Meet the team

Meet the team

The award-winning experts in later life finance

At 55Plus, we pride ourselves on being independent, transparent, and ethical in our approach to providing later life lending solutions.
Our advisers reflect our values of innovation, empathy, trust, responsibility, and team spirit. They are focused on delivering results for their clients in a supportive manner, by developing long-term, enduring relationships with clients, colleagues and communities.
Whilst our expert advisers support homeowners over 55 locally and personally, we can help anyone throughout the UK find the right later life financial solution. Get in touch to book a no-obligation consultation for a face-to-face meeting, or as a video call to discover if equity release is the best option for your unique circumstance.

Meet the team

The award-winning experts in later life finance

At 55Plus, we pride ourselves on being independent, transparent, and ethical in our approach to providing later life lending solutions.
Our advisers reflect our values of innovation, empathy, trust, responsibility, and team spirit. They are focused on delivering results for their clients in a supportive manner, by developing long-term, enduring relationships with clients, colleagues and communities.
Whilst our expert advisers support homeowners over 55 locally and personally, we can help anyone throughout the UK find the right later life financial solution. Get in touch to book a no-obligation consultation for a face-to-face meeting, or as a video call to discover if equity release is the best option for your unique circumstance.

Our later life lending advisers

Our team consists of expert equity release specialists, working together to deliver tailored solutions to shape your future.
Our advisers work collaboratively, sharing their extensive knowledge of the equity release sector to find the best outcomes and financial solutions for homeowners over 55.
We always act in your best interests; we devise tailored solutions to match your unique needs; we deliver transparent advice to make later life lending accessible; and we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service.
Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson

Founder and Director

Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson

Founder and Director

Ian Akeroyd

Ian Akeroyd

Based in: Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Ian Akeroyd

Ian Akeroyd

Independent equity release specialist in Stroud.

Ian has spent over 25 years working with private and commercial clients before specialising in equity release in 2019.

He has a wealth of experience across the later life lending market, including a deep knowledge of property and finance that supports his clients with their unique circumstances. A successful financial strategist and negotiator, Ian is committed to sourcing the best equity release schemes for homeowners over 55.

Ian is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Rob Ashurst

Rob Ashurst

Based in: Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Rob Ashurst

Rob Ashurst

Independent equity release specialist in Wigan.

Rob has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, specialising in providing tailored equity release solutions for homeowners over 55 since 2005.

He is committed to exceeding the expectations of his clients, not just exploring the best options that are suitable for their needs, but also identifying which later life lending solutions can support them in their long-term financial goals. This makes Rob a consistently high performer with exceptional customer service skills.

Rob is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Stephen Burbridge

Stephen Burbridge

Based in: Birmingham.

Stephen Burbridge

Stephen Burbridge

Independent equity release specialist in Birmingham.

Stephen has 40 years of mortgage and financial advice experience, working for several of the UK’s leading insurance firms.

Over the last four decades, Stephen has helped thousands of clients manage their finances to achieve their future aspirations.

He has been an Equity Release Specialist Adviser for over 18 years.

Stephen is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Birmingham.

Chris Cage

Chris Cage

Based in: Brentwood, Essex.

Chris Cage

Chris Cage

Independent equity release specialist in Brentwood.

Chris has close to 40 years’ experience in financial services, with expertise that ranged across international banking, trading and building senior corporate relationships, before specialising in equity release in 2015.

He is strongly motivated to provide the best outcomes for his later life lending clients over 55, with an eye for detail and service. Chris is a highly skilled adviser within the equity release sector and is able to communicate complex information effectively, to ensure his clients can make clear and informed decisions about their finances.

Chris is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Brentwood, Essex.

Steve Crawshaw

Steve Crawshaw

Based in: Burton on Trent.

Steve Crawshaw

Steve Crawshaw

Independent equity release specialist in Burton on Trent, serving the Midlands.

Steve has over 35 years’ experience in financial and insurance advice, with 18 of those years spent in the specialist field of equity release.

