Meet the Team

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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We have a team of expert advisers working across all of our products and services to make sure we find the right solution for you, from mortgages and protection to equity release and bridging finance.

Craig Skelton

Practice Principal

Craig has worked in financial services for more than seventeen years, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the business. He started his career at The Co-Operative Bank, and after spending five years as a Branch Manager, he moved into estate agency financial services. He managed a team of mortgage advisers and worked closely with estate agency colleagues. After spending eleven years working for various companies at a senior management level, Craig decided to set up his own financial services business, and CS Financial Group Limited was born. Craig is passionate about providing a first-class service and his team provide a unique offering that focuses on help and advice throughout the various stages of the process. When he does have spare time, he enjoys spending it with his wife Sarah ideally travelling, watching his son Louis playing rugby league even though he still doesn’t get the rules or being walked by their two dog’s Buddy and Daisy. If you are looking for friendly, personalised, and trustworthy advice, contact Craig or his team now. They are more than happy to help!

Andrew Stenson

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

I was in the British Military previously and after a few overseas tours had some savings which I started investing in BTL, from there I got the bug for mortgages and investments and decided to study qualifications in Financial Advice for my own personal development and to make wiser investments in the future. I became very passionate about the financial world and after leaving the Armed Forces in 2008 I started to pursue a career in Financial Advice. Most companies wanted previous sales experience, but I was fortunate to apply for a job at another company which Craig (the firms principal) worked for at the time, lucky Craig wasn’t after sales experience but wanted someone with genuine passion about helping people and wanted the best for the customers, fortunately Craig offered me the position allowing me to start my career in the Financial Sector. Since then, Craig has started his own firm, and it was a no brainer for me to work for a firm who wanted to promote the customers needs first and not sales driven.

What do you love most about what you do?

I really love making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s helping someone get on the property ladder for the first time, releasing money for that extension they have dreamed of or holding their hand as the take the first step into the world of Buy-to-let investments it can be so rewarding. Furthermore, most of my clients come back time and time again and you build a friendship over the years built on trust.

How do you describe your job to your friends and family?

To my kids I once described it along the lines of ‘you know daddy used to be a medic on mountain rescue and help people stuck on the mountains, now daddy helps people when they are stuck or lost with their money.’ To which my daughter replied you’re a money medic – which I quite liked that term 😊
To Adults however I say I arrange mortgages for people to get them into the home and then protection to keep them in the home in the event of illness etc.

What powers you through the day

Caffeine!! Amidst the demands of this role a comforting cup of coffee, not only serves as an energy boost but a moment of respite.

If you weren’t a mortgage advisor, what would you be?

As my personality type is INFJ (same as Mahatma Ghani, Dr Martin Luther King & the Greek philosopher Plato) this would undoubtedly drive me towards an industry that helps people. Personally, I always wanted to be a surgeon likely neurosurgeon as I am fascinated by the brain and how an item made mainly of fat and water can control everything we do and say.

What’s an Ideal weekend for you?

An Ideal weekend would start with a slightly early finish on a Friday so I can collect my kids from school, followed by family time and then when the kids are in bed cooking a nice meal whilst supping a nice glass of Bordeaux and sitting down with my partner and enjoying the meal with background music and flowing conversation. Saturday would start of with a morning run, then a family day out and a picnic if the weather is good before food and film time snuggling up on the evening. Finally, Sunday meet up with some friends for a pub lunch and a glass of wine, before heading back to watch the football and F1 and chill.

The one tune that motivates you?

Its so hard to narrow it down to just one song, I am a country music fan (Yes I have just admitted that publicly – please don’t judge me!!) So it would have to be the classic Take me Home Country Roads or something upbeat like ‘Family Tradition’ by Darius Rucker

One thing on your bucket list and why?

I love traveling and exploring new places absorbing the local cultures and history. I have been fortunate to travel to some amazing places like Sri Lanka, Hungry and the Maldives to name a few but my bucket list is to visit every country, so far I have done 27 out of the 195 (that’s 14%) so still plenty more places to visit.

Angela Owens

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

I had been working as a retail manager for some time and really wasn’t enjoying it anymore so when the opportunity arose for me to take voluntary redundancy I embraced it with the aim of studying for a new career. I had been interested in the Financial Services Industry and had several friends who worked as Mortgage and Protection advisers and having talked to them about what the job entailed I decided to take the jump onto this new career path.

