hayley joined FPC in December 2018 having worked in an administration, adviser support and PA role for an IFA for 3 ½ years. Hayley joined FPC in December 2018 having worked in an administration, adviser support and PA role for an IFA for 3 ½ years. Hayley's qualifications include: Level 3 Business Administration CF1 UK Financial services, regulations and ethics FA2 Pensions Administration CII Level 3 Award in Financial Administration Hayley is working towards Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning Her main responsibilities include assisting the Financial Planners to prepare for meetings and client reviews by helping with letters, proposals and reports and coordinating with FPC's administrative staff on application and provider forms. In her spare time Hayley likes to spend time with her family, rescuing and rehabilitating animals. Her interests include food… and sleep.

Helen Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Financial Planner
"It's a real privilege to get to know our clients, analyse the different options available and help to deliver a solution which will shape their future." After graduating, Helen secured a position with a SIPP and SSAS company in South Wales and then moved to firm of Independent Financial Advisers where she started as a relationship manager and progressed to a Paraplanner role. Helen joined FPC in January 2018. Helen is the Insurance Institute for Liverpool (ILL) Young Achiever of the Year for 2021. After graduating, Helen secured a position with a SIPP and SSAS company in South Wales and then moved to firm of Independent Financial Advisers where she started as a relationship manager and progressed to a Paraplanner role. Helen joined FPC in January 2018. Helen is the Insurance Institute for Liverpool (ILL) Young Achiever of the Year for 2021. Helen's professional qualifications include: Fellow of the Personal Finance Society Chartered Financial Planner Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning Working towards the Certified Financial Planner certification Helen's main responsibilities include researching and analysing the various options available to clients including products, providers and plans to evaluate the best fit and liaising with the adviser and administration team to implement a plan which delivers the clients' goals. When she's not at FPC Helen enjoys socialising with family and friends, cooking and hosting ‘come dine with me' competitions . Whenever she gets the opportunity she likes to return to the family farm on Anglesey and help with lambing and other duties. She also volunteers as an PFS Education Champio n, delivering financial education to local school students and is a Communication Officer for Financial Liverpool.

Jack Haimes

Job Titles:
  • Technical Administrator
"I enjoy finding insight hidden in complex situations. This mindset has led me to pursue qualifications in data and analysis with focus on investment. Being surrounded by a team of friendly and talented individuals at FPC, I feel extremely supported at the beginning of my journey in financial planning." Following his undergraduate degree, Jack gained experience in the banking industry before studying a Masters in Business Analytics and Finance, making Dean's List in the process. Jack recently joined the team to help FPC enhance their use of data. Jack recently joined the team to help FPC enhance their use of data. His qualifications include: BSc Hons Business and Management MSc Hons Business Analytics and Finance Working towards Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning Jack's main responsibilities include implementing a new business system while also assisting the investment team. Outside of work Jack often spends time socialising with family and friends. He enjoys listening to an eclectic range of music and loves cooking and a good read. Jack enjoys watching and participating in sports, including football, bouldering, and skiing.

Jenny Kearns

Job Titles:
  • Management Assistant
"I love the diversity of my role at FPC, from the challenge of balancing the books to the opportunity to learn something new at a client seminar." Jenny started her working life in the motor trade but has worked in financial services sector since 2000. Jenny started her working life in the motor trade but has worked in financial services sector since 2000. She has gained the following professional qualifications: Cemap (certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) CeFA (certificate for Financial Advisers) Her main responsibilities include: Management accounts/kpi reporting Database administration Co-ordinating systems Outside work, Jenny can usually be found trawling through holiday websites looking for the next getaway. She's a huge fan of motorhoming in New Zealand and loves a European city break. She also enjoys walking and is ‘obsessed' with her 10000 steps per day goal.

John Phelan

Job Titles:
  • Head of Operations
John has been involved in Financial Services since 1979, initially in IT and subsequently in Operations. He was IT Director for Tilney Investment Management, Operations and IT Director for Deutsche Bank Wealth Management UK and Operations Director for Tilney Group. From 2016 until 2019, when he joined FPC, John has provided Consultancy to companies and charities including Deutsche Bank, AJ Bell and the Community Foundation. John's main responsibilities are concerned with ensuring the secure, efficient and regulatory compliant provision of excellent client service. John is an FCA Approved CF10a (the regulator's recognition of ability to manage a firm's regulatory compliance in its management of client assets). John is passionate about Everton FC, cricket, golf and the full range of the Arts, from Martin Amis to Henri Matisse and Raphael Saadiq to John Ford.

Mark Ralphs

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner
"I have a natural curiosity and interest in people. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to connect with truly inspirational clients and professional colleagues, all leaders in their fields. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job was spending time with clients and colleagues, sharing the knowledge and experience that I have built up over the years and learning from them. I've always had a keen interest in markets, the challenges of managing risk and the psychology and behaviour of the investor. When I founded FPC I focused on building a solid investment proposition that continues to support our clients today. We have certainly been tested over the years but we have also delivered, as our client stories show."

