Meet the members
Hello!
We’re a friendly bunch with a range of professional skills and expertise. Check out our profiles and let’s get to know each other.
Click here to find your expert in:
Accountant / Bookkeeping / Business Advisor, Coach & Mentor / Business Operational Support Services / Copywriter / Design & Print / Financial Adviser / Hand-drawn Illustrations & Gifts / Health & Fitness / Health & Safety / Human Resources Consultant / Insurance Broker / IT Consultant / Marketing / Not for Profit Organisation / PAT Testing / Photography / Solicitor/Corporate & Private Client / Talks, Tours & History / Websites
Accountant
Leon Stephens
Brookes Stephens Chartered Accountants
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000 with KPMG, Leon then moved into industry and worked on the ‘other side of the fence’ as a Financial Controller within several businesses. In 2005, Leon founded Brookes Stephens and since then he has been advising Business Owners and Personal Tax clients on how they can meet their statutory obligations and save tax.
Your expert for…
Contact
Office:
01543 440336
Email:
leon@brookes-stephens.co.uk
Website:
www.brookes-stephens.co.uk
Follow:
LinkedIn
“Leon and the team at Brookes Stephens have been immensely important to the success and profitability of Roar Marketing. When I first started in business as a sole trader I was with a different firm of accountants and I didn’t get the best advice or service. All that changed when we moved to Brookes Stephens and became a limited company. I cannot recommend Leon and his team highly enough.”
Karen Nicholls | Roar Marketing
Bookkeeping
Jo Shalloe
With a BA Hons degree in Business Management and full Sage qualification, Joanne started Cannock Virtual PA Services in 2013. Branching out alone after working for a local authority, she is passionate about providing a service for people who are struggling to implement bookkeeping themselves and/or they can’t afford the additional expense of employing someone in-house.
Joanne is a strong believer in supporting the local community and does this through a number of routes including working with local schools and offering her time to develop the work skills of students.
Your expert for…
Cannock Virtual PA is built around the needs of our clients. With over 50 years of combined experience in an office environment including Legal and Finance Joanne and her team know what the requirements are of small and medium sized businesses.
They pride themselves on their professional and enthusiastic approach.
Being virtual means that we can offer help to you wherever you are based.
Cannock Virtual PA services helps small and owner-managed businesses grow by providing a cost-effective, professional and robust bookkeeping and financial administration solution. This service ensures clients adhere to HRMC regulations, as well as freeing up time to focus on what’s important – growing their business.
Cannock PA Virtual Services are there for clients whenever they are needed, and regularly liaise with accountants and get involved in internal meetings if required. Ultimately, they care about their clients’ businesses and see their clients’ success as their success.
Contact
Office:
01543 889294
Mobile:
07855 830379
Email:
joanne@cannockvirtualpa.co.uk
Website:
www.cannockvirtualpa.co.uk
Follow:
LinkedIn
“We know we’re in safe hands with Jo looking after our accounts – a truly hardworking professional who does her best to keep our customers happy!”
Chris and Thia Knowles | Blocksil
Business Advisor, Coach & Mentor
Richard Carty
I am an accomplished CEO/Director/Non-Executive Director with over 40 years’ experience of working in the corporate and SME sectors for business development, sales and marketing across the UK and internationally.
Predominantly my skills are based around leadership, sales, marketing and business development change management, business turnaround and restructuring, as well helping to grow all sectors of a business to be more dynamic and progressive.
Your expert for…
Our skills professionals are based around accomplished industry experts who boast a proven track record of success. Improving your entrepreneurial life in the fields in which they excel is their collective priority and will help you every step of the way to achieve this goal.
Whether you’re a start-up business, an established SME, or larger organisation, our team at Excellerator boasts a plethora of skills and expertise to help your business grow, develop and flourish.
We can assist in areas across the board from Business Planning and development, Leadership, Finance, International Trade and Market Entry to Sales & Marketing.
Contact
Office:
01543 889294
Mobile:
07976 290547
Email:
richard.carty@excellerator.biz
Website:
www.excellerator.biz
“Richard is an excellent business mentor. He has mastered the art of listening, then distilling it down to manageable and tangible actions. Subtly challenging ideas where necessary and guiding and suggesting where he see value adding alternatives. His contribution in helping me with my ambitions and focus is significant. Personable and highly experienced, I look forward to my regular catch-ups with Richard.”
