John
Dubbed by friends and colleagues “The Pensions Professor”, John Reynolds is widely acknowledged as one of the country’s leading experts in the financial services education sector. He has spent 20 years teaching, consulting, mentoring and writing on the subjects of pensions and investments.
John’s unique ability to take his years of experience and technical knowledge and present it in an easy to understand format, has resulted in his talents being very much in demand. He has an extensive portfolio of corporate clients, as well as numerous IFA clients whom he provides technical consultancy, mentoring and training on client case studies and staff training.
In what place are you happiest?
Difficult question, I love my life, I love what I do, but most of all I’m in love with Linda and us being together in St Andrews at the Hotel du Vin, or in Lanzarote or the Grill Bar in Menorca.
What drives you?
Love. Compassion. Fairness. Sharing. A thirst for Knowledge.
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
I couldn’t do anything else. I’d be helping somebody somewhere to get on and move up.
What do you do in your free time?
Love to read the FT Weekender, drink a Starbucks and go for a walk in the local countryside – preferably on a dry, cold autumnal morning. Beautiful.If it’s raining – it’s out for a 10k run and then back to make tea and a G&T with Mrs R. That’s me in heaven.
What is something no one knows about you?
I’m allergic to oranges.
Linda
Linda manages the office and all things Accounts at EPL – any questions about those invoices just give her a bell. Having worked in finance for over 30 years she always has time for a chat. After leaving financial services sector for family reasons she began working in the voluntary sector – in particular with Bield Housing and Alzheimer Scotland – eventually running local Alzheimer Scotland Day Club before EP commitments took over. However, she continues to support the Day Club as much as possible and much of our fund raising is focused on helping them.
In what place are you happiest?
In my garden on a nice sunny day with four-legged helpers and a trowel…
What is your biggest ambition in life…or greatest achievement?
I’ve an ambition to lose a few pounds and do the great Scottish open water swim in summer 2017. Wish me luck.
What drives you?
Fairness. Friends. Family. Security. Sharing. Honesty. Integrity.
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
Was always torn between a Nurse or a Vet.Although, if it had been a Vet, I would have needed a large house for all my new friends I would have brought home….
What do you do in your free time?
I’m making a long list of things for John and myself in 2017…once I get a hold of his diary!
What is something no one knows about you?
That’s a secret!
Gayle
Gayle is our client manager and is here to ensure your experience of Expert Pensions is a professional, productive and enjoyable one. Gayle has over 15 years working within financial services. She is passionate about learning and gained her CITP accreditation in her role as a Senior Training and Development Consultant. Taking a break from financial services she embarked on a new challenge, running her own successful online business, this allowed her to devote time to raising her young family. Gayle is a people person with a friendly approach to business and client relations. She has an infectious personality which i am sure will shine through in your dealings with Expert Pensions.
In what place are you happiest?
At home with my family, I am happily married with 2 gorgeous daughters who test my patience but make me smile every day.
What is your biggest ambition in life…or greatest achievement?
I hate to sound corny…but…being happy and content with where I am and where I am heading.
What drives you?
I am driven by a need to feel proud and satisfied that I have given my best. This applies in all aspects of my life. I am also driven by being surrounded by good people, and hold great value in trust, honesty and people who make me laugh and enjoy life.
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
Nurse…always enjoyed helping and looking after people. Not sure if I could handle it though!
What do you do in your free time?
Apart from spending time with my family I enjoy running and completed my first half marathon earlier this year which I am very proud of.
What is something no one knows about you?
I have a pet Tortoise named Smudge.
Ben
Ben is the IT guru here at Expert Pensions- any issues, he will find the answer. Ben spent 5 years working in Debt Collection & Call Centers before deciding to return to full time education to pursue a new career path. Now an avid 3rd year student at the Edinburgh Napier University, studying Web Design & Development, he has a passion for everything media & technology related. He loves taking on new challenges – solving the problem is the best part of the journey!
“I’m the Marketing/IT guy here at Expert Pensions – if you get stuck with anything, just give me a call or drop me a line”
In what place are you happiest?
Usually when I’m in the garage working on my motorbike project.
What is your biggest ambition in life…or greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has been turning my career around from Debt Collection to Digital Marketing / Web Development – My ambition is to eventually travel around the world while working remotely.
What drives you?
The constant evolution & emergence of new technologies. There’s always something to learn!
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
I could see myself working in a zoo or big cat sanctuary. I’m a cat man 😀
What do you do in your free time?
Skateboarding, snowboarding, playing video games or being creative!
What is something no one knows about you?
Extremely weird one – I can’t drink anything hot (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc).
Nicole
Nicole joined Expert Pensions to gain work experience in a business and learning environment. Due to her success in the office she has now taken up an apprenticeship position and will be working towards a qualification in Business Administration as part of her learning journey. Following on from achieving an A grade in Business Management in school, Nicole has a great understanding and passion for the role she is taking on. As a young person starting out, she already has a lot of life skills and qualifications which shine through. Nicole has a warm, open personality and loves gaining new experiences and skills.
“I am the young apprentice and the future of Expert Pensions”
In what place are you happiest?
My home and being surrounded by people I love most. However… I wouldn’t mind lying on a beach somewhere hot.
What is your biggest ambition in life…or greatest achievement?
My ambition in life is to be the best version of myself. My biggest achievement so far is passing my exams and raising £320 for the Mental Health Foundation.
What drives you?
Caring and helping others, my family and friends, love and kindness.
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
I would be helping people with mental health issues and additional needs.
What do you do in your free time?
If I’m not spending time with family and friends, you’ll most likely find me in the gym.
What is something no one knows about you?
I love to sing.
Caroline
Caroline is the office assistant and brings many years of experience from various industry
sectors and is also CIPD Learning and Development qualified. Caroline is here to help with
all your initial enquiries and to ensure that you receive outstanding customer care from the
moment you contact Expert Pensions.
We have been able to offer Caroline that all important work life balance and with her
excellent organisational skills, friendly chat and wealth of experience you can be assured of
a warm and efficient welcome.
In what place are you happiest?
By the sea every time – you can’t beat an early morning walk walk watching the sun come up and listening to the waves crashing on the beach.
What is your biggest ambition in life…or greatest achievement?
My ambition is to complete the West Highland Way – myself and my hubby started a few years back and we still haven’t completed it – definitely on my to do list!
What drives you?
Family. Friends. Not taking things for granted – being grateful for what life has to offer.
If you weren’t doing what you do today what other job would you have?
One of my best jobs has been working with young people and helping them to achieve their careers aspirations so it would have to be a Careers Adviser.
What do you do in your free time?
I can throw a pretty good dinner party, love walking and catching up with family and friends.
What is something no one knows about you?
My first job was on a YTS scheme in an Estate Agents and as part of my off the job training I
had to spend a week in Butlins (Minehead) as a Redcoat – Hi-Di-Hi!
