Meet the team ...
James Smith - Senior Partner
Chartered Financial Planner
James joined the company in 2015 and has since achieved his Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and holds the title of Chartered Financial Planner.
James deals with all aspects of financial planning, including investment advice, pension and retirement planning, trust advice, protection, tax planning and equity release.
Outside the office James enjoys being part of his Church community; and is a keen musician. He also enjoys dog walks with his wife, son, and their cocker spaniel Bunty. At other spare moments James can be found playing tennis, football, or golf, and on occasion representing Essex at badminton.
Oliver Salmon - Senior Partner
Financial Planner
Ollie joined us in 2019 after graduating from the University of Manchester with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Modern History with Economics. He has achieved his Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, and for his efforts, Ollie was awarded a NextGen Planners award for displaying dedication and focus to his professional development. In 2022 Ollie was also awarded the CII Sanderson prize for the best exam results in Chelmsford and South Essex for the Advanced Diploma.
Outside the office, you will normally find Ollie on the golf course or, when the weather is not great, playing a good board game.
Kerry Draper - Associate Partner
Financial Planner
Kerry has worked at David Smith Financial Services for over 30 years. Over that time she has achieved her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is also regulated to provide Mortgage and Equity Release advice.
Kerry received the SHOPPER'S CHOICE award and achieved an excellent rating for protection advice in the Financial Adviser Mystery Shopper section.
Outside the office Kerry 'enjoys' watching West Ham.
Halees Dhanesar
Paraplanner
Halees has worked in the finance industry for several years across various roles, after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a 2:1 LLB Law degree. Halees joined us in December 2023 and is working towards her diploma in Financial Planning. She appreciates having a meaningful career where she can make a real and positive difference to people’s lives.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf and travelling with her friends and family. She also enjoys reading books and watching podcasts as she loves to learn.
Jeremy Salmon
Paraplanner
Jeremy joined us in 2023. He graduated from Durham University in 2021 achieving a 2:1 in Psychology BSc (Hons) and in 2023 completed a master’s degree in Law and Legal Practice with BPP University. He is continuing to work with the firm whilst he undertakes the Barrister Training Course with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy.
Outside the office, Jeremy enjoys beating Oliver on the golf course and noodling on the guitar.
Becky Kelly
Administrator
Becky joined us in October 2022. She qualified as a legal secretary in 2018 and has a great deal of customer service and administration experience.
She is the mum of two cheeky boys and enjoy days out making memories, as time with her family is very important to her. She also loves running, singing and horse riding.
Helen Seaman
Administrator
Helen has worked at David Smith Financial Services for 25 years. She is a qualified administrator which is her main role in the Office. She deals with all aspects of client servicing, account settlements and enquiries.
Helen works alongside David in the administration of the CII Golf Days and the Chartered Insurance Institute Election to Fellowship.
Jodie Irwin
Administrator
Jodie joined the administration team in January 2024, bringing with her 10 years of experience from working in London.
Outside of the office, Jodie enjoys going to the theatre with her two grown-up sons and shopping with her daughter. She also enjoys swimming and taking long walks with her dog Buddy.
David Smith
Consultant
David retired from advising clients at the end of September 2022, after founding the company in 1977 and almost 60 years in the industry. He is still involved with the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Fellowship Assessment Board, as well as being the local Chartered Insurance Institute Golf Secretary and Organiser.