Steve takes a professional and conscientious approach to his work, ensuring that his advice and guidance is always in his clients’ best interests.

One of Steve’s main attributes is the loyalty he has demonstrated in his working life, to his employers and to his clients.

As a family man with three grown-up children, and a young granddaughter, he has always found it beneficial to draw on his own experience. This has helped him empathise with his clients, and to identify the right approach for their individual circumstances.

Based in: Burton on Trent, serving the Midlands.

Graeme Donegani

Graeme Donegani

Based in: Swansea, South Wales.

Graeme Donegani

Graeme Donegani

Independent equity release specialist in Swansea.

Based in: Swansea, South Wales.

David Edges

David Edges

Based in: Solihull.

David Edges

David Edges

Independent equity release specialist serving the Greater Midlands area.

During his eight-year career as an Equity Release Specialist, David has helped around 500 clients to achieve their goals.

Based in: Hockley Heath, near Solihull.

 Maurice Fermoy

Maurice Fermoy

Based in: Banbury, Oxfordshire.

 Maurice Fermoy

Maurice Fermoy

Independent equity release specialist in Banbury.

Maurice is an established finance professional, providing later life lending solutions to homeowners over 55.

He has cultivated strong relationships with a wide variety of financial lenders, allowing his clients to access the best equity release schemes for their personal needs. Educated at Eton College and previously an Army Captain, Maurice is highly self-motivated and dedicates himself to finding the best mortgage options for his clients over 55.

Maurice is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Chris Fisk

Chris Fisk

Based in: Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Chris Fisk

Chris Fisk

Independent equity release specialist in Malmesbury.

Based in: Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Ed Foot

Ed Foot

Based in: Isle of Wight, Hampshire.

Ed Foot

Ed Foot

Independent equity release specialist in the Isle of Wight.

Based in: Isle of Wight, Hampshire.

Tony Hallam

Tony Hallam

Based in: Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.

Tony Hallam

Tony Hallam

Independent equity release specialist in Nottingham.

Based in: Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.

Tim Henson

Tim Henson

Based in: Crawley.

Tim Henson

Tim Henson

Based in: Crawley.

Barry Higgins

Barry Higgins

Based in: Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Barry Higgins

Barry Higgins

Independent equity release specialist in Basingstoke.

Barry has over 15 years’ experience as an equity release adviser.

He is highly driven and self-motivated in his work, helping his clients find the right plans for their unique circumstances, thanks to his extensive knowledge of the sector.

He is strongly motivated to provide the best outcomes for his later life lending clients over 55, with an eye for detail and service. Barry is a highly skilled adviser within the equity release sector and is able to communicate complex information effectively, to ensure his clients can make clear and informed decisions about their finances.

Barry is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Ian Howarth

Ian Howarth

Based in: St Helens, Merseyside.

Ian Howarth

Ian Howarth

Independent equity release specialist in St Helens.

Ian has over 25 years’ experience working in financial services, with almost two decades of those specialising in equity release.

An award-winning adviser, Ian prides himself on his compassionate approach to helping our clients make the right financial decisions. His advice is also highly valued by his local Age Concern charities, who regularly refer people to him as a trusted adviser.

When not supporting people’s later life financial goals, Ian enjoys supporting the goals his beloved Liverpool FC score at Anfield! He’s also a recent convert to guitar playing and was thrilled to be invited to play songs by The Beatles at St Georges Hall, alongside 600 other guitarists.

Ian is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: St Helens, Merseyside.

Glenn Houghton

Glenn Houghton

Based in: Windermere, Cumbria.

Glenn Houghton

Glenn Houghton

Independent equity release specialist in Cumbria.

Based in: Windermere, Cumbria.

Kevin Hull

Kevin Hull

Based in: Upminster, Essex.

Kevin Hull

Kevin Hull

Independent equity release specialist in Essex.

Kevin has extensive experience in the financial services sector, having started as a financial adviser in the early 1990s.

Since 2012 he’s focused his expertise on equity release, helping many hundreds of people to achieve their long-term financial goals.

