Our Team

Steve McDermott FPMI FPFS Chartered Financial Planner

Managing Director / Financial Adviser

Steve joined the business in 1990 and has been advising clients since 1996. A particular area of interest that he has researched over the years and which  is of significant benefit to many clients is the use of trusts in financial planning and how they can help with Inheritance Tax  (IHT) Mitigation.    “It is often quoted that death and taxes are inevitable but oddly enough the very tax (IHT) that is triggered on death  is a  tax that can be much  reduced by planning ahead.”

Much of Steve’s time is spent with clients modelling their future wealth position to try and answer those key questions:

“ Can I draw enough  income so that I can retire?”

“  Will I ever run out of money?”

“ How can I avoid paying too much tax?”

Elaine Merritt BSc, ACII, DipPFS, Chartered Insurance Practitioner

Director / Financial Adviser

Elaine is a Chartered Insurance Practitioner; she joined HEB in 2011 and is part of the senior management team. She has been working in Financial Services since 1989 and advising clients since 1996. Elaine is involved in many areas of financial planning including advising on small self administered schemes (SSAS) and provides advice to both corporate and individual clients. Over the last few years one of her focuses for her corporate clients has been assisting them to implement Auto Enrolment. Elaine also advises on pension and retirement planning, Investment planning and tax and estate planning.

She believes that listening and truly understanding what someone wants to achieve is one of the most important skills and what clients value .

Michelle Ainge DipPFS

Director / Financial Adviser

Michelle has 30 years’ experience in financial services and has worked for HEB since 2010. She is part of the senior management team at HEB.

Michelle is a Financial Adviser with extensive knowledge of investment, retirement, corporate pensions, tax and estate planning and deals with both our individual and corporate clients.

Sara Allman

Technical Assistant

Sara has been in the insurance industry since 1986 and has been with HEB since 1999. Sara currently processes all individual new business through to receiving the policy documentation and general day to day administrative duties including fund switches and rebalancing of portfolios.

Many clients will contact Sara to sort out any administration problems they have, she has a good rapport with our long standing clients.

Chris Britten

Receptionist and Facilities Manager

Chris has worked for HEB since 2001 and is our Receptionist and Facilities Manager.

He has more recently become involved with the Accounts side of the business and is responsible for the issuing of invoices to clients every month and also chasing outstanding payments.

Vicky Crosby

Paraplanning & Administration Manager

Vicky has worked for HEB since 1999, she manages the Administration and Paraplanning Team.  Vicky is an experienced Paraplanner who researches financial products, writes suitability reports and has an in-depth knowledge of pension, investment and protection products. With over 10 years final salary scheme trustee administration experience, Vicky now deals with our SASS administration.

Riham Mousa BA (Hons) DipPFS

Financial Adviser

Riham is a DipPFS qualified financial adviser who is studying towards her Chartered Financial Planner status. She has been working for HEB since 2018 and started as a trainee Financial Adviser.

Riham provides advice to both corporate and individual clients and has recently focussed on implementing corporate pension schemes. She also advises on several areas of financial planning like pension and retirement planning, investment planning and business protection.

Sarah Beaumont

Trainee Adviser / Paraplanner

Sarah started with HEB in January 2021 joining our Paraplanning Team, Sarah is responsible for research and report writing.

Sarah has worked in financial services since 2008 and has previous experience in a similar role. She has broad technical knowledge and experience in all areas of private wealth, namely pensions, investments and protection.

Sarah is keen to continue to develop her technical knowledge and has recently attained her Diploma in Financial Planning.

William King

Trainee Paraplanner

Will has recently joined HEB and has been in the financial services for over 3 years. Will is a trainee Paraplanner who is studying towards the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Will longer term will then train as a Financial Adviser.