welcome to HawkinsThomas Wealth
About HawkinsThomas Wealth.
At HawkinsThomas Wealth, we believe in face-to-face financial advice that’s tailored to your personal and professional goals.
learn more HawkinsThomas Wealth
About HawkinsThomas Wealth
We believe that personal financial and investment guidance is best delivered through our team of Professional Financial Advisers. Regular conversations and periodic financial reviews are essential to effective planning, as circumstances rarely remain static. Life shifts.
Your situation evolves. Tax and legislation develop. Financial products move forward. HawkinsThomas Wealth is here to support you throughout your financial journey and to help you adjust when these changes occur.
We will work with you to define your financial priorities, choose suitable solutions and put them into practice. Our ongoing service monitors any developments that may affect you and aims to keep your financial plan on course for the results you want.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place depends on the performance of the funds you choose, which means its value may fall as well as rise. You could receive less than the amount invested.
learn more about our team
Meet the Senior Management
and Advice Team.
Our ethos is to do whatever we can to support you, in whatever way you need us, meaning our range of services can be tailored specifically to you.
Aaron Hawkins
Aaron Hawkins
Chartered Financial Planner - MSc FPFS
Most business owners, entrepreneurs and CEOs Aaron works with feel they’re doing well financially, but still don’t have a clear, joined-up plan for tax, pensions, investments and long-term security.
Aaron helps clients cut through complexity and make smart, tax-efficient decisions that build long-term wealth. Aaron’s style is straightforward, collaborative and focused on giving his clients clarity and confidence.
As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the PFS, Aaron specialises in working with business owners, CEOs, and high-earning professionals.
If you’d like a conversation about your planning, message Aaron here or email him at aaron.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Aaron lives in Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan with his fiancée Laurie, daughter Willow, son Tobias as well as his Cavapoo Dougie. Aaron enjoys a round of golf (when he gets the chance) as well as keeping fit (again, when he gets the chance).
Email: aaron.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Mobile: 07738908988
Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas
Director and Chartered Financial Planner – MSc FPFS
Gareth has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector. Following a successful career in banking, he set up his own financial planning practice in 2000, before teaming up with Aaron Hawkins in 2014 to set up HawkinsThomas Wealth, which together they have built into one of the most respected firms of Chartered Financial Planners in the UK.
Gareth is a Chartered Financial Planner, a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and holds an MSc in Wealth Management from Loughborough University. He specialises in working with people with complex tax and financial planning needs, predominantly successful business owners and High Net Worth families.
He is a trustee of Supporting Nepal’s Children, a charity dedicated to helping the young people of Nepal to have greater choices in life through quality education and vocational training.
He is a committed family man and lives in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. He has two grown up sons and is a nature and animal lover. He is also a keen golfer and loves travelling and staying fit.
Email: gareth.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Mobile: 07973308671
Felice Cirino
Felice Cirino
Operations Director
Felice has worked in the financial services industry since 1998 and joined HawkinsThomas Wealth as a Paraplanner, playing a key role in supporting the firm's continued growth. As the business has expanded, his role has evolved, and he now oversees the operational side of the business across all office locations.
With experience spanning several FTSE 100 financial institutions, Felice has held a variety of sales and compliance roles. His extensive industry knowledge and operational expertise continue to contribute to the ongoing success and development of the business.
Outside of work, Felice lives in Penarth with his wife, Chantal, and their three daughters. For many years, his spare time revolved around family life, whether supporting his daughters' karate or coaching football for Dinas Powys across various age groups. As his daughters have grown older, he has been able to devote more time to his own interests.
A keen fitness enthusiast, Felice has completed the Cardiff Half Marathon nine times and is a regular at the gym. He also enjoys trying the latest fitness trends and challenges to keep his training fresh and motivating.
Email: felice.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.
Howard Thomas
Howard Thomas
Chartered Financial Planner - BSc, APFS
Howard joined HawkinsThomas Wealth in 2015 and has over a decade of experience advising business owners, private individuals and sports professionals on their financial planning needs. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for providing trusted advice and helping clients make informed financial decisions with confidence.
