About Us
Raymond James, Hitchin
Welcome to Raymond James, Hitchin
your trusted financial partner since 2002
About Us
Our friendly team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals are dedicated to providing you with tailored financial services and investment advice to meet your needs.
Established in 2002, Raymond James, Hitchin is a multi-award-winning branch headed by Susie Bewell and Faye Silver, who together have over 50 years’ experience in financial services.
Our vision has always been to create a financial services firm that offers a personalised and comprehensive investment solution to individuals, families, and businesses. Over the years, we have grown to become one of the leading financial advisory firms in the region, known for our expertise, commitment, and exceptional client service.
Our business is open to anyone regardless of your current assets, empowering all individuals at all stages in life to understand what their financial potential can be for the future.
This includes investments, Investment ISAs and pensions as well as financial planning services to ensure you understand where they are now and put plans in place to help achieve your future goals.
We are delighted to share that Susie and Faye won the Women in Business Services Best Business in Financial Services Award in 2019 and Faye was a Finalist at the Investment Week Women in Investment Awards in November 2022.
Why choose us
At Raymond James, Hitchin, we believe that everyone is unique, and our approach to financial planning reflects that. We take the time to understand your specific needs, goals, and risk tolerance, and tailor our solutions accordingly. We are also an independent business, which means that we are not tied to any specific products or providers and can provide you with unbiased and carefully considered advice.
Our Commitment to our clients
We know that trust and transparency are the cornerstones of a successful partnership, and we strive to build long-lasting relationships with our clients based on open communication, mutual respect, and shared values. We provide you with a comprehensive financial planning service and investment solution that is aligned with your goals, values, and preferences.
We are passionate about helping you achieve financial success and peace of mind. Whether you are planning for retirement, investing for the future, or seeking advice on tax-efficient strategies, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the Raymond James, Hitchin difference.
Our Team
We are proud of our talented team of experts who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, and tax-efficient strategies.
Our expert wealth managers have earned multiple professional certifications, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, and are committed to staying up to date on the latest trends and industry best practices to serve you better.
SUSIE BEWELL
Chartered Wealth Manager & Director
Susie founded Raymond James, Hitchin in March 2002 and is joint Branch Principal with Faye Silver. Susie specialises in helping individual clients and business owners with their investment needs. She is an expert in retirement planning including pensions and SIPPs and helping clients get the best from their savings and investments.
An enthusiastic networker, Susie has a very high profile within business networks like BNI (Business Network International) and the WIBN (Women in Business Network), actively promoting others to succeed. Away from work, Susie lives in Hitchin with her partner, Jen, and many cats. She is a keen fan of all sports and loves to travel.
SUSIE'S QUALIFICATIONS
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Private Client Investment Advice & Management Certificate,
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning,
The CISI Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) certification
FAYE SILVER
Wealth Manager & Director
Faye joined Raymond James, Hitchin in August 2004 and became joint Branch Principal with Susie Bewell in February 2017. Faye specialises in helping clients and business owners with their investment needs. She especially enjoys helping clients, who may have had limited exposure to investing, gain confidence and understanding of the investment process. Faye is a founding member of the Raymond James Women’s Wealth Management Networks advisory council and is passionate about the promotion of diversity into the Wealth Management industry.
Faye has a high profile within the local community through her work with fundraising and networking events. She is a long-term member of the Women in Business Network and hosts Hitchin Business Buzz. She lives in Hitchin, with her partner Layth, daughters Evie and Mia, Saroo the Cockapoo and Cosmo the cat. Faye is happiest when surrounded by her family and friends.
FAYE'S QUALIFICATIONS
Faye is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and holds the CISI Investment Advice Diploma.
MICHAEL ZACHARIA
Investment Analyst
MEET MICHAEL
Michael has 20 years of multi-asset portfolio management experience, with a specific focus on asset allocation, manager research and selection. He has designed, constructed and managed both model and bespoke risk managed portfolios throughout his career.
Outside of the office, Michael is the Treasurer of Age UK Enfield, promoting good care with and for older people. In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music and is also a keen supporter of Arsenal FC.