What do you love most about what you do?

The people, I love meeting new people and finding out what they do, what their hobbies are, what their goals are and it’s a great feeling knowing that you can help them get there.

How do you describe your job to your family and friends?

Its never boring and so far no 2 days have been the same, which is a good thing.

What ‘powers’ you through the day?

The team around me, they are so supportive and really funny. If there is anything that I am unsure of or need a second opinion on they are always there to help, usually with a funny anecdote alongside.

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

Travel writer, being paid to go on holiday and tell people about it would be amazing ?

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Going away with my husband and exploring somewhere new, especially if there is a cheeky cocktail involved.

The one tune that motivates you?

Candi Staton ‘You’ve got the love’

One thing on your bucket list and why?

To travel America, I’d say backpacking but I think I’m too old for that. I love the parts of America I have seen so far but there is so much more I’d love to see.

Antony Randall

Financial Adviser

How did you get into the role? 

I worked within the financial services sector for 8 years, for companies such as NatWest and HSBC. I loved helping people with their financial needs, especially helping them find their dream home. When the opportunity arrived to join CS Mortgage Solutions, I jumped at the chance to do what I love as a full-time career.

What do you love most about what you do?

Helping someone find their dream home, the look on their face when they get the keys is the most special feeling ever, we quite literally change lives daily.

How do you describe your job to your family and friends?

I help people enjoy buying their home, without all the added stress this usually involves.

What ‘powers’ you through the day?

I love to be kept busy, and if I am not dealing with a client, my two young daughters certainly keep me busy.

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

I would love to say footballer, however I feel that ship has certainly sailed now. I enjoy motorsport and would likely go somewhere down that route.

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Spending time with my wife and two little girls, there is nothing better…. Unless the football or rugby is on, in which case my attention is drawn to that.

The one tune that motivates you?

I have taken my taste of music from my dad, much to my wife’s disgust. For me there is nothing better than putting some Phil Collins on.

Emma Smart

Mortgage and Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

After leaving school I worked at Halifax Estate Agents starting as a receptionist and working my way up to being a negotiator and then a branch manager. Within that role I decided to sit my CeMAP qualifications and become a Mortgage Adviser! I like a challenge! I then moved over to W H Brown Estate Agents where I worked as a broker.

What do you love about what you do?

I love chatting to people and helping them to achieve their dreams! It’s a great feeling to receive a message from a client as they are sat with a drink celebrating the first night in their new home. Sometimes my job is to help clients during difficult times and it good to know I can be there to take off a little bit of the pressure when times are hard.

How do you describe your job to your family?

A less glamorous version of Selling Sunset!!! I help people get mortgages without them having to move off their sofas!

What powers you through the day?

My day starts all wholesome usually with some overnight oats and fruit tea! It generally declines as the day progresses to strong coffee and cake!

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

I’d probably be a holiday tester if such a job exists!?!

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Friday evening would involve some nice food and couple of glasses of wine.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings I am at my happiest watching my two boys play football followed by an afternoon of retail therapy!

The one tune that motivates you?

Now this changes on a regular basis but lets go with ‘Unstoppable’ by Sia.

Jamie Benn

Financial Adviser

How did you get into the role?

After starting in the retail banking sector I discovered one area of business more than any other was often confused and hard to get the best deal as a client was your mortgage, savings rates were so similar between banks but mortgage rates vastly different. I wanted to understand why so after passing my exams in 2015 Craig offered me a chance to step into the market full time to learn the business.

What do you love about what you do?

I love changing a complex mess or situation into a clear one, problems happen before you meet a client so to take the stress away of a part of their purchase feels great. I also like to break down the detail into manageable chunks for my clients so we can make decisions together, i like to empower my clients with new knowledge so they can make an informed decision with my guidance.

How do you describe your job to family?

My job is a 24/7 responsibility and I can get a call from a client for a simple remortgage or from a lender wanting to discuss the floor plan of a new homes site being built, and everything in between. It’s also a great way to meet people, discover more about them and make sure they’re interests are looked after.

What powers you through the day?

I don’t feel like it’s a sprint, more like a marathon and the only way to keep going is to keep your head up and focus on the positives!

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

Sounds like a jump but an electrician, after recently renovating my home, I’ve found it’s the job that sounds impressive but mainly involves pulling wires, not that dirty!