Mike Lea

Job Titles:
  • Senior Adviser
"I enjoy all facets of the financial industry, from analysing and understanding the economic and investment environment to meeting interesting new clients, exploring their financial circumstances and creating a plan of action." Mike joined FPC in June 2019. He was previously based at London Stock Exchange member firm, Blankstone Sington where he initially trained as a Dealer, trading stocks, bonds and collective investments. He then moved into a client facing Investment Management role following further qualification, with responsibility for managing discretionary and advisory investment portfolios for private clients, charities and trusts. Mike joined FPC in June 2019. He was previously based at London Stock Exchange member firm, Blankstone Sington where he initially trained as a Dealer, trading stocks, bonds and collective investments. He then moved into a client facing Investment Management role following further qualification, with responsibility for managing discretionary and advisory investment portfolios for private clients, charities and trusts. Mike's qualifications include: BA (Hons) International Management CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (APFS) CISI Chartered Wealth Manager Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments (FCSI) In addition to bringing his investment experience to strengthen and support the delivery of FPC's investment process, Mike joins the firm's advisory team to offer an integrated financial planning and investment management solution to its clients. He will also be focusing on developing FPC's professional relationships throughout the North West Mike is a busy family man, married with two children and two dogs. Any other free time is spent in the world of basketball at a successful Basketball England affiliated club which he founded. He also enjoys going to the gym, snowboarding and travelling when possible.

Moira O'Shaughnessy - CEO, Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • Managing Partner
An early advocate of financial planning, Moira is a founder member of the Institute of Financial Planning (which has since merged with the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment).

Nick Evans

Job Titles:
  • Senior Adviser
"The journey through the financial process and the end result is different for each client so we have to provide a bespoke experience which challenges us to be the best we can be." Nick started his career as a graduate manager with HMV, followed by almost a decade in the recruitment sector. He then diversified into general practice for two years, which mostly involved planning for retirement and insurance cases before moving on to a firm focusing on group benefits, delivering pensions advice to staff members. Nick started his career as a graduate manager with HMV, followed by almost a decade in the recruitment sector. He then diversified into general practice for two years, which mostly involved planning for retirement and insurance cases before moving on to a firm focusing on group benefits, delivering pensions advice to staff members. Nick's professional qualifications include: Fellow of the Personal Finance Society Chartered Financial Planner In 2012 he joined the planning team at FPC, learning and subsequently helping to iterate our holistic planning proposition. Nick's experience is wide-ranging but he specialises in helping our more complex business clients with their finances… and lives generally. Nick has since been appointed to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting FPC's partners at a strategic level and helping with the day to day management of the firm. Nick is a keen runner and is relieved to say he's no longer the fastest, which means that the team must be getting fitter and younger! Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, preferably in a good coffee shop with a good book.

Paul Welsh

Job Titles:
  • Senior Adviser
Paul's career started at HMRC, followed by a job as a technician in the Employee Benefits section of Swiss Life UK before moving on to a firm of mortgage advisers. He then spent around four years as a paraplanner at a firm of chartered financial planners in Liverpool city centre before making the short journey north to join FPC in 2010. As a Senior Adviser, Paul helps FPC's clients to establish and maintain financial independence, giving them the confidence to know that they have a plan in place to achieve their goals, and ensuring their estate is structured appropriately to protect their legacy for future generations. Paul won the prestigious Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year award at the CISI Annual Awards in 2020. He is also a member of the FPC's Senior Leadership Team, supporting the firm's partners with the management of day-to-day operations and the implementation of its strategic vision. His professional qualifications include: Chartered Financial Planner Certified Financial Planner professional Affiliate of STEP Chartered Wealth Manager Out of the office, Paul is a keen sports fan but also enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Shirley Lehan

Job Titles:
  • Technical Administrator
"Most of all I love the variety of my role at FPC - no two days are ever the same" Shirley joined FPC in 1998 and is one of the longest serving members of our team. She previously spent 12 years working for HSBC. Shirley joined FPC in 1998 and is one of the longest serving members of our team. She previously spent 12 years working for HSBC. Her qualifications include: Financial Planning Certificate CII BA Honours Degree in Business Shirley is mainly responsible for looking after our SSAS and SIPP complex pension schemes. She likes to spend her weekends and spare time with family and friends, loves planning holidays and is a passionate supporter of LFC.

Stephen Caffrey

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Financial Planner
After university, Stephen put himself through the financial advice qualifications. Doing his exams lead him to a career in completing Section 166 review projects up and down the country on behalf of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Section 166 reviews occur when the regulator has growing concerns about regulated firms activities and appoints an independent skilled person to investigate the allegations. After six years of running around the country, Stephen joined FPC in 2017. He has since been able to apply his business, compliance, and technical skills to enhance our planning team's breadth of experience. Stephen has the following professional qualifications: BA Hons Business Marketing Degree Diploma in Financial Planning Diploma in Accounting CeMap Chartered Associate of the London Institute of Banking and Finance His primary responsibilities include delivering sound financial planning advice and building strategies to help clients achieve their life goals. Outside work Stephen enjoys Saturday league football, darts, badminton, rambling and having a boogie.

Will Carter

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Financial Planner
"The research and investment analysis process really forms the foundations for all financial planning so I find that stage of the clients' journey particularly satisfying. Financial planning for business owners is really rewarding too, helping them to ensure that they can stay in control and eventually enjoy the fruits of their labours." Will joined FPC in 2018 following an early career in Law before deciding that Financial Planning offered him the opportunity to combine his natural analytical and research skills with his interest in business, investment management and most importantly people! Will joined FPC in 2018 following an early career in Law before deciding that Financial Planning offered him the opportunity to combine his natural analytical and research skills with his interest in business, investment management and most importantly people! His qualifications include: Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management Award in Long Term Care Insurance GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) LPC (Legal Practice Course) Will's main responsibility is to provide full financial planning support to the partners and senior advisory team on key client accounts. He is also proud to be a member of Next Gen Planners. When Will isn't working he enjoys relaxing with his wife, Molly and likes to read a good book, cook and spend time with friends.