Meet the Team
Charles James Financial Planning is managed by CEO Dean Thorpe; who better to introduce the team to you and a little about our heritage?
Charles James Financial Planning was originally founded as an insurance brokers in 1984 by my father, Robert Thorpe, and we have remained a family business developing into a firm of independent financial advisers over the years.
We’ve seen thousands of clients through challenging economic seasons and we continue to pride ourselves in the quality, friendly and efficient advice we give to people from all walks of life. Our main office is based in Dronfield, Derbyshire with a presence in Royston, South Yorkshire.
Dean Thorpe
Director
Dean joined the financial services industry straight from college, beginning his career at Scottish Amicable (now part of Prudential). From there, he joined his father’s insurance brokerage before going into business himself in 1999.
As well as being an Executive Director of Charles James, he also holds special permission with the FCA for technical pensions work and regularly receives enquiries for assistance from other advisers in the industry who value his knowledge and expertise.
Dean has developed the organisation to cater for all types of people from all walks of life, so that as well as financial planning advice, the group of companies he is connected with and has interests in can help clients with all types of areas along their life points. The success of the Charles James business gained him an entry in the 2010 Who’s Who publication of Britain’s Business Elite.
Dean is also a presenter/speaker and has developed a separate company providing business support working with companies of all shapes and sizes, sharing with them the secrets of the success that he and his team have enjoyed and achieved. Becoming a published author provided Dean with a platform to expand and develop his work internationally as well as in the UK.
Steve Unwin
Independent Financial Adviser
A chance conversation with (now CEO) Dean Thorpe meant that Steve joined Charles James Financial Planning in 1998 rather than entering financial services through the banking route. Steve has developed into a key member of the team and is a well-established Independent Financial Adviser, providing quality financial advice and planning to clients, both new and existing.
“I enjoy working for this well-established, family-run business. I've continued to build upon my skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications through differing roles since joining the company in 1998.”
Ryan Thickett
Independent Financial Adviser
Ryan joined us at Charles James Financial Planning in December 2007 as an Administrator and quickly progressed to a Paraplanner. Now, as an Independent Financial Adviser at Charles James, Ryan provides quality financial advice and planning in areas such as Retirement Planning, Investments, Mortgages and Insurance.
“This progression through the company has aided me in gaining experience and knowledge via both real world involvement and study, which enabled me to achieve my current position and qualifications. Outside work I like to socialise whether it be through playing in a weekly five-a-side football league or eating out with friends.”
Graham Atkin
Adviser Support Manager
Graham joined us at Charles James Financial Planning in January 2000 as a school-leaver and Office Administrator. Over the years his duties and responsibilities increased and in 2007 he was promoted to Adviser Support Manager. Graham provides support to the Financial Advisers at Charles James and leads a small team of paraplanners and administrators.
“Having left school at 18 years old, I was keen to move straight into a working environment rather than embark on further education. I was fortunate enough to be offered an administrative role with Charles James Financial Planning around 6 months after leaving school and to this day I'm still employed by them. Outside work I have a keen and active interest in sports including football.”
Geoff Thorpe
Mortgage Adviser
Geoff has worked in the financial services sector since 1998. He joined Charles James Financial Planning in 2003 as an Administrator then moved to running our General Insurance side of the business in 2005.
“I enjoy my current role and continue to deal with various insurances from household, travel, business liabilities, motor and life insurance including critical and serious illness cover.”
Daniel Johnson
Independent Financial Adviser
Daniel’s been with us at Charles James since 2007. He initially started out in an Adviser Support role and naturally progressed to become one of our Independent Financial Advisers.
Daniel’s knowledge and experience enables him to achieve positive client outcomes, to both new and existing clients, for individuals and companies seeking tailored financial advice across areas such as Pensions and Retirement, Investments, Estate Planning, Trusts, Taxation, Mortgages and Insurance.
Daniel Cook
Paraplanner
Daniel has worked in the financial services industry since 2005 and joined Charles James Financial Planning as a Paraplanner in March 2012. Daniel provides a range of services to the Independent Financial Advisers at Charles James. These are varied and include drafting Suitability Reports (personalised letters recommending products or funds) and undertaking research into products, investment funds, tax, trusts and pensions legalisation. He holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is working towards the Advanced Diploma.
“I enjoy working as a Paraplanner and wish to continue developing my skills in this area, as opposed to taking the Financial Adviser career path. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, reading, spending time with my family, long distance running and astronomy - the moon at high magnification is an awesome sight."
Jodie Thorpe
Company Secretary
Jodie is married to Dean and works on a part-time basis carrying out the relevant requirements of Company Secretary. In her absence, the day-to-day duties of Company Secretary are delegated to Wendy Sowter, HR & Office Manager.
Jack Cohen
Mortgage Adviser
Jack has been with us for over 10 years now and joined Charles James Financial Planning in March 2014 after beginning his career in an Adviser Support role. Over the years, a natural progression and ongoing study has led him from this role to a Paraplanner before becoming one of our Mortgage & Insurance Advisers. His hands-on experience and passion for the industry drive him to deliver tailored advice that helps clients achieve their end goals.
“I enjoy my role as a mortgage and insurance adviser at Charles James and take great pride in providing tailored and personal solutions that meet the needs of each client, ensuring they feel confident and informed every step of the way. When I am not busy assisting clients, you can find me enjoying quality time with my little family and socialising with friends. I’m an avid supporter of Sheffield United and weekends are often spent cheering them on. I also love exploring the great outdoors with my two ‘doggos’, Alfie & Nugget, embarking on different adventures whatever the weather.”
Emmanuel Nafrah
Adviser Support
Emmanuel joined the Charles James team in June 2024. Having completed his further education, he was eager to enter the working environment in the Finance Sector, particularly pensions and investments. Beginning his career as Adviser Support, he is gaining practical on-hands experience and learning from his experienced peers while building his own knowledge and skills and working towards earning his Diploma in regulated Financial Planning with a goal of becoming an independent financial adviser.
‘Having embarked on further education after leaving school, I am enjoying putting my acquired knowledge and skills to use, honing and renewing my existing abilities while building and developing new ones. I enjoy watching and playing football, going to the gym, and spending quality time with family and friends.’