TIER ONE CAPITAL - Key Persons


Andrew Cawkwell

Job Titles:
  • Credit Committee Member
  • Restructuring Solicitor
Andrew is a Restructuring Solicitor and Certified Turnaround Professional (accredited by the European Association of Certified Turnaround Professionals (EACTP). National Board Director of the Turnaround Management Association (UK). Winner of Turnaround Restructuring and Insolvency award 2016 for "Turnaround Practitioner of the Year" and member of TRI 300 in 21/22.

Andy Naylor

Job Titles:
  • Corporate Affairs Adviser
  • Senior Corporate Affairs Adviser, Media and PR Specialist

Bianca Chibanda

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Analyst
Bianca is currently studying towards her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, Bianca works closely with the team of Wealth Manager's by collating research, producing financial review reports, and preparing suitability reports, whilst ensuring clients' needs and objectives are met. Bianca is keen to further develop her career in financial services and looks forward to progressing and gaining more experience within the business. When not working, Bianca enjoys socialising, DIY and home improvements and is a keen indoor horticulturalist.

Brendan O'Grady

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Fund Manager
Brendan joined Tier One Capital in 2017 from Gentoo Group, where he was the Head of Finance for Gentoo Homes, and the Tax and Treasury Manager for the wider Gentoo Group. Prior to that, Brendan worked at Silverfleet Capital (an international Private Equity firm) where, for seven years, he had a number of senior finance roles for the investment manager and investment funds, from their London offices. Brendan is a chartered accountant, qualifying in London with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. He is also an associate member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.

Carol Donnachie

Job Titles:
  • in 2018 As an Investment Associate
  • Wealth Management Support
After more than 20 years in both retail and commercial banking with a major high street bank, Carol joined Tier One Capital in 2018 as an Investment Associate providing administrative support to the Wealth Advisers and Fund Management team. Carol is instrumental in developing back office processes and systems to ensure accurate and current information is held. Carol enjoys walks along the Northumberland coast with her two Labradors, watching musical theatre in the West End and attending 80s concerts. Carol also enjoys travel, holidays abroad and weekends away with friends.

Diane Jefferson

Job Titles:
  • Finance Assistant
Born and raised in the North East, Diane has always worked in accounts, mostly within the Construction and Manufacturing Industries. She has gained years of experience and a good knowledge of a variety of accounting packages. Diane joined Tier One Capital in late 2016, welcoming the new challenge of the Financial Services industry and getting to grips with everything that entailed.

Emma Hutchinson

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Support
Emma joined Tier One Capital in March 2022 as part of the Wealth Management Support team. Working closely with the Wealth Advisers and our clients, Emma provides administrative support throughout the financial planning process. Outside of work Emma enjoys watching her young son play football for his local team. She also enjoys giving back to the community and often participates in local litter picks, bag packs and various fundraising activities to raise vital funds for football equipment and tournaments. Emma also enjoys socialising with family and friends, and travelling, both abroad and within the UK.

Eva Butler

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Support
Eva joined the Tier One Capital team in late 2022 having worked in the financial services industry since 2016. Eva works closely with Tier One Capital's team of highly experienced financial advisers providing them with essential support in all aspects of the client journey. In her spare time, Eva enjoys Pilates, baking and socialising.

Helen Slater

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Support
Helen started work in the financial industry from leaving school, joining the Yorkshire bank. After a break to raise a family she returned to the industry as a Customer Relations Adviser for Santander. She eventually joined Tier One Capital Wealth Management in 2006 and quickly gained her CII Award in Financial Administration. Helen focuses on keeping the office protocols in place and ensuring that high standards are met for compliance. Helen is the office baker and provides cakes for all occasions. When not working Helen enjoys knitting, long walks and weekends away to discover new places. She is a qualified scuba diver and loves to caddy for her golfing husband.

Ian McElroy - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive
Ian is one of the founding shareholders of Tier One Capital Ltd, establishing the business having spent many years in the wealth management industry. Ian initially trained and qualified as an investment manager with Gerrard Stockbrokers before moving into financial advice, corporate finance and credit structuring during senior roles with Barclays Wealth, Kleinwort Benson and Coutts. Over the last 20 years, Ian has worked closely with business owners, company directors, senior executives and professionals across many industries to help structure, preserve and achieve their financial objectives. Ian is a board member of Develop North PLC, a main market London Stock Exchange-listed public investment company focused on providing investment into the North of England and Scotland and is a Chartered Fellow and Wealth Manager with the CISI.

Jess Swindells - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director
Jess joined Tier One Capital as Managing Director in 2017 and is a principal shareholder. Before joining Tier One Capital, Jess qualified and practiced with international law firm Eversheds Sutherland in both Newcastle and London before becoming a partner at regional top tier law firm Muckle LLP. Jess remains a practicing lawyer with 19 years' experience specialising in banking and corporate finance.

Joan Todd

Job Titles:
  • Fund Management Team Administrator
Joan has spent over 35 years in the accountancy and financial sector gaining a wealth of administrative experience across the board. Joan brings her considerable administrative skills in supporting the Fund Management team.

Martin Stout

Job Titles:
  • Head of Business Development
Martin is a highly experienced business development expert and has worked with Tier One Capital since 2020. With a background in publishing, brand and marketing spanning two decades, he has previously worked with some of the North East's leading media companies as Commercial Director. Martin works with Tier One Capital to help improve brand visibility and grow the B2B client base. He works closely with the senior management team to help create business opportunities through professional networks and build long lasting relationships.

Michael Carrick

Job Titles:
  • Senior Wealth Manager
Regularly listed in The Times as one of the Top 200 Financial Advisers in the UK, Michael brings over 30 years of Financial Planning experience when working with clients. Michael works with families and individuals to maximise their Financial Planning today and enrich their succession planning. Michael has obtained additional qualifications in Investments, Trusts, Pensions and Long Term Care through both the CISI and the CII.

Neil Marshall

Job Titles:
  • Operations Manager
  • Wealth Manager
Neil joined Tier One Capital as Operations Manager in 2014, following an 11 year career with Lloyds Banking group, firstly in the retail branch network as a Senior Personal Banking Manager and then six years as a Bank Manager. Neil attained a Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance in 2016 through the International Compliance Association and became the company's Chief Compliance Officer, helping build out our policies and procedures. Having achieved his Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning through the CII, Neil has now switched to the role of Wealth Manager, working closely with clients to achieve all of their financial planning goals. Outside of work, Neil is married with two Daughters and is a keen runner, taking on everything from parkruns to Ultra Marathons

Paul Blight

Job Titles:
  • Head of Wealth Management
Paul has been involved in Financial Services since 1987, having worked for companies such as Prudential and Legal & General. He has been an adviser with Tier One Capital Wealth Management since 2007 and a Director since 2009. Although Paul specialises in retirement planning using cash flow modelling. When providing advice, Paul focusses on clear communication so that his clients fully understand the facts, options and recommended solutions, enabling them to make well-informed decisions. When Paul is not working his interests include music and comedy gigs, keeping fit, regular weekend trips into the borders on his motorbike and walks along the sea front at Tynemouth with his two Labradors, Belle and Missy.

Paul Crawley - Chief Legal Officer

Job Titles:
  • General Counsel

Stacey Ord

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Support
Stacey began her career in financial services in 2011. She has gained her Certificate in Mortgage Advice and has been studying towards her Diploma in Financial Planning. Stacey works closely with the advisers, providers and clients to provide support throughout the advisory process. Outside of work Stacey enjoys country walks, reading and spending time with her two young children.