Jan Johnson

Founder and Director

Jan is an award-winning equity release expert, with a background in mortgages and financial services, including 25 years with Banco Santander as a mortgage adviser.

She established 55Plus in 2008 to provide trusted advice to homeowners over 55 during the recession and has since developed it into one of the most successful, award-winning, and independent later life lending businesses in Britain. Jan stands by her core values of honesty, accessibility, and integrity.

In the over 35 years that Jan has specialised in financial services, she has offered unrivalled levels of personal service and tailored mortgage solutions to meet her clients’ later life goals. Her commitment to providing the highest standards of support for homeowners over 55 has been recognised with multiple, industry-leading awards, including winning The Equity Release Awards in 2015, and as a finalist in 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Jan is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Stroud, Gloucestershire.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Wigan, Greater Manchester.

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

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Brentwood, Essex.

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.

Steve can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Burton on Trent, serving the Midlands.

Graeme Donegani

Independent equity release specialist in Swansea.

Graeme has 15 years of experience supporting homeowners over 55 achieve their later life financial goals, across 29 years’ within the financial services sector.

An award-winning financial adviser, he is highly motivated and passionate about his work. His crowning achievement was helping a retired customer claim back years of entitled state pension – changing his life forever and allowing him to enjoy new retirement opportunities.

Graeme is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Swansea, South Wales.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Chris Fisk

Independent equity release specialist in Malmesbury.

Chris has been a mortgage adviser and equity release specialist for over 10 years and has played a significant role in supporting homeowners over 55 discover alternative ways to secure later life lending solutions when they have had no other options available to them.

He is highly driven and self-motivated in his work, helping his clients find the right plans for their unique circumstances with an extensive knowledge of the sector, and was responsible for training new advisers to ensure the highest standards of compliance and service relations.

Chris is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Ed Foot

Independent equity release specialist in the Isle of Wight.

Ed has over 23 years of experience within financial services and has specialised in equity release since 2006.

His background as an independent market adviser, working alongside banks and as an executive with leading media titles, gives him a holistic knowledge of the sector, helping homeowners over 55 achieve their later life financial goals with intelligent solutions.

Ed is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Isle of Wight, Hampshire.

Tony Hallam

Independent equity release specialist in Nottingham.

Tony has been a qualified mortgage consultant for over 20 years, advising tailored and practical solutions that support the later life goals of his clients over 55.

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. Tony’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.

Tony is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.

Tim Henson

Independent equity release specialist in Crawley.

Tim is a highly experienced financial services practitioner, with over 40 years in the industry, progressing from cashier to governance director. Since 2000, Tim has specialised in the mortgage sector.

Tim prides himself on his communication skills, and his ability to support his clients when navigating the options available to them.

A natural problem solver, Tim carefully considers his clients’ needs from every angle to ensure he identifies the best solution for their financial aspirations.

Tim is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Crawley.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Basingstoke, Hampshire.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: St Helens, Merseyside.

Glenn Houghton

Independent equity release specialist in Cumbria.

Glenn has over 30 years of experience in financial services as an expert adviser and consultant, before specialising in equity release solutions in 2018.

Across his professional career Glenn has remained independent, exploring tailored financial options for his clients that suit their unique needs and goals. He now advises homeowners over 55 with leading later life mortgage advice, having previously been responsible for the investment and retirement planning for Greater Manchester Police.

Glenn is a member of the Equity Release Council.

Based in: Windermere, Cumbria.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Upminster, Essex.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

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

Mike Lewis

Independent equity release specialist in Chipping Norton.

Mike has more than 40 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including 18 years of being an Equity Release specialist.

He holds a wealth of knowledge from a variety of different companies and sectors, providing a comprehensive and holistic understanding of his clients’ motivations. This drives him to deliver high levels of customer service and assistance, often travelling to meet with homeowners over 55 personally.

Mike is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Enfield, Middlesex.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

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

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.

Phil can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Worthing, serving Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Daniel Sellwood

Independent equity release specialist in Leicester.

Daniel has worked within financial services since 2011, specialising in providing bespoke equity release solutions to complex situations for his clients.

He has experience working across a wide range of clientele, with strong negotiating skills, supporting homeowners over 55 with excellent communication, using his expertise and a holistic approach to find the best financial solutions. This includes advising his clients in line with the highest standards of financial compliance, making complex topics accessible for the people he supports.

Daniel is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Leicester.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Sedgley, Wolverhampton.

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.

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Blackburn, Lancashire.

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 Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

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

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 and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Banstead, Surrey.

Lesley Wright

Independent equity release specialist in Rushden.

Lesley has over 40 years’ experience within the financial services sector and has been specialised in equity release since 2017, having completed her IFS Certificate in Lifetime Mortgages.

She has professional experience in developing successful, long-term relationships with both private and corporate clients, to find the best financial solutions to meet their individual needs. These skills have translated into her approach for homeowners over 55, providing exceptional customer service for her clients at every stage of the process.

Lesley is a member of the Equity Release Council and can be found on LinkedIn.

Based in: Rushden, Northamptonshire.