The people behind Liberty
Your team
Our experienced team brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise, working collaboratively to provide the personal advice and ongoing support you need.
The Directors
Both Chartered Financial Planners and founders of the firm, Richard and David set the standard for the advice and relationships Liberty Partnership is built on.
Richard Ash FPFS
Founding Partner and Chartered Financial Planner
Richard Ash FPFS
Founding Partner and Chartered Financial Planner
Richard is a Founding Partner and Director of Liberty Partnership, a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. He has worked with many of his clients for more than 20 years, advising across pensions, investments and estate planning while building relationships that often extend across generations.
Richard is passionate about Liberty Partnership, its clients and the team of people who look after them. At the heart of his approach is a simple belief: good financial planning should enable people to make the most of their money and, more importantly, the life that money can help them enjoy.
For Richard, this means taking the time to understand what truly matters to each client—their ambitions, family, desired lifestyle and plans for the future. His aim is to give clients the clarity and confidence to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives, while helping them prepare for and enjoy a fulfilling and financially secure retirement.
Alongside his Chartered status and Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society, Richard is an affiliate of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and a member of the Society of Will Writers. He also holds the Chartered Insurance Institute’s CF8 qualification in Long-Term Care Insurance and has extensive knowledge of estate planning, including inheritance tax planning, Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Away from work, Richard lives with his wife, Sam, in the Deepings, where he has spent his whole life and remains closely connected to the local community. Family is incredibly important to them both and, with their children now grown up, they particularly enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Richard and Sam share a passion for travelling and exploring new places. Closer to home, Richard enjoys gardening and keeping active at the gym.
- richard.ash@liberty-partnership.co.uk
David Gregg FPFS
Founding Partner and Chartered Financial Planner
David Gregg FPFS
Founding Partner and Chartered Financial Planner
David is a Founding Partner and Director of Liberty Partnership, a Chartered Financial Planner, a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and an affiliate of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Qualified to advise across all areas of financial planning, David holds advanced qualifications in pensions, investment planning, long-term care, taxation and Trusts.
David particularly enjoys working closely with local professionals and business owners. He advises on areas including employee benefits, shareholder protection and key person insurance. He is also trusted by a number of solicitors who refer clients to him for advice concerning the division of pension assets and pension-sharing orders during divorce.
David’s approach is centred on engaging with clients and their families to develop a thorough understanding of their needs, priorities and objectives. He believes that building strong relationships with clients and the people closest to them helps deliver the best possible outcomes.
Outside work, David lives with his wife, Krissi, and their three children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and keeping fit.
- david.gregg@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Financial Planners
Qualified advisors covering every stage of your financial life — from your first investment through to passing on your estate.
Matthew Biggs FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Matthew Biggs FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Matthew joined Liberty Partnership in October 2017 as a Trainee Paraplanner. After achieving his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in May 2019, he progressed to become a Financial Planner. In March 2025 he attained Chartered Financial Planner status and in August 2026 he became a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.
Matthew advises clients across a broad range of financial planning needs, including pensions, investments, protection and estate planning. He understands that effective financial planning begins with taking the time to get to know each client—their circumstances, priorities and ambitions—and building a relationship founded on trust.
For Matthew, the most rewarding part of his role is helping new and existing clients navigate the complexities of personal finance with greater clarity and confidence. He particularly values the opportunity to support people through important decisions and changing stages of their lives.
Born and raised in the Deepings, Matthew remains passionate about the local area and enjoys being part of its community. He lives in Market Deeping with his wife, Abi, and their Beagle, Albie.
Outside work, Matthew enjoys long walks with Abi and Albie. He is also a devoted supporter of Leyton Orient Football Club and Saracens Rugby Club, regularly following both teams with his twin brother, James.
- matthew.biggs@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Joseph Ash DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Joseph Ash DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Joseph joined Liberty Partnership in 2018. Having initially worked as a Mortgage Advisor within the business, he progressed to become a Financial Planner after achieving his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in March 2023.
Joseph began his career in retail banking, where he worked primarily with mortgage clients. Combined with his time at Liberty Partnership, he now has more than 12 years of experience within financial services.