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Two days of only good news on the mobile, cooking with my partner, beer in hand and preferably a nice view of the sea.

The one tune that motivates you?

Bakermat – Baiana

Jessica Edwards

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

I started for HSBC around 15 years ago as customer representative and my knowledge started from there. I flitted between working as cabin crew and financial services (not exactly similar) but I always ended back in financial services as it was something I enjoyed. I have since worked for different building societies and worked with Craig at Countrywide where Craig was my sales manager. I was made redundant from YBS and the opportunity came up to work with Craig again and it has something I have always wanted to do so I made the leap.

What do you love about what you do?

I love helping people whether that be to find and buy their first home, find their family dream home or help them save money on their existing mortgage. I love being able to provide solutions for people who may feel that one isn’t available.

How do you describe your job to family?

I help people with their biggest debt they will probably ever have and to my 3 year old daughter i give people houses to live in.

What powers you through the day?

Well I am not a coffee drinker but I do enjoy the odd hot chocolate and of course a Gin at the weekend!

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

I always to go into the mounted section of the police as I have always had and loved horses.

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Going away for long weekends, doesn’t have to be far away but I love a change in scenery. I love going away with my daughter and my partner and going for long walks & doing all sorts of activities. We also enjoy going for a family meal on the evening and having a bottle of wine or 2.

The one tune that motivates you?

I don’t really have one song but any thing that is dancey is what motivates me most.

Joanne Varey

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

I had been working at a building society for 18 years and worked my way up to a Branch Manager. The role became redundant and I saw an opportunity to go back to doing the role I enjoyed the most which was a mortgage adviser.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love meeting new people and getting to know them and helping them it gives me a buzz.

How do you describe your job to your family and friends?

Helping people get on the property ladder and find and secure their dream house or saving them money on there current deal.

What ‘powers’ you through the day?

Being busy and lots of coffees.

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

Not sure about that one but it would have to customer facing as I love chatting and helping people.

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Spending time with my family , Shopping and I love a glass of red wine and a Chinese take away on a Saturday night.

The one tune that motivates you?

I couldn’t really say just one as I love any dance athems. Especially ones from the late 80s and early 90s.

Lisa Harrison

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

 

How did you get into the role?

I had worked my way up in banks and building societies but the lack of choice for customers infuriated me so I just had to take the leap of faith and go get them a better choice as a broker.

 

What do you love most about what you do?

Making clients happy, whether it be buying a new home, improving the one they have or simply saving them money and giving them piece of mind.

How do you describe your job to your family and friends?

I help people get the home they want and save money.

What ‘powers’ you through the day?

My kids Dylan and Megan

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

A wedding planner….hahaha I must love helping people with the most stressful life events possible

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

A Gin or two with the girls or watching Rugby on Friday night, Something fun with the kids on Saturday, see my family, then being wined and dined would be nice. Sunday morning in the fresh air watching my boy play rugby then home for a Sunday roast, bath and duvet and a movie with the kids.

The one tune that motivates you?

I got a feelin….oooo…oooh that tonights gonna be a good night

One thing on your bucket list and why?

To enjoy my grandchildren one day…..it means I haven’t worked myself to death before then!

Levi Bonnet

Financial & Mortgage Specialist Adviser

I’m Levi Bonnet, a seasoned Financial and Mortgage Specialist Adviser with a unique blend of financial acumen and a foundation deeply rooted in the world of construction. Based in the vibrant heart of London, my journey began amidst bricks and blueprints, instilling in me a sense of precision and integrity that transcends into my current financial endeavour’s.

Having navigated the intricate financial landscape for years, I’ve honed my skills to transform complexity into clarity. My career is a testament to perseverance, from the meticulous analysis as a Paraplanner to the relationship-building as a Client Relations Manager. Every role has not only enriched my understanding of finance but also highlighted the importance of genuine connections.

In addition to my financial pursuits, my background in construction has equipped me with a practical approach. I have an eye for detail, an appreciation for hard work, and an understanding of the value of solid foundations – principles I bring into every financial strategy.

As a perpetual learner, I’m currently immersed in studying BSc Accounting and Finance under the academic guidance of LSE, always seeking to broaden my knowledge horizons. When I’m not crunching numbers or buried in textbooks, I’m often exploring London’s diverse culture or into a documentary.

Let’s connect and embark on a journey to secure your financial future while adding a personal touch to the process.