As a Chartered Financial Planner, Howard provides clear, practical and personalised advice tailored to each client's circumstances and objectives. Over the years, he has developed long-standing relationships with a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, senior professionals, sportspeople and families, supporting them in building, protecting and preserving their wealth for the future.
Howard takes pride in delivering a personal service and helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. He has particular experience in retirement planning, investment strategy, inheritance tax planning and helping business owners structure their finances both during their working lives and as they prepare for succession or exit. His approach is centred on understanding what matters most to each client and developing strategies that align with their long-term goals.
Away from the office, Howard enjoys spending time with his family and making the most of the outdoors. A self-confessed golf enthusiast, he can often be found on the course, while more recently he has taken up padel and quickly caught the bug for one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
Calum Driscoll
Calum Driscoll
Chartered Financial Planner – BSc FPFS
After graduating from Swansea University, Calum spent time working in the insurance industry with a FTSE 100 company. He was then invited to join the prestigious St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy and, upon successfully completing the programme, joined HawkinsThomas Wealth as a Financial Planner.
As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), Calum takes the time to understand what matters most to his clients. He works closely with them to create long-term financial plans, placing their goals, objectives and values at the heart of every recommendation.
In his spare time, Calum enjoys playing golf. When not on the course, he enjoys watching a variety of sports, including football and rugby. He also has a keen interest in travel and enjoys visiting new places.
Email: calum.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Mobile: 07951406011
Nathan Searle
Nathan Searle
Chartered Financial Planner - FPFS, BA (Econ)
Nathan provides bespoke Financial Planning Advice for individuals, families & businesses, with the ethos that financial planning should enable you to maximise your enjoyment of life, but without financial worry.
As well as having a degree in Economics, Nathan is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and has specialist qualifications in pension planning, tax planning and trusts* and investment planning. He has been in financial services for over 20 years, having worked for several FTSE 100 companies along with SIPP & SSAS providers, specialising in pensions for Directors and business owners. Nathan also offers comprehensive planning to maximise your intergenerational wealth by using Trusts and mitigating Inheritance Tax.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
*Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Phone: 07727147932
Email: nathan.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Ross Kennedy
Ross Kennedy
Chartered Financial Planner – BSc AdvDipFA CeMAP
With over 13 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including 10 years providing advice, Ross helps individuals and families achieve their financial goals with confidence. He holds a BSc in Accounting & Finance and is a Chartered Financial Planner, combining strong technical expertise with a practical, client-focused approach.
Earlier in his career, Ross spent four years working in the Channel Islands, gaining valuable experience within the financial services sector before returning to the UK to focus on comprehensive financial planning.
Outside of work, Ross lives in Caerphilly with his wife Chelsea, and daughter, Delilah. When not working with clients, he enjoys keeping fit and active and can often be found on the golf course, sometimes with Delilah by his side.
Phone: 07878299652
Email: ross.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Hayley Lewis
Hayley Lewis
Financial Planner - Dip Cll CeMAP
Hayley has over 25 years’ experience in the finance industry, beginning her career in retail banking with two of the UK’s largest high-street banks where she was previously a Mortgage and Protection Adviser. She moved into financial advice in 2012 and brings a broad depth of knowledge gained from working with a diverse range of clients.
In 2009–2010, Hayley spent two years advising expatriates in Dubai, working with clients from a wide variety of cultures and nationalities. In January 2018, she became an Associate Partner at St. James’s Place, where she successfully built and ran her own practice.
Hayley joined Hawkin Thomas Wealth in May 2024 as a Servicing Adviser, a role that provides the support and flexibility to deliver exceptional client care while balancing family life.
Outside of work, Hayley is married to Gavin and has a son, Gabriel. She is currently building a new home and enjoys all things food-related — from growing her own produce to baking and cooking whenever she gets the chance.