Joseph places great importance on developing long-term relationships with his clients. He takes the time to understand their individual circumstances, objectives and priorities, ensuring that his advice is clear, accessible and tailored to their needs.
Outside work, Joseph lives in Barnack, near Stamford, with his wife, Joanne, their twin sons, Oliver and Arthur, and their dog, Percy. In his spare time, he enjoys keeping fit, cooking and skiing.
- joseph.ash@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Brian Spellar DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Brian Spellar DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Brian joined Liberty Partnership in 2009 and has more than 28 years of experience within financial services. Before joining the firm, he held a management position with American International Group (AIG) and later ran his own financial services company.
Qualified to advise across a broad range of financial planning needs, Brian works with both individuals and businesses in areas including pensions, onshore and offshore investments, protection, taxation and Trusts.
Brian has particular expertise in corporate financial planning, including shareholder protection, group personal pensions, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) and Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSASs). He is highly regarded by his corporate clients and works closely with other professional advisors, including tax specialists, solicitors and accountants.
Brian’s approach is centred on developing strong, long-term relationships. He takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances, priorities and objectives before helping them put appropriate plans in place for the future.
- brian.spellar@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Mark Russon DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Mark Russon DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Independent Financial Planner
Mark has been part of Liberty Partnership since it was established, joining Richard and David at the beginning of the business after starting his career with Lloyds Bank. He has found it incredibly rewarding to see the company grow and develop over the years and is proud to have helped build the strong, client-focused business that Liberty Partnership is today.
As a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society, Mark holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. He has also completed a specialist qualification in long-term care planning, enabling him to provide tailored advice to clients as they navigate the complexities of preparing and paying for future care.
Mark’s approach to financial planning is based on long-term relationships, trust, understanding and clear communication. He enjoys helping clients make informed financial decisions and takes great satisfaction from seeing the positive effect that good planning can have on their lives and the lives of their families.
What Mark values most about his role is the opportunity to work closely with people. Supporting clients and working alongside a knowledgeable, friendly team of colleagues is a genuine privilege. He believes Liberty Partnership’s positive and supportive culture helps the team deliver a consistently high standard of service.
Outside work, Mark is a keen football fan and lifelong Liverpool supporter, having spent his early years living just outside the city. He also enjoys travelling, exploring new places and going to the cinema.
Most importantly, Mark values spending quality time with his family and friends. He is a proud father of three and considers watching his children grow and achieve their own goals one of his greatest joys.
- mark.russon@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Freya Cade APFS
Trainee Financial Planner
Freya Cade APFS
Trainee Financial Planner
Freya joined Liberty Partnership in June 2026, having previously worked as a Paraplanner in London. After gaining her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, she continued to develop her technical expertise and has since achieved the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. She is now working towards attaining Chartered Financial Planner status.
Freya has a particular interest and strength in inheritance tax planning, while also enjoying the opportunity to support clients across every aspect of their financial lives. Her approach is centred on creating thoughtful, highly personalised financial plans that reflect each client’s circumstances, priorities and ambitions—both now and for the future.
As part of a new generation of financial planners, Freya particularly values building long-term relationships with clients. She sees the opportunity to advise and support multiple generations of families as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Her aim is to give clients lasting financial clarity, confidence and peace of mind.
Despite spending time working in London, Freya grew up and continues to live on an arable farm in rural Fenland. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her horses and her three Basset Hounds, Steve, Allan and Jeff.
- freya.cade@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Joe Moricca FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Joe Moricca FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Joe is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. He also holds a Master’s degree in Finance from King’s College London.
Before moving into financial planning, Joe worked as a Quantity Surveyor and spent a period running his own limited company. This experience has given him a valuable understanding of the financial opportunities and challenges faced by professionals and business owners.
Joe has advised a wide range of clients, including professionals, business owners, farmers and families with substantial estates. He takes the time to understand what is important to each client before helping them put plans in place to achieve their personal and financial goals.
For Joe, the most rewarding part of his role is building genuine, long-term relationships and seeing the difference that thoughtful financial planning can make to clients and their families.