Priding himself on a thorough and professional approach, Kevin combines his decades of knowledge and problem-solving skills, to find the best possible solution for every client.

Kevin is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Upminster, Essex.

Michael Johnes

Michael Johnes

Based in: Liverpool.

Michael Johnes

Michael Johnes

Independent equity release specialist in Liverpool, serving the North West and North Wales.

Mike is an expert in Equity Release with over 26 years’ experience in this specialist field, and 35 years in financial services generally.

With his broad knowledge and meticulous approach, Mike works across the whole equity release market to identify the best solution for each client’s individual needs.

His in-depth knowledge of interest rates, products and features means that his clients can be confident in their decision.

Mike is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Liverpool, serving the North West and North Wales.

Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis

Based in: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis

Independent equity release specialist in Chipping Norton.

Based in: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Lee Mison

Lee Mison

Based in: Enfield, Middlesex.

Lee Mison

Lee Mison

Independent equity release specialist in Middlesex.

Lee has over 40 years’ experience working in financial services and now specialises in helping people over the age of 55 achieve their later life financial goals.

Having a positive, outgoing and professional attitude to finance, he prides himself on always putting his clients first to deliver the highest standards of customer service. Lee’s approach to equity release is that it should always be professional, ethical and friendly – exploring which later life lending schemes are suitable for your needs, at your comfort and pace.

Lee is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Enfield, Middlesex.

Steve Partner

Steve Partner

Based in: Surrey.

Steve Partner

Steve Partner

Independent equity release specialist serving Surrey and the surrounding areas.

Steve is a highly-qualified financial adviser. He has worked as an independent equity release specialist since 2017, building on his long career serving customers in the financial sector.

Steve’s background is in personal banking; he enjoyed providing a traditional, personalised banking service during his many years with HSBC, from 1985 to 2013.

Providing tailored advice that’s uniquely suited to the needs of his customers is second nature to Steve.

He prides himself on his ability to build strong, long-term relationships with his customers, bringing his many years of experience to help them make the right choices for their individual circumstances.

Steve is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Lightwater, serving Surrey and the surrounding areas.

Phil Saunders

Phil Saunders

Based in: Worthing.

Phil Saunders

Phil Saunders

Independent equity release specialist in Worthing, serving Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Phil is an award-winning adviser who has always taken pride in putting the needs of his clients first.

With over 25 years’ experience in financial sales, Phil has focussed on the specialist fields of equity release and lifetime mortgages for the last eight years of his career.

Phil has a strong focus on individual customer requirements, always taking time to understand his clients, and their aspirations, to help them make the best financial decisions.

This caring approach underpins Phil’s dedication to offering advice which results in the most suitable and competitive solutions for his clients.

Daniel Sellwood

Daniel Sellwood

Based in: Leicester.

Daniel Sellwood

Daniel Sellwood

Independent equity release specialist in Leicester.

Based in: Leicester.

Prab Singh

Prab Singh

Based in: Sedgley, Wolverhampton.

Prab Singh

Prab Singh

Independent equity release specialist in Wolverhampton.

Prab is an award-winning later life lending expert, specialising in equity release since 2003.

Prab specialises in difficult to place cases and high net worth clientele. He is cautious and proficient in nature and has provided thousands of homeowners over 55 with bespoke solutions for challenging and complex situations.

Prab also sits on the Equity Release Council Adviser Forum, where he supports new and positive developments in the equity release sector and is an advocate for best practice across the industry.

Prab is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Sedgley, Wolverhampton.

Clive Stainton

Clive Stainton

Based in: Enfield, Middlesex.

Clive Stainton

Clive Stainton

Independent equity release specialist in Enfield.

Clive has over 30 years’ experience working in financial services and has specialised in equity release since 2016.

He is committed to exceeding the expectations of his clients; not just exploring the best options that are suitable for their needs, but also identifying which later life lending solutions can support them in their long-term financial goals.

Clive is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Enfield, Middlesex.

Gareth Watkins

Gareth Watkins

Based in: Runcorn, Cheshire.

