About Us
Find out more about Astute and our dedicated team of expert financial advisers ready to help with your mortgage, pension, will writing and more.
About Astute
With advisers that have more than 100 years’ collective experience, our firm offers an impartial and personalised approach to Independent Financial Advice.
As independent financial advisers we are not owned, affiliated with or tied to any financial services product provider which ensures we are able to provide you with fully independent and unbiased financial advice. Astute Financial and Mortgage Advisers Ltd is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Number 811049).
Many of our clients have been with our individual advisers for over 20 years, and they have recommended their friends, family and colleagues to us.
We enjoy close working relationships with businesses that offer services which are of benefit to our clients, including Solicitors and Estate Agents in the local area.
Call us now to speak to a practical and experienced financial or mortgage adviser.
Our team
Meet our team of dedicated Financial Advisers.
Paul Bollands
Financial Adviser
Having started in financial services straight from college, Paul has 20 years’ experience as a financial and mortgage adviser and is our joint director. A family man, Paul spends most of his time with his wife and two young children and enjoys the occasional game of squash.
Jonathan O'Shea
Financial Adviser
Having worked in financial services for 15 years, Jonathan has continually developed his knowledge. He holds a Masters in Fraud Management, is a Chartered Certified Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner and, most recently, obtained a Diploma with the Personal Finance Society. Before joining us as a paraplanner in October 2022, Jonathan spent time working abroad before coming back home and settling down with his partner and new baby son.
Aaron West
Financial Adviser
Aaron started the process of becoming a financial adviser as an apprentice in 2012 and has worked his way through to be a financial advisor, working with clients and businesses to make their goals achievable. During his time, he has launched an IFA practice for a large national firm within an accountancy practice helping lower corporation taxes and plan for inheritance for their cliental. During his free time, he likes to follow Middlesbrough FC and take his dog, Ozzy, on long walks.
Chris Snowdon
Mortgage adviser
Chris has worked in financial services since 2004. He was previously with Barclays, where he progressed through various roles including Premier Mortgage Adviser. He started with Astute in June 2019. Chris was born and raised in Stockton on Tees and is a Middlesbrough supporter. He is married with two young children.
Michelle Fletcher
Mortgage Supervisor
Originally from Sunderland (and still a supporter!), Michelle worked for the national company YourMove and a local independent firm and brings a wealth of experience with her. Michelle has a financial adviser diploma and is supervisor of the Mortgage Team.
Kirsty Franks
Paraplanner
Kirsty joined us in January 2023 and is now an essential part of our team. Having started her career at Santander in 2008 and progressing this with Yorkshire Bank, Kirsty has now worked as a paraplanner for over 4 years. When not researching and analysing financial details, Kirsty enjoys holidays with her family and attending music events.
David Warnaby
Mortgage and Protection Adviser
Dave brings more than 25 years’ experience in financial services with a focus on mortgages and mortgage protection. With a strong attention to detail, he ensures that he understands the needs of every client, providing them with the best advice. He currently holds his Financial Planning Certificate and his Mortgage Advice Qualification. In his spare time, David is a skilled member of the local bowls team, with an impressive trophy cabinet to prove it!
Mariliis Howells
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
Mariliis has been with Astute since its beginnings in 2019, starting out as a mortgage admin, learning the ins and outs of the industry. By October 2023, she took the next step in her career, moving into a mortgage adviser role after earning her CeMAP qualification earlier that year. Originally from Estonia, Mariliis is the fifth of six siblings and moved to the UK in 2014 to join her now-husband. When she’s not advising clients, Mariliis is often found either spending time with her many nieces and nephews, or performing at weddings and events, using her talents as both a singer and violinist.
Interested in our financial adviser services?
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.