Russell Jeans BA MBA FCCA FIKE CertRP | CEO Sefton Associates, Recruitment
Business Operational Support Services
Steve Hancock
To succeed in today’s changing and uncertain commercial landscape, organisations need to be organised, agile and responsive. More than ever before, they need expertise and resource they can draw on quickly and with low risk and operational systems that can work flexibly and remotely.
Your expert for…
From day-to-day business tasks to operational transformation, we provide cost-effective draw-down resources and integrated solutions for organisations that want to work smarter.
With our unique combination of a multi-talented team, an unrivalled understanding of how organisations work and the innovative use of technology, we give clients the confidence to meet any challenge and free them to fulfil their purpose, grow and prosper.
Contact
“EBM have worked with us and supported our growth as a true collaborative partner. They have been flexible, sought to understand our organisation and proactive in offering suggestions to improve all aspects of the way we work. If you are looking for an external support company that is ethical, reliable and keeps your best long-term interests at heart I would happily recommend a conversation with the people at EBM.”
Chris Billinge | UK ICF Finance Director
Copywriter
Ruth Sneddon
After a career in marketing, mostly selling beer to beer drinkers (not too difficult), Ruth founded Dream Copywriting in 2010. As a freelance copywriter, she works with all types of organisations, from local start-ups to international corporations. She writes persuasive copy that engages customers and gets results and she also runs copywriting training courses.
Your expert for…
Ruth helps you to get past that blank sheet of paper and find the right words for your marketing. This Includes web copy, blogs, email marketing, brochures and leaflets, and just about anything else that needs words. She can also help you to position your brand, find the right tone of voice for it and keep your message consistent.
Contact
Office:
01543 410717
Mobile:
07581 708480
Email:
ruth@dreamcopy.co.uk
Website:
www.dreamcopy.co.uk
Follow:
LinkedIn
“Ruth’s skill and experience in copywriting is apparent with every piece she writes. Always perfectly on-brand and always thoroughly engaging. She is one of the most talented writers I have worked with throughout my career. I’d recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat (except my competitors!)”
Gareth Allen | Big House Experience
Design & Print
Clare Lubrano
Clare Lubrano is a director of Raphael Design Ltd, a team of creative specialists providing high quality design, print and promotional products to a broad range of companies. They offer effective and practical marketing solutions with the objective of raising their clients’ profile and helping to increase sales.
Your expert for…
Clare and the Raphael team work closely with all their clients to ensure their brand is promoted consistently and effectively throughout all their marketing channels. They develop new company logos and brand manuals, plus work with clients who have an existing brand to take it to the next level.
Undertaking design work, including the creation of printed matter, exhibition and display solutions plus eye catching giveaways and gifts. Once designed, they can produce it too, ensuring that the sourcing of marketing material is a seamless procedure.
Contact
Office:
01543 261220
Mobile:
07770 424950
Email:
clare@raphaeldesign.co.uk
Website:
www.raphaeldesign.co.uk
“We have been dealing with Clare at Raphael Design for many years, we have always found her to be helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. She has gone out of her way to assist and advise us including out of normal working hours and with some of our slightly unusual requests.”
Jane Collet | Girlguiding West Mercia
Financial Adviser
Karen Hagan
Four Oaks Financial Services Ltd
I’m a Financial Adviser at Four Oaks Financial Services. I look after clients in the Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield region, but also have clients from other regions. As well as meeting face-to-face, I offer a remote video service and give virtual advice online. I specialise in Pensions, Investments and Protection, and also offer Corporate Protection and advice to business owners.
Your expert for…
We offer Pensions, Protection and Investment Advice, as well as Tax Planning, Estate Planning, and Later Life Planning.
Contact
“We have used Four Oaks Financial Services for a number of years. We have always been given the best advice and we have seen some excellent results and had access to financial products that can’t be found on the High Street. We have recommended Four Oaks to our family and friends and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.”
