Meet the team.
Our caring and skilful employees are all committed to putting the customer first. We enjoy conversing with our customers and being part of our local community. As proactive advisers, we take the problem from you and provide financial, legal and accountancy solutions across every element of your personal and business life.
Find out more about our hardworking team – then come and meet them for a coffee and a chat!
Kevin Walsh.
IFA Managing Director
Being one of the founding Directors of Home and Finance we made the firm’s mission to advise customers for the life. This required giving the best possible advice and the best possible service, with the pace of change today great service is something highly undervalued.
I still believe that our original mission statement holds true today.
Paul Waddington.
Director
Paul has worked in financial services for over 40 years and takes pride in offering good advice and service to existing and new customers alike within a strong and reliable company.
Claire Watts.
Pension Specialist
Claire has been working in financial services for over 20 years, originally starting her career in banking and having a wide knowledge of all areas of financial services. Achieving chartered status in 2017 Claire now specialises in pension and investment advice for Home and Finance.
Kevin D Walsh.
Director
I have been with the company for over 30 years as company director and accountant. My role is so varied I deal with clients ranging from large limited companies, sole traders and buy to let landlords, along with all aspects of accounting and tax including company tax returns, vat and capital gains. I love solving problems for people.
Melanie Hartley.
Mortgage and Protection Specialist
Being one of the founding Directors of Home and Finance we made the firm’s mission to advise customers for life. This required giving the best possible advice and the best possible service, with the pace of change today great service is something highly undervalued.
I still believe that our original mission statement holds true today.
Helen Bishop.
Estate Agency Manager
Hi My name is Helen, I am an estate agent here at Home & Finance in Millom I have just under 20 years estate agency experience covering a large area of Cumbria. I pride myself on having good local knowledge and am here to help you through the process of buying and selling your home.
Gail Atkinson.
Estate Agent
Gail has worked at H&F since 1990 straight from leaving school. Starting out as an insurance advisor and progressing to the sales and lettings area of the business. “I have lived in Millom all my life and have a vast knowledge of the local market and area”
Sam Waddington.
Adminstrator
Sam has worked at H&F for the last 18 years as an administrator and insurance advisor. “I live locally with my family and always happy to help with any job big or small”
Laura Holywell.
Lettings and Sales agent
Laura has worked at Home & Finance for nearly 6 years. She has 30+ years experience of Personal Lines Insurance. Although now mainly focusing on lettings Admin at our Barrow in Furness branch.
Pauline Syme.
Mortgage Advisor
Pauline been employed as a mortgage adviser at Home and Finance for the last 5 years. Having had a varied career in financial services spanning over 25 years, working for large companies within the UK and channel islands.
Kathryn Singleton.
Insurance specialist
I’ve been with Home & Finance since January 1990 – having started at the age of 17 as office junior, you could say I’m part of the furniture.
In the 34 years to date I’ve worked for Home & Finance, I’ve gained a wealth of varied knowledge of insurance, estate agency, rentals and accounts all of which go hand in hand with the many years of customer service I gained from working with my hugely experienced employers. I use this experience to help and assist our long standing and new customers alike, with every aspect of their insurances, for their cars, van, homes and businesses. The last few years have also seen me take on the role of looking after the day to day running of the Ulverston Office and staff. When I’m not working, my time is spent with my family, friends and walking my ginger fur baby Stanley the Vizsla on the beaches of my Walney home.
Ellie Hardy.
Accounts Assistant
Ellie is a dedicated professional with a strong background in Accounts & Insurance, and since joining Home & Finance she has further enhanced her skills in a collaborative and creative environment. Her knowledge and keen understanding allows her to successfully support customers in her role and excel in a dynamic, forward-thinking business.
Ellen Hughes.
Trainee Mortgage Advisor
Ellen has been working in Financial Services for 3 years and has recently completed her CII Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice. Her previous experience in financial planning allows her to identify opportunities for her customers to meet their goals. Outside of work Ellen enjoys walking, travelling and socialising with friends and family.
Beth Mitchell.
Insurance Consultant
Beth has had over 15 years’ experience in Insurance and since joining H&F she has developed her skills by supporting customers through Sales & Lettings.
Her expansive knowledge allows her to strategically source insurance to ensure the best outcome for her clients. In her spare time, Beth enjoys travelling.
Georgia Peel.
Insurance Consultant
Georgia has 7 years’ experience in customer service and strives to ensure the best outcome for all customers. From sourcing the best insurance to selling your home, Georgia is committed to obtaining the best price without faulting on quality.
Lauren Donaldson.
Trainee Accountant
Lauren was welcomed to Home & Finance as a Trainee Accountant in 2022 and is currently working towards her Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. She has gained practical experience in all areas of the business from identifying insurance needs, tax, accounts and payroll. In her free time, she enjoys travelling and lots of walks with her sausage dog Willow.