Email: hayley.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Phone: 07467568587
Scott Thomas
Scott Thomas
Financial Planner – DipFA
Scott has been working in the Financial Services industry for more than eight years and holds the Diploma for Financial Advisers. Scott is committed to helping clients navigate their financial journeys by providing clear, tailored advice and building long-lasting relationships built on trust.
Scott believes that good financial planning is about understanding each client's individual goals and delivering straightforward advice that gives them confidence in their financial future. He enjoys working closely with clients to help them make informed decisions at every stage of life.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys playing golf, spending time with his partner Lowri, and taking their dog, Blu, for walks around the countryside. He values maintaining a healthy work-life balance and enjoys making the most of his time with family and friends.
Stacy Botwood
Stacy Botwood
Financial Planner - DipPFS
Stacy has worked in the financial services industry since 2001. Before joining HawkinsThomas Wealth in 2016, she worked for a FTSE 100 company in Cardiff, where she built a strong foundation in financial services and client support.
Stacy joined HawkinsThomas Wealth as a Paraplanner, gaining a thorough understanding of the advice process and experiencing firsthand the positive impact that quality financial planning can have on people's lives. After graduating from the SJP Advice Academy in 2025, she transitioned from the research team into an advisory role, where Stacy now works closely with clients to help them plan for their future.
Stacy enjoys working with both new and existing clients, helping them achieve their financial goals while ensuring their values, priorities and aspirations remain at the heart of the planning process.
She is committed to ongoing professional development and is currently working towards Chartered Financial Planner status.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her partner, two teenage sons and her dog. Much of her free time is spent restocking the fridge and providing an unofficial taxi service for her boys, but when she gets the chance, she enjoys reading, gardening, socialising with family and friends, and walking the dog along the stunning coastline and countryside of South Wales.
Tom Rees
Tom Rees
Financial Planner - DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Toms role as a Financial Planner is about helping clients identify, achieve and maintain their desired lifestyle, so they end up living the life they want. He engages with clients to understand their current and future lifestyles and, if there are any financial gaps between these two outcomes, Tom implements a plan aiming to bridge that gap.
Toms advice and the plans he implements cover all areas of Wealth Management, including investment planning, retirement planning and helping to protect individuals and their estates.
Outside of work, he enjoys keeping fit and healthy, having completed several marathons across Europe as well as a number of half marathons. Tom also enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling and exploring different countries and cultures, and playing guitar.
Phone: 07954025852
Email: tom.hawkinsthomas@sjpp.co.uk
Sandra Ingram
Sandra Ingram
Chartered Financial Planner - ACII
Sandra has worked in the financial services industry for more than thirty years and, as a Chartered Financial Planner, has extensive knowledge of all aspects of financial services, including Retirement, Investment and Inheritance tax planning.
Sandra prides herself on providing sound financial advice that is easy to understand allowing her clients to make informed decisions that will enable them to achieve their personal and financial goals.
Outside of work she enjoys both rugby and football, and with her husband, Andy, is a season ticket holder at both Cardiff City FC and Cardiff Rugby. She has also recently taken up golf but isn’t anticipating being able to compete with Andy any time soon with his handicap of 3!
Debbie Salter
Debbie Salter
Executive Assistant
Having joined City Group in 1997, which then joined forces with HawkinsThomas Wealth in 2017, Debbie has considerable experience in financial services.
Debbie is an Executive Assistant to Company Directors Aaron Hawkins and Gareth Thomas. Debbie provides a wide range of support to both Aaron and Gareth and Howard Thomas.
Debbie also provides valuable support to the other members of the HawkinsThomas team.
Debbie has 3 grown up children, 8 grandchildren and a cockerpoo called Chester, who all play a very important part in her life and she enjoys socialising with friends and family.
Jessica Davies
Jessica Davies
Executive Assistant
Jess Davies is an Executive Assistant within HawkinsThomas Wealth, bringing a warm, organised and thoughtful approach to her role. With more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, she is known for her reliability, attention to detail and ability to keep things running smoothly, even when priorities are changing quickly.