KN | Roar Marketing
Hand-drawn Illustrations & Gifts
Jackie Roberts
Jackie Roberts is a local Staffordshire artist, based in Lichfield. Her appreciation of the buildings around us, especially during lockdown reignited Jackie’s passion for drawing and she set up Love2dream to share her drawings with us. Jackie’s clean and contemporary line drawings are quite distinctive and feature across her range of limited signed prints and other merchandise.
Your expert for…
Jackie’s drawings feature key buildings in towns, cities and villages. Her artwork is available to buy online and locally at The Hub at St Marys and Poms in Lichfield and Bert & Gerts in Sutton Coldfield and she is always looking for new stockists. Jackie also works with businesses or individuals to create bespoke pieces for events and promotional requirements.
Contact
“Jackie Roberts has been one of our local artists selling through ‘The Hub Little Shop’ since it started in 2021. Her wide variety of lovely hand drawn prints, reflecting buildings in and around Lichfield and surrounding areas, have been well received and she has continued to grow and develop her range of items which all prove so popular with our clients and customers. Jackie’s passion for drawing is obvious and her support for our work at The Hub at St Marys makes her a joy to work with.”
Julia Baden | Volunteer and ‘Little Shop’ Coordinator
Health & Fitness
Vicky Farmer
After a 30 year career as a Chartered Accountant, Vicky decided on a complete change of direction. In 2015, through her passion to help people optimise their health by what they eat, what they put on their skin and how they clean their homes, she requalified as a Nutritionist and Health Coach, and has developed a number of successful healthy eating programmes and eco-friendly options for the home.
Your expert for…
We’re all living longer so we need to maintain good health for as long as possible. Vicky can advise on making healthier dietary choices to improve energy, boost immunity and manage our weight without resorting to gimmicks or fad diets. She is also an expert on avoiding the harmful chemicals that are hiding in plain sight in your home for household cleaning and personal care.
Contact
“Vicky’s 21 Day Gut Reset Programme is an amazing gift to your body. I felt clearer minded and clean on the inside. I have done it twice now and would recommend doing it on a regular basis. Your insides feel amazing and I lost 7lb the first time and 3lb last week when I did the 7 day program. Reminds you how good you should feel and how the modern day diets of ultra processed food slows us down. This should be available on the NHS it’s that good!!!”
Lucy W | Devon
Health & Safety
Chris Wrapson
Chris is an occupational Safety and Health professional, however, has always worked in roles which require professionalism, creativity and tenacity.
While previously he worked in the F&B / Hospitality industry for many years, Chris has also been the GM for one site of an independent Cinema Group, worked in the TV Film Industry, been a Commercial Radio Producer, and for the past decade been a H&S Professional, practical experience combined with formal Qualifications enables him to work closely with the business owner to drive forwards safety culture and profitability.
Your expert for…
Health and Safety Secure advises company directors on all aspects of Health & Safety management and employee engagement and works with businesses to promote and achieve a safety-first culture.
Chris has lots of letters to his name, (Tech IOSH, MIIRSM) but although Health and Safety is often a dreaded topic of conversation, his energy, passion, knowledge and experience makes it all sound quite exciting in a practical and pragmatic way!
Contact
“Chris brings practicality into occupational risk, health and safety coupled with a real-world and human sense of business. Instead of lecturing you to meet the regulations, he finds pragmatic ways to allow your operations to function well while helping you meet your obligations. Beyond his own remit, he will always look for and share wider opportunities for you to benefit and he is always my first contact for all things risk-related.”
Peter Francis | Managing Director | MAT Ltd
Human Resources Consultant
Paul Palmer
As the owner of Coppice HR and with over 30 years’ experience in business, Paul is excited about providing SMEs with practical Human Resources support. His experiences as a business owner through to being Head of European HR for a US multinational gives him a strong base to work from. Although he holds the MCIPD qualification and an MA in Strategic HR, it is the problem-solving and risk reduction experience that Paul provides which is essential to any business. His goal is to enhance your business with a positive HR culture, minimised people risk and an engaged workforce.
Your expert for…
Coppice HR provides one-to-one expert guidance in the important and often time-consuming human resources area, from ensuring that you have appropriate and legally compliant documentation to working with you through long or short-term interim support or just HR advice. All taking advantage of global HR experience at an affordable price.
