Our Team
We have been providing quality, professional, financial and mortgage advice to our clients for over 30 years!
Much has changed in the financial world over this time but our approach has not and is rooted in straightforward, common sense ideals of service, quality and consistency of advice, not to mention our excellent tea and coffee for personal visitors that means our company moves from strength to strength.
Niall Gunn
Chief Executive Officer
Niall has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector.
Having worked initially for a consulting actuary and then as a financial adviser and benefits consultant. His particular expertise is working with key individuals in SME businesses, advising on their corporate benefit structure and retirement and investment strategies.
Second to his passion for pensions is Niall’s love of golf. He is past Captain of Sand Moor Golf Club.
Dominic Ferneyhough
Independent Financial Adviser
Dominic joined the financial services industry in 2019. After graduating with a first-class degree in Accounting and Finance he has achieved his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is working towards Chartered status.
Outside of work Dominic is a keen cricketer, footballer, and runner.
Jackie Simmonite
Mortgage Adviser
Jackie’s is a familiar voice on the end of the phone, and also joined A J Hird in 1998 and has been with the company ever since. She organises the Skipton office, dealing with all our clients’ processing and liaises directly with clients to ensure a smooth passage of their mortgage and other transactional arrangements.
David Harrop
Administrator
David is a new starter to the financial services industry. After graduating with a master’s degree, he is looking forward to putting his writing and research skills to develop his knowledge in the industry.
Outside of work David is an avid cricketer and golfer
Dawn Cockson
Operations Director
Dawn recently joined us with a wealth of experience from over 20 years within the industry. As well as her Operations role, she continues to work with advisers in a supporting role.
Dawn enjoys nothing more than weekends away in the tourer.
Kirsty Henry
Senior Paraplanner
Kirsty has worked in the Financial Services industry for over 15 years, previously working for a leading high street bank, providing advice on a variety of products ranging from investment, protection and retirement planning. She holds the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DIPFA).
Kirsty’s spare time is mostly spent with her two young children and Partner.
Karin Grandal-Park
Administrator
Karin has previously worked for a Lloyds Broker based in London and various Insurance Brokering companies. She was Assistant Branch Manager for a branch of Northern Rock Building Society prior to it becoming a PLC. Latterly she worked as a Project Manager for two national charities. She holds qualifications in Administration, Information Technology, Post graduate Diploma in Performance Coaching as well as several vocational qualifications.
In her spare time, she is a keen gardener, singer/guitarist and artist.
Kevin Kanika
Trainee Adviser/Paraplanner
Kevin graduated with an honours degree in Law and has been in the financial services industry since 2018. Kevin has recently joined us as a trainee adviser and paraplanner.
Outside of work, Kevin likes to stay active, hang out with family and friends and frequently visits the latest trending brunch café in and around Yorkshire.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out how we can help you or your business, get in touch with us today with your requirements and we would be happy to help.