Former jockey gallops into new role as a mortgage and protection adviser at Stan Sherlock Associates
Cumbrian financial planning firm Stan Sherlock Associates (SSA) has announced Christopher Callow as the newest addition to the team.
With a track record of success in the competitive world of horse racing, combined with years of experience in property, Chris is poised to bring the same determination and strategic mindset to SSA’s clients.
Having enjoyed a varied career with success as a professional jockey, an estate agent manager and pub/restaurant manager, Chris brings a unique perspective to the team, combining a deep understanding of risk management with quick decision making.
Chris said: “I’m excited to be joining a well-established family firm with a proven track record in financial planning and mortgage advice. Having worked as an estate agent and property valuer I feel this is an area I can excel in while helping people make their goals a reality.”
Director Emma Sherlock said, “Chris is fantastic, and we are thrilled to have him on board. He has great drive, real vision and a hands-on understanding of business.
“He has a genuine desire to connect with the clients, really get to know them and provide them with a bespoke and attentive service. We’re really excited to see Chris help more people buy and finance their homes as he grows his client bank.”
Unity Trust Bank announces the appointment of three new relationship managers
Deposits relationship manager Dawn Morris will work specifically with new and existing day-to-day banking customers to understand their needs and support their liquidity and investment requirements, while relationship managers Philippa Moors and Andy Matley will support and grow a portfolio of customers spanning a broad range of sectors.
All three will work closely alongside long-serving relationship managers, Margaret Porter and Neil Cartwright, and regional director John Copping, who leads Unity’s North and Scotland team.
Dawn said: “I’d never considered working for an ethical bank before but when I learned how Unity uses finance to help improve the lives of local communities it touched a nerve.
“Unity’s ethos and values are a natural fit for me and I was excited to join the team.
“My role is to nurture and grow our deposits portfolio. By creating competitive savings products for organisations that share our values and want to create a better society, we are able to use that funding to contribute to positive impact across the UK.”
Philippa said: “I’ve worked in banking for many years as a relationship manager, but for the last three years, I’ve been looking after my three children. During that time, I set up a small business delivering sustainable groceries to our local area, which gave me an appreciation of how hard customers work running their own business. When it was time for me to come back to banking, I knew the role at Unity was right for me as I want to help businesses continue to thrive.”
Andy said: “I’ve spent the last 15 years working in commercial banking and joining a bank that makes a real difference to local communities across the UK is a great place to be.”
New director for Davidson & Robertson
Paul Robinson has joined the senior management team of directors at rural surveyors Davidson & Robertson (D&R), creating a stronger platform for growing the business and developing staff across Cumbria and South West Scotland.
Paul’s internal promotion from associate director recognises his achievements and expertise in supporting clients across the region, especially in areas relating to utilities and infrastructure.
With Paul heading the development of the Cumbria-based office, fellow director Chris Edmunds will lead the agency sector for D&R across Northern England and Scotland.
Paul Robinson grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Wigton and went on to study a degree in agriculture then a masters’ degree in rural estate management at Cirencester, before becoming a chartered surveyor.
Paul said: “We have a strong team in our Cockermouth office and have grown considerably since the office was opened in 2015.
“Having a practical and professional background in farming has always proved to be beneficial, it helps us appreciate the practical implications that affect our clients.
“As a team, we know the right balance between or hands-on experience and professional expertise helps achieve the best outcomes for our clients, and that is the case for all aspects of surveying – be that for ongoing management, compensation issues or valuing and selling properties.”
Veterinary Vision appoints new business manager
Veterinary Vision, which has sites in Lancashire, Penrith, Sunderland and Glasgow, has appointed a new operations manager, Nicola Clark.
Nicola has been a registered veterinary nurse for almost 18 years, working in a multi-disciplinary referral practice in Bedfordshire.
During that time, she covered a variety of roles from wards nursing to diagnostics, theatre, pharmacy, client care, supervisory roles and client finance manager. She also has experience at another veterinary practice focusing on credit control related matters.
Nicola said: “Never did I think that being a registered veterinary nurse would lead into the world of finance, but I’m incredibly excited to be appointed as operations manager at Veterinary Vision, the first time the business has had this role.”
Knights appoints new corporate partner in Carlisle
A corporate partner has joined Knights as the business continues its growth in Carlisle.
Sam Lyon brings more than 20 years of experience to Knights’ corporate team, which is now the largest in Cumbria.
Previously head of corporate at a regional firm, Sam also spent more than six years at Cumberland Building Society and brings a wealth of expertise to Knights.
Sam said: “Knights is a growing business and it’s a great time to join. I’m looking forward to being part of a national team with great experience in all the key regions of the country – including here in Cumbria. I can’t wait to get started.”
Sam’s arrival coincides with the appointment of real estate solicitor Lois Huntington.
They both join a growing team in Carlisle that works alongside Knights’ 1,500-strong team of colleagues in the largest regional legal and professional services business operating outside London.
Lisa Shacklock, client services director, said: “Sam and Lois are brilliant additions to our team. We’re so pleased that within eight months of arriving in Carlisle we’re already growing – and we’re keen to add more talented people. It’s an exciting time as we get ready for further growth.
Double appointment at TL Dallas insurance brokers
An independent insurance broking and risk management specialist has appointed two new team members.
TL Dallas, which is based on Lakeland Business Park in Cockermouth, has trebled the size of its team since opening its office in May 2023.
Karen Coombe has 40 years industry experience as a broker and Talia Frazer joins as an apprentice.
Karen said: “I originally joined Commercial Union Insurance Company in 1978 before moving to CH Jeffries in 1982 and remained with the company through various acquisitions. I retired in June 2023 but missed working and when the opportunity arose to join my former colleagues at TL Dallas, I couldn’t resist returning to the insurance world.
“TL Dallas is a place where my core values of being a first-class community broker can be lived out. I have worked across all sectors of general insurance, but over the last 10 years I have primarily focused on agricultural insurance, which is one of the areas that TL Dallas specialises in, which made it the perfect fit.”
Apprentice Talia is enrolled on the Level 3 Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship Program, which is run by industry training provider, Davis Group.
Talia said: “I went to West Lakes Academy, leaving in 2021. I always knew that I wanted to do an apprenticeship as it offers structured training, practical experience and hands on knowledge from people with a vast amount of industry experience. I wanted to work in a professional environment, where I can develop my business skills working directly with clients, so insurance is a great fit for me.”
Rebuild Site in Carlisle welcomes new part-time community officer
The Rebuild Site in Carlisle, a surplus construction materials reuse hub, has announced the appointment of Amy Dixon in the role of part-time community officer.
Rebuild is planning to extend its coverage to West Cumbria and beyond. The strategic move to appoint a community officer is testament to their commitment to fostering community connections and collaboration, raising carbon awareness, and enhancing the overall well-being of the residents in the Carlisle and West Cumbria area.
Rebuild plans to broaden the range of services on offer to further demonstrate how adopting circular economy practices is part of the solution to address the global climate crisis, and importantly also benefit local communities and businesses at the same time.
Maisie Hunt director of Rebuild said: “We are excited to welcome Amy to the Rebuild Site team. With her passion for community development and previous experience, we are confident that she will enhance our efforts to create a vibrant, connected and low carbon community here in Carlisle and for our new depot planned in West Cumbria.”