Contact
“Coppice HR have delivered a great service for us as our company has grown. They provided helpful, easy to understand advice and support right from the moment we needed to recruit our first employee, including developing a contract, employee handbook and straightforward, pragmatic HR policies. We highly recommend Coppice HR to any other growing company.”
Eliot Randle | Founding Partner | DLC
Insurance Broker
Matthew Small
Company Director who has worked in Insurance for over 20 years. During my spare time I mainly run around after two children and my wife, and when not doing this or working I try to fit in as much sport viewing as possible.
Your expert for…
We broker General Insurance to businesses and private individuals, specialising in insuring the local SME sector. We pride ourselves in being able to insure pretty much any risk that contacts us, with the exception of anything which flies!
Contact
“It’s because they look after the customer with good advice and no forced sales, others should follow suit.”
Alan Moore | Past Ltd
IT Consultant
Dave Hardy
Having worked in the IT sector for over 30 years, Dave has a vast knowledge of many different operating systems and software packages. His clients range from sole traders to limited companies with up to 30 employees, as well as offering IT support to home users. Dave’s a firm believer in getting the right set-up for your IT to help your business run seamlessly.
Your expert for…
From setting up your hardware and software, to Cloud back-ups and remote support, Five Computing is your one-stop-shop when it comes to your business. Dave can advise on what equipment your business will need, as well as set it up for you. For peace of mind, Dave’s remote support contracts are the perfect solution for small businesses – your very own IT Department should things go wrong.
Contact
“I’ve been using Dave at Five Computing for the last 15 years. He’s always reliable and I trust his advice when it comes to my IT needs.”
Karl Grace | Architectural Technologist
Marketing
Jez Booker
Freelance marketer with 20+ years of experience in sectors including publishing, retail, transport and charity. Ex Head of Marketing Communications at National Express and Selco Builders Warehouse. Established Freel Marketing Ltd in 2021 to offer skills and experience to SMEs. Easy to work with, creative and commercially savvy, giving high quality support and excellent customer service.
Your expert for…
I can work in different ways to suit what you need:
- Assess your current marketing and advise on strategy and planning
- Act as your marketing mentor
- Work as a freelance extension of your team
- You can hire me for short term projects and interim contracts
Contact
“Jez leads Atlantic Pacific UK and Japan’s social media and marketing strategy and operation. APUK social media engagement has doubled in the 6 months that Jez has been running our online activities. He has led the establishment of AP Japan social media platforms and content, which has seen rapid growth in our brand and exposure in Japan. Would highly recommend Jez.”
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Pacific International Rescue Ltd / Director Creative KEN
Not for Profit Organisation
Hannah Montgomery
Grace Cares – Pre-Loved Care Equipment
Hannah is a multiple award winning, Chartered Marketer with a passion for social care. For over 18 years, she’s worked globally marketing within the care sector with her work being recognised in the Times and the Guardian. She is always on top of regulatory changes and evolving agendas.
Your expert for…
Grace Cares 11.11 CIC, trading as Grace Cares, is a not-for-profit organisation which has been set up to support older people and care workers across the UK.
They collect, donate, and sell pre-loved care equipment to enhance people’s quality of life, support care workers and older people in need with community groups and grants and leave a better planet for future generations.
Contact
“I needed to purchase a walking aid and rise and recline chair for my mother, I found Grace Cares selling exactly what I was looking for and it was less than half price! I messaged Grace Cares and instantly got a reply from the very friendly staff. We arranged collection at a time to suit myself and the whole process was hassle free. I would recommend this service to anybody wanting care equipment at a very reasonable price!”
Owner | Tamworth | rent2buyyourcar.com
PAT Testing
Graham Shipton
With 15 years of PAT Testing expertise behind us we are well versed in testing all forms of electrical equipment to ensure it meets current health and safety standards. With recognised professional qualifications and DBS security clearance we carry out work in offices, factories, hotels, schools, churches and rental homes. We specifically put the client’s needs first and try and ensure minimal disruption to their working environment.
Your expert for…
Lichfield PAT Testing Ltd helps Business Owners, Facilities Managers, Landlords and Health & Safety Managers meet their legal obligations as a Duty Holder being responsible for the health and safety of the people who use your electrical equipment. This includes any electrical equipment used in the workplace or supplied for use at home or on visits.
