Meet the Clarity team
We're proud of our team and the role each of them play in helping Clarity be the best it can be. Every member of the team is passionate about making the lives of our clients better. Find out more about us below...
Simon Warne - Financial Planner
Simon's role
As a financial planner, my main role is to help clients identify what they want their future to look like and then work with them to make it a reality. Asking the difficult questions is a key part of my job!
The best part of my job
Being able to make a positive difference to people's lives. It's a great feeling when you can sit down with someone and tell them they have enough to do all the things they want to do in life. I also like the variety; every client is different, with their own unique situation, aims and objectives.
The biggest challenge in my career so far
Transitioning from a back office role to a client facing, financial planner was a challenge – especially at a relatively young age. I put quite a lot of pressure on myself to begin with, worrying about whether clients would take me seriously or if I was going to be confident enough to ask the difficult questions. Fortunately, I soon found out that if you are empathetic, sincere and helpful, there's not much to worry about!
What I enjoy outside of work
Most of my spare time is taken up by sport, either watching or playing. In the summer, I play cricket a few times per week, and in and in the winter I tend to follow Newcastle United from one crisis to the next! I also like to watch Yarm Rugby Club play when I can, and enjoy hiking/long walks.
An interesting fact about me
I've represented sports teams on three different continents.
Heather Camsell-Graham - Financial Planning Analyst
Heather's role
My job is to work with the financial planners to assist in putting together recommendations and producing client reports. I liaise with providers to gather information and ensure that any recommendations are actioned.
The best part of my job
Using what we know about a client's circumstances to map out the cashflow models.
The biggest challenge in my career so far
Passing the Investment Principles and Risk exam.
What I enjoy outside of work
I play rugby for a local team called the Yarm Swifts. I'm a massive Scotland Rugby fan and try to head up to Murrayfield as often as possible to see them in action.
An interesting fact about me
My great-grandad, George Camsell, played football for both Middlesbrough from 1925-1939 and England from 1929-1936. He made 419 league appearances for Middlesbrough, scoring 325 goals and 9 for England, scoring in each game with a total of 18 goals which remains the highest goals to games ratio for any England player playing in more than one international.
Lisa Tipton - Co-founder
Lisa's role
As Director of Financial Planning, I'm in charge of the firm's compliance and am responsible for ensuring that our clients receive the best possible advice. However, as we're a new growing company I get to be involved with developing all areas of the business.
The best part of my job
The variety that comes with it. One moment I can be checking a case, the next I'm helping plan the next stage in the business growth and then looking at ideas and branding. It's certainly never boring
The biggest challenge in my career so far
Setting up a new business, during lockdown, in the middle of a global pandemic, whilst also home schooling my kids was certainly a challenge.
What I enjoy outside of work
I enjoy running and swimming although probably don't do either as often as I should. I also like to reading and meals out.
An interesting fact about me
As anyone that has met me will agree, I'm a little bit clumsy. This started from a young age and at the age of 7 I fell down a volcanic crater in New Zealand when running after my cousin.
Sam Tate - Co founder
Sam's role
My role involves overseeing the general direction of the business and it's strategy, whilst always looking for new and innovative ways to drive the business forward
The best part of my job
I love the diversity of my role. As a new and progressive business, within a fast moving industry, it's exciting to be able to develop our plans from a clean slate. Financial planning is developing at a rapid speed and we are aiming to be at the forefront of those changes.
The biggest challenge in my career so far
The process of creating a financial planning firm from scratch, from dealing with the FCA authorisation to building processes, was a challenge made more difficult within COVID conditions.
What I enjoy outside of work
Most of my spare time is taken up by my two young children, Zach and Pearl, but if time allowed I would be golfing, watching the Boro games and learning!
An interesting fact about me
I once travelled through three continents and back over five days to watch my team lose 4-0 (I travelled to the 2006 UEFA Cup Final from New Zealand to Holland and back).