With a focus on clear communication and strong working relationships, Jess supports directors through diary management, handling client queries and helping everyone stay informed. Her personable style, practical mindset and commitment to high standards make her a trusted point of contact across the business.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her young son Alfie and her partner Steve. She enjoys going to the gym, loves going out for meals, and is also a ‘true crime’ enthusiast.
Sarah Babbage
Sarah Babbage
Executive Assistant
Sarah joined the team in 2018 as a receptionist before moving into a Research Assistant role and is now an Executive Assistant supporting both Aaron and Nathan with diary management and everyday queries.
Recently married, Sarah enjoys long walks, watching the latest movies and spending time with her friends and family.
Donna James
Donna James
New Business Coordinator
Donna joined the team in 2021 as a receptionist before moving into a Client Relationship role and is now a New Business Coordinator.
In her spare time Donna is a passionate supporter of the Cardiff Devils Ice hockey team having been a season ticket holder for many years. She also enjoys watching sports, reading and crafting.
Sam Cooper
Sam Cooper
Research Analyst
Originally from Derby, Sam moved to Wales in 2005 and has been with the company since 2016, working as a Research Analyst. In 2024, he achieved his DipFA qualification, further strengthening his knowledge and demonstrating his commitment to delivering high-quality research and analysis.
Before beginning his career in financial services, he worked as a barman and spent time coaching within Cardiff City's academy system. Coaching remains a significant part of his life, and he currently coaches and plays for Vale United Football Club.
Outside of work, he is a passionate football fan and enjoys watching comedy classics such as The Office and Phoenix Nights. He also has a keen interest in travelling and has been fortunate enough to visit destinations including Malaysia, Bahrain and New York. In 2026, he married his wife, Anna, and they live together with their dog, Alfie. When he is not working or on the football pitch, he enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
Shauna Hancock
Shauna Hancock
Receptionist
After graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2022 with a degree in Marketing, Shauna joined HawkinsThomas Wealth, where she enjoys putting her knowledge and skills into practice when needed.
Outside of work, you'll usually find Shauna at a music festival, exploring new places, or out for a walk. She enjoys live music, spending time with friends, and making the most of the outdoors whenever she can.
we’re respected by our clients
What do our clients say?
"I have always felt I can trust Aaron and the team at Hawkins Thomas. His advice is invariably centred on our personal circumstances and best interests. Aaron is invariably polite and professional and welcoming. We have benefitted greatly from our long association with Hawkins Thomas and look forward to many further years of their helpful and positive advice."
Phil Smith
Hospital Consultant, UK
"Aaron has been invaluable to me in recent years with regard to providing financial advice relating to a wide variety of different aspects of pensions and financial planning. He is always very punctual and provides excellent communication throughout the whole process. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone."
Dr Geoff Davies
Consultant Sports Physician, Cardiff
"I have been filled with confidence from every meeting with Aaron, that Hawkins Thomas was the right company to help me plan for my future. Extremely open and genuine, I would recommend him to anyone."
Matthew Thomas
Company Director, Cardiff
learn more about our financial planners
Why choose a Chartered Financial Planner?
HawkinsThomas Wealth holds Chartered Financial Planners status, granted by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), recognised as the highest standard within the financial planning sector.
This status demonstrates that we meet the CII’s demanding qualification criteria and that our team is made up of experienced professionals who maintain the institute’s strict membership standards.
It also highlights our ongoing focus on professional development and our commitment to the CII’s respected Code of Ethics, available at www.cii.co.uk/code.
Only the most reputable financial planning firms in the UK are awarded Chartered status, giving you confidence that you are working with a trusted and progressive Practice dedicated to delivering exceptional advice, service and support.
We are proud to operate as Chartered Financial Planners.
What does this mean for you?
You can watch a short video from the CII Group to learn more.
specialist financial key advice
Specialist Financial Advice
A Distinctive investment model
Client-first advice
Access to specialists
Strength in numbers
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