Outside work, Joe enjoys rugby and has a passion for classic cars and motorbikes. He also appreciates good food and wine, particularly when shared with friends and family.
- joseph.moricca@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Advice Support Team
The team who keep everything running and look after your ongoing service — the familiar voices at the end of the phone.
Stacey Critchard
Operations Manager & Head of Advice Support
Stacey Critchard
Operations Manager & Head of Advice Support
Stacey has been part of Liberty Partnership for more than eight years and plays a central role in the day-to-day operation of the business. She helps ensure that internal processes run smoothly and efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on achieving positive outcomes for clients and the company.
During her time with Liberty Partnership, Stacey has gained extensive experience across a wide range of responsibilities and has enjoyed seeing the business develop and grow. Highly organised, hardworking and dependable, she takes pride in supporting her colleagues, bringing structure to the business and continually identifying ways to improve how the team works.
For Stacey, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is knowing that her work helps the wider team provide clients with a consistently high standard of service.
Outside work, Stacey enjoys reading and spending quality time with her friends and family.
- stacey.critchard@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Becky Bradshaw
Advice Support Specialist
Becky Bradshaw
Advice Support Specialist
Becky is a highly valued member of Liberty Partnership’s Advice Support team and brings more than eight years of experience within the financial services profession.
She holds qualifications in Life Office Administration, Pensions Administration, and UK Financial Services Regulation and Ethics. Her experience and extensive knowledge make her a valuable source of support for clients, colleagues and Financial Planners alike.
Becky takes pride in helping the team provide a consistently high standard of service and ensuring that clients receive efficient, professional support throughout their relationship with Liberty Partnership.
Outside financial services, Becky is a qualified florist and was part of an award-winning team that received a prestigious Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Away from work, Becky loves spending quality time with her husband, children and granddaughters, making the most of family life whenever she can.
- rebekah.bradshaw@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Paige Starkey
Advice Support Specialist
Paige Starkey
Advice Support Specialist
Paige is an Advice Support Specialist at Liberty Partnership, supporting both new and existing clients. Her role includes liaising directly with clients, processing new business and providing ongoing support throughout their financial planning journey.
Paige is continuing to develop her knowledge and expertise within financial services. Having successfully completed her LF1 examination, she is now working towards the FA2 qualification, with the longer-term ambition of becoming a Paraplanner.
Paige enjoys Liberty Partnership’s supportive, family-oriented culture and the opportunity to build lasting professional relationships with clients. She takes pride in providing a high standard of support and helping make each client’s experience as smooth as possible.
Outside work, Paige enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé, Lewis, and their much-loved Pug, Frankie.
- paige.starkey@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Cara Richardson
Advice Support Specialist
Cara Richardson
Advice Support Specialist
Cara is an Advice Support Specialist at Liberty Partnership, supporting both new and existing clients and helping ensure that their financial planning needs are handled efficiently and professionally.
Working closely with the firm’s Financial Planners and their clients, Cara assists with a wide range of administrative and technical processes. She takes pride in providing a high standard of service and helping clients throughout their financial planning journey.
Cara is committed to her professional development. She has successfully completed the Chartered Insurance Institute’s R01 and R05 qualifications and is currently studying towards R02 as part of her ambition to become a Paraplanner.
Cara particularly values Liberty Partnership’s client-focused approach and enjoys being part of a supportive, collaborative team that encourages both personal and professional growth.
Outside work, Cara enjoys spending time with her son, particularly camping and exploring the outdoors. She is also a keen runner and enjoys keeping active.
- cara.richardson@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Dawn Churchman
Advice Support Specialist
Dawn Churchman
Advice Support Specialist
Dawn joined Liberty Partnership in June 2026, bringing valuable experience from a number of independent financial advice firms, where she worked in a variety of support roles.
As an Advice Support Specialist, Dawn works closely with the firm’s Financial Planners and their clients, helping ensure that administrative processes are handled efficiently and professionally. Her previous experience has given her a strong understanding of the financial planning process and the importance of providing clients with clear, reliable support.
Dawn enjoys being part of a client-focused team and takes pride in helping provide a consistently high standard of service throughout each client’s financial planning journey.
