Laura Peel
Financial
Planner
Following my graduation from UMIST in 2001 where I studied Chemistry and Management, my interest in finance and numbers led me into a career in Financial Planning.
I joined an Adviser Graduate Scheme in Bath with the national firm, Chase de Vere, before relocating to Cheshire in 2005 to join the team at Watterson Wealth Management. The business was subsequently sold to Bluefin (a subsidiary of AXA) in 2008 and then to Towry in 2013.
Having worked in both a smaller, independent financial planning business and a larger corporate one, my opinion is that clients only really receive a fully individual, tailored financial planning service within the former.
Consequently I am delighted to be leading the highly experienced team at Watterson Financial Planning; offering high net worth clients a truly personal and bespoke financial planning service.
Outside of work, I have two young sons who certainly keep me on my toes. I love playing netball when time allows, and you can often find me on the allotment on a Sunday morning, fighting with the weeds!
Tom Evans
Financial Planner
My father was a financial adviser for over 35 years and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
I graduated University in Cardiff (2012) and pursued a career in finance, starting my own businesses helping people navigate pension changes. From there I worked in multiple advisory offices whilst achieving my qualifications.
I have now been advising for 8 years and helped establish a new advice firm in 2017 which went on to be one of the best performing in Manchester. My experience has therefore been fast tracked, working with high net worth individuals and business owners to assist with every aspect of wealth management.
In 2023, I was offered the role with Watterson Financial Planning and grabbed it with both hands. The company’s attention to detail and fantastic service proposition I found to be particularly impressive. To be part of such a reputable, successful company with fantastic support is a rare opportunity and I look forward to advising new and existing clients for years to come.
Outside of work my 2 young children, Luna and Malley, keep me very busy however I can occasionally be found on a golf course or watching football.
Craig Watterson
Consultant
I spent my early years qualifying and studying to be a Mechanical Design Engineer. However, in my early twenties I decided that engineering was not for me and I wanted to follow a career in financial services.
I learned the ropes at a number of blue chip insurance/financial services companies before progressing to become a successful mortgage broker.
In 2001, I then went on to join forces with my brother George as a financial planner in his Wealth Management business based in Knutsford, Cheshire.
As an integral part of the team, I helped to propel the business to great success which eventually led to the acquisition of the business by AXA/Bluefin in 2008.
I spent a further six years at Bluefin as a Chartered Financial Planner before they were acquired by Towry, and I decided to leave at that point to take my career in a different direction.
In 2016, given my years of experience in dealing with professional and high net worth clients, I decided to establish my own business, Watterson Financial Planning Ltd.
I am in the very fortunate position that my excellent support team who have worked with me for many years have decided to join me in this new venture.
In February 2021, Watterson Financial Planning became part of a newly established company called Connectus Wealth Management Limited.
In 2023 I made the decision to retire as a Chartered Financial Planner after nearly 30 years in Financial Services. I will remain in a consultancy role until 2024 to allow the transition of my clients to Laura and Tom.
Alison Paget
Office Manager
I started working in financial services 14 years ago with Watterson Wealth Management, and that is where I first met and worked with Craig.
During this time, I have obtained numerous industry qualifications and a wealth of knowledge and experience within the sector.
I was the Office Manager for Watterson Wealth Management and responsible for 24 members of staff until its acquisition in 2008. I continued in that role until recently, both for Bluefin and Towry.
However, I could not pass up the opportunity to join Watterson Financial Planning. Throughout my career within financial services, I have enjoyed the varied challenges and responsibilities it brings.
I enjoy ‘some me time’ by sailing on my narrow boat, walking and reading.
Alex Ward
Senior Paraplanner.
I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2011, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. For ten years I pursued a career in legal services. Whilst working full time, I completed my law degree and Legal Practice Course. I worked at both national and regional law firms and specialised in property law. After being made redundant for the third time, I decided to change direction and pursue a career in financial planning.
I completed the Diploma in Financial Planning through the Personal Finance Society and am now working towards the Advanced Diploma and Chartered status. I joined Watterson Financial Planning in 2023 after working as a paraplanner for a large national Chartered wealth management firm.
In January 2023, I became father to twin girls, Lily and Rose, so spare time is fast becoming a distant memory! I do enjoy taking the girls out in the Peak District, and thankfully they are on their best behaviour when on a good walk!
Claire Kivlin
Senior Administrator
Following my graduation from Edge Hill University with a Degree in History and Sports Studies, I have spent my working life in financial services, starting out in the Life Assurance business with Aviva and then a small Life Insurance broker.
In 2007, following the completion of several industry qualifications, I was delighted to get the opportunity to join the administration team at Watterson Wealth Management.
I have since built up a wealth of knowledge and experience within that role and continued this until recently with both Bluefin and Towry.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, cycling, running, tending to my vegetable patch, and reading.
