Meet the team
Our friendly team of mortgage experts have been helping customers in Berkshire and the surrounding counties find the right mortgage and insurance for many years.
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Although Beechwood has been running since 2001, Adrian Collins, together with his team Graham Harris, Simon Martindale, Sammie Coleborn, Richard McCann, Gemma Eyles & Jessica Brooks have numerous years of collective experience operating in the mortgage sector.
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Adrian's wife, and Company Director, Samantha, whilst actively involved in running and developing the business, will also be on hand offering support to both our advisers and customers when necessary.
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Our specialist team has vast experience in both mortgages and insurance and are here to support you on your journey to finding and protecting your perfect home.
Adrian Collins
Managing Director
Starting out my working life at the Prudential, I gained my qualifications in financial planning in 1996 and later went on to specialise in mortgages and insurance. After a number of years working as a mortgage broker for several large insurance companies, I made the decision to venture out on my own. Fast forward again some twenty years later and I decided to take another leap of faith by stepping away from advising, devoting all my time to improving & developing Beechwood. Outside of work, I like to keep fit, cooking, playing bowls and extended weekend walks with Sam.
Certifications & Qualifications
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Financial Planning Certificates 1,2 & 3 in 1996
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) in 2002
Samantha Collins
Director
I started my career in the housing sector and gained a lot of valuable experience working with estate agents, a property surveyors' office and a major high street building society. In 2013, I joined Adrian to help with the day to day running and development of Beechwood. When I’m not working I really enjoy keeping fit and spending time with our family. I'm also an avid reader and usually have one or two books on the go at any given time!
Graham Harris
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
I have been in the industry since 2005, first starting my career with a major high street bank. I then became a senior adviser at a well respected IFA in Reading, before joining Beechwood in 2013. Living locally, it is especially rewarding for me to be able to build up close relationships with my clients and I am proud to have earned their loyalty and trust. In my spare time, I like to stay active by training at the gym, attending local Reading football games and spending quality time with friends & family.
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2005
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Advanced (CeMap) 2015
Sammie Coleborn
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
With an extensive background in financial services, I have been helping people reach their goals since 2014, starting at a high street bank. After this I have worked in the new build sector whilst also assisting both police officers and military personnel with their mortgage options. What really excites me is seeing clients turn their dream into reality – making everything as smooth sailing as possible. When not working hard, I keep busy chasing after two young daughters alongside our Labrador. We love to be outside and taking trips away in our family campervan.
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2014
Gemma Eyles
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
With over ten years of experience in financial services, I've helped clients achieve their mortgage goals starting from my beginnings at a high street bank to later specialising in self-employed and contractor mortgages. I then moved into assisting first-time buyers with limited deposits or affordability issues. Now at Beechwood, I'm able to assist an even wider range of clients, from first-time buyers to investors. When I'm not working, I love taking short walks with my husband, daughter, and two pugs. I also enjoy cooking and spending time in the garden, weather permitting of course!
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2014
Gavin Bal
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
With over seven years of experience in estate agency, I have guided numerous buyers through their property purchases. More recently, I transitioned to a business development manager role with a reputable lender, where I supported brokers with mortgage submissions and ensured cases were well-packaged for swift progression. My extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of my clients' personal journeys, enabling me to provide comprehensive support throughout the mortgage application process. Helping individuals, partners, and families achieve their homeownership aspirations is incredibly rewarding, and Beechwood Mortgages provides an excellent platform to continue this work. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my wife, daughter, and our Toy Poodle, Milo. I am also a keen runner, currently preparing for an upcoming marathon. Additionally, I am an avid sports fan and hold a season membership at Brentford FC.
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2024
Simon Martindale
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
I have worked within the financial services industry since 1999 and as a mortgage adviser since 2004. Part of this time was spent in a High Street bank before settling here at Beechwood. It is an immensely rewarding job, and I have been privileged to help many different people buy their own homes. Originally from Tilehurst, I now live in Cholsey with my wife and two young daughters, who are the light of my life! When I’m not busy looking after them, I like to switch off by keeping myself active – particularly running and playing squash. Mountain biking is my newest hobby that helps me relax while exploring nature.
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2006
Richard McCann
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
After two decades cultivating the art of excellent customer service in retail management, I followed my heart and now use those same skills to help families realise their dream of home ownership. With Beechwood behind me, finding an ideal fit for clients is made even simpler. Outside of work, family are priority, as well as fitting in time for the occasional game of golf!
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2021
Jessica Brooks
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
After 5 years in HR, I took the plunge to change careers and move into the mortgage industry, inspired by my own homebuying experience. I started in an administrative role, gaining a wider knowledge of the mortgage advice process and keying applications, before being given the opportunity to join Beechwood as an adviser. I love being able to work directly with clients and find it so rewarding to help make their mortgage journeys as smooth and straightforward as possible. Outside of work I love baking, hosting games nights for my friends, and getting stuck into DIY projects!
Certifications & Qualifications
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Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMap) 2022
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Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRer) 2022
Our mission statement
Let us be your guide as you open the door into home ownership. Our experienced team will provide unrivalled support every step of the way, ensuring that we make this process simpler for you.
From purchasing your first home, moving onto your next, purchasing an investment property or simply remortgaging, at Beechwood customer service is our top priority. So rest assured knowing that, with us by your side, it's all about nurturing your future!
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Do all mortgage brokers charge fees?No, not all mortgage brokers charge fees, and Beechwood Mortgages is proud to be offering fee-free mortgage services to first time buyers in 2024. (terms & conditions apply) As a mortgage broker, we earn our fees directly from the lender, so in most cases you don't have to worry about paying any additional fees for our assistance. We are committed to helping you find the best mortgage deal without adding any financial burden. Our goal is to make the mortgage process as transparent and cost-effective as possible for our clients. Check out our full fat version Do All Mortgage Brokers Charge Fees? for a complete rundown on broker fees and what to look out for.
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What does a mortgage adviser do?A mortgage advisor will do the leg work for you, offering in-depth knowledge of the property lending market, helping you overcome challenges, and offering exclusive access to a database of banks and building societies. What's more, they offer a level of support that streamlines the entire process. You can learn more by visiting our article, Benefits of Working with a Mortgage Broker.
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How can I get the best mortgage advice?You can seek advice on mortgages directly from lenders such as banks or building societies. Alternatively, you can go to a whole of market mortgage advisor or broker who will search and compare numerous products at the touch of a button. Check out Benefits of Working with a Mortgage Broker for more information.
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Is mortgage advice free?The cost of mortgage advice depends on the terms and conditions of the broker / adviser you are working with. Many mortgage brokers will charge for their services and the amount payable will usually depend on your requirements, their own workload and perhaps on the value of your mortgage. We offer a free consultation every time and will quickly confirm if there will be any charge for our services and support. In the majority of cases, we will receive a commission from the lender once a mortgage starts. It’s important for you to clarify terms and conditions with mortgage advisers from the start so that you are aware of any charges and financial responsibilities you may incur. Check our Fees page for a full rundown on broker fees. You can also visit our page Do All Mortgage Brokers Charge Fees? for further information.
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Do banks charge for mortgage advice?No, banks will not charge an advice fee. You do however need to remember that they will only recommend their own specific products. All lenders charge varying fees and this will be no different if you work with a mortgage broker. Whole of market mortgage advisors / brokers are more likely to provide an impartial perspective on the most suitable and competitive mortgage products and via a huge variety of lenders. Many brokers will charge a fee, for more information check out our article, Do All Mortgage Brokers Charge Fees?