Outside work, Dawn lives locally with her husband and their two children and enjoys spending time with her family.
- dawn.churchman@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Edith Winter
Compliance Controller
Edith Winter
Compliance Controller
Edith has been at the heart of office life since Liberty Partnership was formed in 2007 and her knowledge of financial services and understanding of our clients is vast. She now provides support to our Financial Planners in following internal and external compliance rulesets, and she also assists the Compliance Oversight Officer in preparing for regulatory audits.
Outside of work family is extremely important to Edith, she also enjoys reading and is a member of a local book club. Edith has a love of singing and is a member of two separate choirs.
- edith.winter@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Judith Edge
Finance and Facilities Controller
Judith Edge
Finance and Facilities Controller
Judith has been at the heart of office life since Liberty Partnership was established in 2007.
As Finance and Facilities Controller, she plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the business. Judith assists Operations Manager Stacey Critchard with the company’s finances and helps ensure that Liberty Partnership’s offices operate smoothly and efficiently.
Well known to many of the firm’s clients, Judith is also frequently their point of contact when review meetings are being arranged. She takes pride in supporting both clients and colleagues and helping maintain a consistently high standard of service.
Outside work, Judith enjoys travelling, spending quality time with her family and keeping active through walking and fitness classes.
- judith.edge@liberty-partnership.co.uk
Liberty Estate Planning
Specialist guidance through wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and probate — often the most personal part of planning.
Jo Stark F.Inst.Pa
Estate Planning Manager
Jo Stark F.Inst.Pa
Estate Planning Manager
Jo has worked as a Paralegal for more than ten years and specialises in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts. She helps clients navigate some of life’s most important—and often sensitive—decisions with care, understanding and professionalism.
Jo takes great pride in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients. She understands that planning for the future can sometimes feel emotional or overwhelming, so she is committed to ensuring that every client feels listened to, understood and supported throughout the process.
For Jo, one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Liberty Partnership is the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with clients and help provide them and their families with greater peace of mind.
Outside work, Jo enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, and their two sons, Josh and Thomas. She is also a keen music lover and regularly attends live gigs. When she is not at a concert, she can often be found walking her dog, Dylan.
- jo@libertyestateplanning.uk
Laura Whatling TEP
Probate Manager
Laura Whatling TEP
Probate Manager
Laura is Liberty Estate Planning’s Probate Manager and a full member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, having successfully completed the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates.
Working alongside Estate Planning Manager Jo Stark and the wider Liberty Estate Planning team, Laura guides clients through probate administration and other aspects of estate planning with professionalism, sensitivity and care.
Laura specialises in supporting clients through what can often be a difficult and emotional time. She helps simplify complex processes while providing clear guidance and reassurance at every stage.
Outside work, Laura has a passion for dance and enjoys attending a variety of classes. She also teaches ballet and contemporary dance to children.
- laura@libertyestateplanning.uk
Katie Sharpe
Estate Planning Administrator
Katie Sharpe
Estate Planning Administrator
Katie joined the Liberty Estate Planning team towards the end of 2025, bringing previous experience in insurance and school finance.
As an Estate Planning Administrator, Katie provides valuable support to both the team and its clients. She particularly enjoys developing strong relationships and supporting clients from their initial enquiry through to the signing of their Wills, helping make the process as smooth, clear and reassuring as possible.
Katie is currently studying with the College of Will Writing and continues to develop her knowledge and expertise within the profession.
- katie@libertyestateplanning.uk
Lesley Overland
Estate Planning Administrator
Lesley Overland
Estate Planning Administrator
Lesley joined the Liberty Estate Planning team in August 2026, bringing ten years of experience in estate administration and probate gained within a global accountancy practice. Before this, she worked for an independent Will-writing company.
Lesley began her career in banking before moving into mortgages, where she managed a staff mortgage scheme. Her varied experience has given her a strong understanding of the importance of clear, compassionate support.
Lesley takes particular care to empathise with clients and guide them through what can be one of the most vulnerable and challenging times in their lives.
Outside work, Lesley enjoys travelling and has a keen interest in musical theatre.
- lesley@libertyestateplanning.uk
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