Graham McCausland Cert PFS, MAQ
After 15 years working for Building Societies, of which 12 were as Branch Manager, Graham entered financial services in 1989 as a tied agent with Save & Prosper. He soon realised that to provide a comprehensive service to clients, a move to independent status was required, so in May 1991 he joined Bob Stevenson as an associate.
As the business evolved he became a partner in 1996 and subsequently a founding Director when the transition to Limited Company was made in 2003.
Graham has been a very active sportsman over the years playing squash, tennis, badminton, and hockey, but more recently (due to the ravages of time on knees and hips) he has been forced to take up a more sedate sport in the form of croquet – grand-parenting duties permitting!
Bob Stevenson BA Hons, Cert PFS, MAQ
Prior to entering financial services, Bob had a very successful career in secondary education, most of it in senior management. Whilst considering a headship, the opportunity arose to join the financial services sector working with Save & Prosper, where he became the regional manager for the South West. Sovereign subsequently emerged as an independent practice in 1991.
The philosophy from outset was to establish a collegiate management structure whereby clients could benefit from a team approach. Skills learnt in education are put into practice in the advice service.
When not at work, Bob retains an active involvement in local sport and enjoys precious time away in remote areas of France, Spain and the UK
Mark Hibbitt BA Hons, Dip PFS
Having worked in the industry for 10 years and with an honours degree in Financial Services, Mark has gained valuable knowledge and experience in the financial services sector.
Beginning his career as a Business Consultant for Axa, Mark soon decided that his long-term future in the industry would be as a Financial Adviser and having made the move across to the IFA sector has been advising clients for the last 5 ½ years. Mark’s main areas of expertise are pension and investment advice for individuals and also financial planning and tax saving strategies for small businesses.
Having arrived at Sovereign the experience Mark brings will help to secure our long-term future as an Independent Financial Advisory firm, continuing to offer a high standard of financial advice to our clients.
In his spare time Mark is a keen sportsman, playing football, cricket and golf locally, in addition to following the England cricket and football teams at home and abroad, although his travels have been curtailed somewhat since the arrival of his daughter Molly!
James Marchant CeMAP, DipFA
James has over 16 years experience in the banking and financial services sector and has been practicing as an Independent Financial Adviser since 2003. He also served for 8 years in the police service where he worked in both uniform and plain clothes.
Whilst he works with all types of clients including private individuals and trusts, James specialises in working with small business owners to create wealth and also to show them how they can use their pension arrangements to help fund their business activities. James works in partnership with other professionals including accountants to ensure that a joined up approach is achieved.
Outside of work James is an ardent West Ham fan which is helpful as he shares an office with Bob who also follows the Hammers so it gives them something to talk about as they cry into their coffee on a Monday morning! James also enjoys fishing, golf, ski-ing and travel.
Administration team
This experienced welcoming team include:
| Gill Hardy A.L.A | Office Manager | |
| Deborah Williams | Administrator | |
| Jean Stevenson BA Hons, FPC | Company Secretary |
“Between us we have many years experience of working in financial services.
One of us will, more than likely, be your first point of contact and introduction to the benefits of working with Sovereign IFA Ltd.
We are responsible for all areas of administration including preparing client valuations and processing applications.”
