Simplicity Financial Services - Staff Profiles

Matt Harris (Mortgage Director)

Originally from Birmingham, Matthew moved to Sheffield when he attended Hallam University and completed a Business Studies Degree. Matt started his career in financial services with the Halifax but was soon head hunted by Enterprise before joining Rob at Simplicity. Four years later and Matt is now our Mortgage Director running the team of five skilled advisers.

A fanatically hard worker, Matt was recently rewarded with the honour of “Young Achiever of the Year” in the British Mortgage Awards - the Oscars of our Industry. Matt has the dubious honour of picking up all our complex mortgage cases and also dealing with any commercial enquiries, so if you have anything a little out of the ordinary, Matt’s your man!

David Norton (CeMAP) of Simplicity Financial Services David Norton (CeMAP)

Having studied archaeology at Sheffield University, David turned his attention to finance when he met Rob Downham through the Sheffield Bankers Hockey club. A fellow baldy to the twin Directors Chris and Rob Downham, David’s only short coming in their eyes was that he is taller than them.

David worked in Sheffield for 3 years for Simplicity Financial Services, helping expand the different sides to the business. A UK mortgage specialist, his interest and dedication to the international finance offering earned him the somewhat original nickname “International Dave”.

After 7 years of life in Sheffield, David felt that London was calling, and headed down to the nation’s capital. Here he represents Simplicity remotely, trying to expand the company’s operation and develop the Simpli-Southern office. Currently based in Fulham, and still the keen hockey player, he can be found swinging his stick at Battersea Park most Saturdays.

Paul Spooner (FPC, CeMAP) of Simplicity Financial Services Paul Spooner (FPC, CeMAP)

Paul joined Simplicity in June 2005 and has exceeded all expectations we had of the Sheffield born broker. Paul's background is in Pensions and General Insurance and he was an IFA with Norwich Union from 2002. Despite being a fully qualified IFA he decided to specialize in the mortgage world and has never looked back.

Being born and raised in Sheffield, Paul is a great asset to our office as his extensive knowledge of the city is a major help to all. This knowledge really comes into play when it comes to assisting clients looking to re-locate to the Steel City.

Not known to many but Paul is also a qualified wine adviser, so not only will he get you mortgaged in your new home but he can also recommend a good wine with which to celebrate your purchase !

Paul is extremely motivated and driven and is always full of ideas on how to expand and develop our business and create a better service to our clients. He is also exceptionally well organised and his attention to detail is unparalleled.

Paul currently lives in a city centre apartment.

Paul Dorward (CeMAP) of Simplicity Financial Services Paul Dorward (CeMAP)

Originally from Leicester, Paul is very happy to now refer to Sheffield as home. With a strong background in estate agency Paul joined Simplicity in July 2006 and has become a strong and valued member of the team. When he's not sourcing great mortgage deals he plays rugby for Sheffield's number one club, Sheffield Tigers and can be found playing about in the mud on a Saturday afternoon.

Paul has recently bought his first house with his girlfriend Imogen and is beginning to understand why his Dad took so long to get any DIY done! – it’s not as fun as it looks on TV.

Michelle McCurrach (CeMAP) of Simplicity Financial Services Michelle McCurrach (CeMAP)

Since joining the company in 2006 Michelle has found that she most enjoys helping clients ensure their future finances are well protected. Following this realisation Michelle’s role has evolved in to that of Protection Adviser, particularly focusing on clients raising finance in Bulgaria through our sister company Bulgarian Home Loans.

Michelle started her career in financial services 7yrs ago following completion of her A-levels. After 3yrs working for Britannia Building Society Michelle decided to try something new and took on various roles, including Cabin Crew, before finally returning to her original choice in the wonderful world of finance.

Nikki Downham of Simplicity Financial Services Nikki Downham
Nikki is originally from North Wales and moved to Sheffield 3 years ago to be with her now husband Rob. Previous to joining Simplicity Nikki worked as a sales representative, covering most of England, for an equestrian company. This is where Nikki first met and worked originally with Jayne. Nikki works as part of the administration team and is integral in seeing mortgage applications through to completion as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Nobby and Womble (office dogs) also accompany Nikki to the office every day. They act as the office stress relievers (well to some people they do, others could happily throw them out of the window!! Yes, I know who you are!). Nikki, Nobby and Womble can be found in the puppy pen in the Simplicity office.

Jayne Lee (Administrator) of Simplicity Financial Services Jayne Lee (Administrator)
Dronfield born and bred, Jayne worked for a High Street Bank for many years before making a complete career change as a Horse Riding Instructor.

Having braved the elements for long enough she obtained employment as an Office Manager for an Equestrian Sales and Marketing Company before setting up her own Company within the same field which involved travelling the whole of the U.K. and to Italy. Choosing to return to the world of finance Jayne joined Simplicity Financial Services early in 2007 as a Mortgage Administrator. Jayne lives with her husband Dave and sons, Liam 16, Ryan 12.

Matt Coulson (CeMAP) of Simplicity Financial Services Matt Coulson (CeMAP)
Matt is a new recruit for Simplicity, having previously operated successfully in sales roles with a number of international real estate organisations. Matt’s background is in overseas property finance and development, a field in which he has garnered significant experience in a relatively short career.

Matt’s past experiences in foreign mortgage markets have enabled him to achieve the necessary FSA qualifications exceptionally quickly. He now looks forward to replicating previous successes in the UK financial market.

Charlotte Mackenzie (Trainee Mortgage Advisor)

Charlotte joined the company in July 2007 after completing a degree in Business at Cardiff University. Charlotte is in the process of taking her Certificates in Financial Advice to primarily become a qualified mortgage adviser and subsequently progressing to become a fully qualified independent financial adviser.

Charlotte has worked in a number of industries during her time at university including the financial services sector where she acquired a significant interest in the area which has driven her to progress her career with Simplicity Financial Services.