Mark Thompson

Equity Release Adviser

How did you get into the role?

Originally an Estate Agent I worked closely with Mortgage Advisers and when I decided on a career change felt the transition to becoming a Mortgage Adviser provided me with the opportunity to do something different whilst continuing in the property industry that was in my blood.

What do you love most about what you do?

I have always enjoyed assisting clients with their moving needs and get a real Buzz from helping people buy and finance their properties.

How do you describe your job to your family and friends?

I arrange mortgages for people and advise on their protection needs ensuring they will never face a situation where they could lose their home. I help them with all aspects of property purchase and if they so require I locate and negotiate a purchase on their behalf. With my 30 years of property experience I invariable save my clients many thousands of pounds in the process and make it as stress free as possible.

What ‘powers’ you through the day?

The many challenging situations that are thrown at me and the opportunity to solve them on my clients behalf.

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

Management Consultant, I have always liked the thought of helping business owners to develop their companies

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

When the whole family gets to spend time together not forgetting Teddy the dog!.

The one tune that motivates you?

“I want it all” By Queen – As a guitar player myself I really love the energy create

One thing on your bucket list and why?

Visiting the Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National in America. As an avid Golfer, experiencing the history and atmosphere of this world famous sporting event which is one of the worlds 4 golf majors, would be fantastic.

Marty Naan

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?
I had been in banking for 11 years, seen and done it all so I wanted a new challenge that still enabled me to help people. Giving Mortgage & Protection advice seemed a natural fit. I could be professionally qualified and still retain my day to day interactions with people. I truly believe everyone could and should own their own home, and I’m the guy who wants to help them do it.
 
What do you love about what you do?
Helping people. There’s no better feeling in the role than knowing a job is well done and you’ve helped change someone’s life for the better. I get immense personal satisfaction from knowing people trust and value me professionally. There’s a reason people keep coming back to me for help!
 
How do you describe your job to your family?
I put people in homes and make sure they can stay there! I’m the guy above all others that looks after people, they are MY clients after all.
 
What powers you through the day?
Doing my 500 steps an hour, it gives me great motivation. I’m very competitive, even with myself! I also love sitting down late at night knowing I’ve done a good job that day, whether that be via work or family or some other matter. I’m very driven in life, not always to be the best but to do my best. Also, Maltesers.
 
If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?
Well I always wanted to be an astronaut but Ireland doesn’t really have a space program so that one got binned pretty quickly. I also wanted to be a palaeontologist. The very notion of dinosaurs has fascinated me since I was a child and I’ve now passed that same obsession onto my own son!
Maybe professional wrestler but that one is a secret.
 
What’s an ideal weekend for you?
I love to get out walking somewhere new so going for a long hike with my wife & son means the world to me. I also love to cook dinner for my wife whenever the kid has gone to bed. If I could do those two things on a Saturday & Sunday for eternity, Id be happy. I love watching Gaelic football either live or on telly, it’s a fantastic and underappreciated Irish sport. It really has to be seen to be believed. I sometimes dream about having a lie in, but I have a toddler so that’s not going to happen.
 
The one tune that motivates you?
Toughest question here. I am a big music guy, with fingers in all genres however my alarm tune is actually the main theme from ‘Rocky’. There’s something about that song that makes me want to get up and go. It’s very motivating! Whenever I hear that trumpet blast, I just want to eat six raw eggs and go for a run somewhere.

Sarah Brogden

Mortgage & Protection Adviser

How did you get into the role?

I Have worked previously at Santander for 19 years face to face, helping clients, until my role became redundant last year and the branch I was working at closed.

I looked at my options and realised that staying within Financial services was the best choice for me seeing I had been in amongst it for such a long time.

I had been recommended Craig at CS Financial Group through a friend, about the excellent service and knowledge of all his colleagues and this is when I decided to become self employed.

What do you love about what you do?

I love been able to chat to my clients and help them understand one of their biggest financial purchases to happen in their life.

How do you describe your job to your family?

I help people buy their dream home.

What powers you through the day?

Coffee !! But also knowing I have helped my clients to the best I can. If I have done that then I know I can sleep at night.

If you weren’t a mortgage adviser, what job would you love to do?

Very different but a beauty therapist!

What’s an ideal weekend for you?

Going out for meals with my family, watching my partner and daughter play cricket.

The one tune that motivates you?

Motivational song ‘Im a survivor’