Gareth Watkins

Gareth Watkins

Independent equity release specialist in Cheshire.

Independent equity release specialist service Manchester, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

Gareth has an extensive pedigree in financial services, originally working in banking and general insurance, before becoming an Equity Release Specialist in 2017.

A skilled and astute analyst, Gareth excels at in-depth reviews of financial situations and goals, ensuring that his advice is perfectly tailored to each client.

Gareth is spurred on by an ambition to help every client achieve financial security in later life.

Based in: Runcorn, Cheshire.

Graham Webb

Graham Webb

Based in: Blackburn, Lancashire.

Graham Webb

Graham Webb

Independent equity release specialist in Blackburn.

Graham has accumulated a wealth of knowledge of the equity release sector throughout his 21 years in the financial service industry, specialising in equity release for the last nine.

He is an excellent communicator and is able to clearly break down complicated financial areas with his clients over 55, regardless of how well they knew the sector prior to meeting. Graham has experience in all sides of business, including training and recruiting new staff; business development; creating bespoke equity release plans for customers and team building.

Graham is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Blackburn, Lancashire.

Steve Wilkinson

Steve Wilkinson

Based in: Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

Steve Wilkinson

Steve Wilkinson

Independent equity release specialist serving the Thames Valley.

Having worked in wealth management during his early career, Steve set up his own independent financial planning business in 1998, specialising in all aspects of financial planning, including pensions, protection, investments, and mortgages.

Since 2021, Steve has focused on later life lending products – helping his clients make the best possible choices for their individual needs, and their future financial security.

Steve is highly knowledgeable and prides himself on his communication skills. He draws on his many years of experience to guide clients through their choices and considerations, helping them make the right decisions for their circumstances.

Steve is a member of the Equity Release Councl.

Based in: Princes Risborough, serving the Thames Valley, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Ian Williams

Ian Williams

Based in: Banstead, Surrey.

Ian Williams

Ian Williams

Independent equity release specialist in Banstead.

Ian has over 45 years’ experience within the financial services and banking industry, and has been an equity release adviser for 10 years.

Passionate about client service and communication, Ian ensures he is with his clients every step of the way.

Having a positive, outgoing and professional attitude to finance, he prides himself on always putting his clients first to deliver the highest standards of customer service. Ian’s approach to equity release is that it should always be professional, ethical and friendly – to explore which later life lending schemes are suitable for your needs, at your comfort and pace.

Ian is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Banstead, Surrey.

Lesley Wright

Lesley Wright

Based in: Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Lesley Wright

Lesley Wright

Independent equity release specialist in Rushden.

Based in: Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Our Business Development & Support Team

Adrian Johnson FRICS

Adrian Johnson FRICS

Business Development Director

Adrian Johnson FRICS

Adrian Johnson FRICS

Business Development Director

Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson

Founder and Director

Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson

Founder and Director

Graham Webb

Graham Webb

Business Development Consultant

Graham Webb

Graham Webb

Business Development Consultant

Anita Cage

Anita Cage

Office Manager

Anita Cage

Anita Cage

Office Manager

Anita joined the 55Plus team in 2023 and works closely with adviser and management colleagues by providing administrative support for day to day operations.

Initially with a background in investment management, Anita led and worked on projects in the local government sector until 2016, when she joined the equity release department of a local solicitor’s office.  This led to an interest and enthusiasm in equity release, particularly from the client’s legal perspective and delivering the best possible service.

Anita brings her positivity, tenacity and understanding of process to her role. She enjoys the collaborative working with colleagues, supporting them to ensure good outcomes for clients.

Why choose 55Plus?

Releasing equity from your home is a significant decision. It’s essential therefore that you find an over 55 equity release adviser who you can trust will act in your best interests. Find out why you can have confidence in 55Plus being your first choice for later life lending solutions.
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How we’re different

55Plus was born out of the 2008 financial crisis to provide trusted advice when confidence had been lost with larger corporations. Find out our story, values and approach to equity release that makes a difference for our clients..
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