Contact
“Great company. Reliable. Superb communication. Friendly and personable – felt like you were dealing with real people who cared. Work carried out was spot on. Timely and really reasonably priced. Will use for future work and would 100% recommend to others. Thank you.”
Amy | Small Business Owner
Photography
Carol Bailey
Carol is a creative photographer who likes nothing more than transforming her client’s self-image by great photography. She has had a camera in her hand since childhood, and has her own professional photography business since 2016. Since then, thousands of people have seen how Carol’s photos result in more enquiries and longer time spent on websites resulting in more enquiries.
Your expert for…
Creative photography for business and performing artists. Making you look good and feel fabulous. For businesses, we offer the complete range of commercial photography from premises, manufacturing processes, product photography and headshots. For performers (dancers, musicians, actors, models etc), and sports people, we offer in-depth, creative portfolio photography to promote your skills, strength and performance.
Contact
“Carol Bailey instantly made me feel that I was in safe hands. Her ability to help me focus, in the right way, her clever use of lighting and her in-depth knowledge of how to get the best shot made the session interesting, enjoyable and easy.
I have no hesitation in recommending Carol for images that matter.”Mo Bury | Momentum Training and Development Ltd
Solicitor / Corporate & Private Client
Stuart McIntosh
Stuart is a Solicitor with more than 20 years’ post-qualification experience in company and commercial law, working with new businesses and SMEs. He has experience of the legal and business issues that arise in a broad range of different business types, such as e-commerce, financial services, manufacturing and all manner of service sector business types. Stuart sets out to provide small business owners with a clearly different experience in getting legal help.
Your expert for…
Business structure, sole trading, partnership, or company and shareholding and partnership agreements; intellectual property in the online world; terms of business for selling or buying; managing business disputes.
Contact
Office:
01543 440308
Email:
stuart@fouroakslegalservices.com
Website:
www.fouroakslegalservices.com
Follow:
LinkedIn
“[Stuart] was most helpful and we are already in a more informed and happy state as a result of [his] input.”
JB | Small Business Owner
Talks, Tours & History
Jono Oates
My name is Jono and I provide tours and talks on the history of Lichfield, from the time of our founding father, St Chad, through to the English Civil War, the Georgian era of Samuel Johnson and David Garrick, the Victorian architecture and the impact of World War Two. If you want to know about Lichfield – just ask Jono!
Your expert for…
I love anything to do with the history of Lichfield. My guided tours can be public, or private – just put together a group of friends, colleagues or relatives and choose a date and time to suit yourselves. I can provide talks for W.I’s, history groups, schools, retirement homes, or for local businesses.
Contact
“Many thanks to Jono who gave us a ‘personalised’ tour of Lichfield as part of our 45th wedding anniversary celebrations. 6 of us were treated to information, funny stories, inside and behind the scenes details of how the city was formed and has changed over the years. As my wife and friends are Lichfield born and bred they were delighted at some of the details Jono passed on. A special day with a special person!”
Graham Shipton | Lichfield PAT Testing Ltd
Websites
Tom Slater
Tom founded Penrose Creative in 2017 after a successful career in sales and marketing. Combining his passion for design with his sales and marketing background, Penrose was set up with a mission to not only build exceptional websites but create an online presence that becomes an asset to your business.
Your expert for…
Working with coaches, consultants and serviced based businesses to create authority online, increase lead generation and convert more sales through web design & sales funnels.
Your online presence and website can be your #1 asset. Work with Penrose to develop an industry-leading digital infrastructure and online presence that converts.
Whether you’re just starting up, taking an offline business online or looking to upgrade your online presence, we can build you an online foundation to start, scale and grow your business.
Contact
“I want to thank Tom at Penrose for all his hard work and the amazing business growth you’ve helped me achieve this year. My sales have gone through the roof, and I attribute that to a lot of your hard work. I worked with Penrose to create my website, rebrand and build my sales funnels. It’s been amazing to have a strong identity and the tools to increase my sales conversions. I’ve been able to build further brand awareness, establish brand authority, and people have started to trust me quickly after finding me organically.”
Simon Smith | Simon Smith Online
