Who we are

Mark Smith

Partner

Mark began his career in Banking and made the transition to become a Financial Planner over 30 years ago. He has worked with Simpsons since 1995 and has been an owner in the business since 2008. Mark’s passion is to help his clients plan for their financial future so that they can live their best life. Mark loves to travel and enjoys visiting Salzburg, his favourite European destination.

Thomas Minter

Executive Assistant

Thomas joined Simpsons in 2012 as a Paraplanner and now works as Executive Assistant to Mark Smith. He completed his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2015 and his Advanced Diploma in 2020. Thomas has built many close relationships with our clients and enjoys providing additional support to Mark and Robert. Thomas takes great pleasure in bringing together the many complicated aspects of financial planning to construct simple and effective client solutions. Thomas is a keen chess player and likes to spend his spare time studying the games of past great players. His favourites among them are Tarrasch, Capablanca and Larsen.

Bernize Gregory

Associate Financial Adviser

Bernize moved from Cape Town to Eastbourne and joined Simpsons Wealth Management in 2018 as a Paraplanner, providing support for the Partners of the Firm. She has been working in the financial services profession for more than 10 years and has a wealth of experience, both in the UK and abroad. She has completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Financial Planning and her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. She is currently working towards her Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute and aspires to become a Chartered Financial Planner over the next few years. In addition, Bernize is bilingual and speaks Afrikaans.

Bernize is the first female financial planner at Simpsons and enjoys simplifying the complex world of financial planning for our clients, with the heart of our service proposition focusing on personalised and clear financial advice.

Bernize is passionate about the financial advice process and helping clients to achieve their financial aspirations, whether their goals are big or small.

Having grown up in Africa, she is a keen gardener, loves the outdoors and all animals, especially her cat Minnie and her dog Maya.

Julie Hattam

Client Relationship Manager

Julie joined Simpsons in 2001 and during this time has mainly worked with Mark as his Personal Assistant. Julie now works more extensively as a Client Relationship Manager providing support to both Mark, Robert and Tom. Julie loves working within a friendly family atmosphere and working with clients to offer a familiar and friendly contact.
When she is not working, Julie enjoys watching Speedway and has travelled around Europe to enjoy the Speedway Grand Prix’s.

Georgina Laughton

Client Relationship Manager

George previously worked in banking and enjoyed part of her career as a Mortgage Adviser. She joined Simpsons in June 2011 and initially worked for Robert as his Personal Assistant. George has taken on many different roles at Simpsons and is currently working as a Client Relationship Manager providing support to Robert, Mark and Tom. She enjoys being part of the Simpsons Team and has come to know our clients very well over the years. When she isn’t working, George enjoys travelling and visiting restaurants with family and friends.

Paula York

Accounts Manager

Paula has enjoyed a successful career in finance, banking and accountancy, working in varied public and private roles, from the Royal Greenwich Observatory to an Accountants where she gained her Accountancy qualifications. We were delighted to welcome Paula to Simpsons in 2015 as our Accounts Manager, where she looks after our Finances, Accounts and Payroll. Paula is a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

One of Paula’s biggest achievement was when she stroked the Ladies Four to the South Coast Rowing Championship in 1987. Paula also enjoys writing and has had a children’s book published.