Qualifications:
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Private Client Investment Advice & Management Certificate
ALEX MURPHY
MEET ALEX
Alex has been with Raymond James, Hitchin for seven years since graduating with a degree in Forensic Science.
Alex is responsible for the onboarding of new clients into the business.
Alex has just bought her first house in Biggleswade with her partner, Luke.
LAURA LEVY
Paraplanner
MEET LAURA
Laura supports the Wealth Managers with behind-the-scenes work to deliver recommendations, Suitability Reports and to provide a smooth client experience.
Laura is mother to two lovely boys, and enjoys a personal challenge, keeping fit and catching up with friends.
Qualifications:
Level 3 LIBF Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice
Level 3 LIBF Certificate for Financial Advisers
Level 4 LIBF Diploma for Financial Advisers
Level 4 CISI Securities
NICKI POPE
Business
Manager
MEET NICKI
Nicki is responsible for the efficient running of the office, and ensuring all systems and processes run smoothly.
Nicki leads the Support Team, working with them to develop their skills and exceed both client and their own expectations.
In her spare time, Nicki enjoys the outdoors, yoga and is heavily involved with The Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin mainly directing plays, and occasionally appearing on stage – when she can be persuaded…
LAILA SINGH
MEET LAILA
Laila, our Assistant Investment Analyst, joined the Raymond James Hitchin team in September 2023, contributing her expertise to our commitment to delivering exceptional investment services. Responsible for investment research, trend monitoring, and strategy formulation, Laila plays a pivotal role in meeting our clients’ diverse needs by executing trades and supporting our model structures.
Outside the office, Laila embraces a vibrant life, enjoying quality time with her daughter Lara and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga and running. Her social nature extends to friends, and she finds cultural enrichment through international travels and visits to art galleries.
SARAH WALTERS
Client Services Assistant –
New Business
MEET SARAH
Sarah has recently joined Raymond James Hitchin, and brings with her ten years’ experience in the financial services industry. Sarah will be supporting the New Business Team.
Sarah has a passion for gaming, and also reading and making amigurumi crochet (you will have to ask her about that!)
Sarah lives locally with her partner Todd and their border collie Luffy
HANNAH HEATON
MEET HANNAH
Hannah is responsible for preparing client reviews and scheduling progress and planning meetings.
Hannah lives a busy life in Hitchin with her husband Rob, 2 sons Max and Dylan and their little doggy Nancy.
GEMMA SLATER
Client Services – Administration Assistant
MEET GEMMA
Gemma supports the team and clients in all aspects of operational administration, this includes preparing reviews and documents ready for client meetings to being our first line in customer services and support.
In her spare time Gemma enjoys spending time with her husband, son Luca, their dog Alfie, and socialising with friends. Gemma moved to Hitchin 5 years ago, and absolutely loves it here!
KAREN TYRRELL
MEET KAREN
Karen has worked with Raymond James Hitchin since the business began. Karen manages the flow of data in the office ensuring that all the paperwork relating to pensions, income and dealing is properly handled.
Karen has two daughters and five grandchildren and lives in Letchworth with her husband Chris and their dog.
JENNIFER McKENZIE
Administration
Assistant
MEET JEN
Jen works alongside the team helping them build financial profiles for new clients and supports preparing reviews for existing clients.
Jen has three cats, so her work life is purely to support and provide for them. Jen enjoys travelling and tries to snowboard once a year. Jen supports Manchester United and tries to see as many of Man Utd Women’s Team games as possible.
SAROO
MEET SAROO
Saroo is a Cockapoo born 30 December 2016 and when he’s not in the office he lives with Faye and her family. On the days he visits the office you can often find him snoozing under Faye’s desk. He likes treats, tennis balls and tummy rubs whilst he dislikes postmen and delivery drivers.
THE CATS
Team
Mascots
MEET FLETCHER, RIPLEY & NEWT
Susie and Jen’s cats don’t come into the office (they have too much napping to do) but when Susie works from home they have become an important part of the Raymond James, Hitchin family. Their special skills involve chasing insects in the garden to keep Susie entertained, jumping into the background of video calls and sleeping on paperwork to keep it secure.