OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
T: 01952 897377
E: marie@croftandoakes.co.uk
I started my career with Halifax Building Society back in 1990 and spent 23 years doing various roles including giving advice, training new financial advisers, managing financial advisers, providing risk and compliance support and latterly looking after the Learning and Development for all of Halifax Bank of Scotland. I left in 2012 and since then continued in Learning and Development supporting new to role financial advisers both in tied and independent firms.
My career has been very varied and I have been collecting all the bits of the financial jigsaw puzzle which I can now put to good use at Croft & Oakes. I am really pleased to be part of a Chartered Financial Planning company which provides the best outcomes for our clients in the best way. My role is to support the advisers in providing the best for their clients and making sure everything runs smoothly.
With over three decades experience in financial services, my expertise is looking holistically at how we can support our clients to get what they need, how they need it and when they need it.
A Welsh Girl by birth I left my hometown for Wolverhampton to follow my husband Nigel and over 25 years later I am still here. We have a cat Barney who is very spoilt!
I have had a season ticket to Wolverhampton Wanderers since the 90s so in the football season you will find me in the Stan Cullis stand. I am an avid baker so our house always has homemade cake, and in my spare time I volunteer at my local church. I also love a good true crime series!
Operations Director
(2024 – present) Croft & Oakes
Head of Learning and Development
(2018 – 2024) AFH Wealth Management
Learning and Development Manager
(2012 – 2018) NFU Mutual
National Training Manager
(2010 – 2012) Halifax Bank of Scotland
Project Manager
(2008 – 2010) Halifax/Lloyds Integration
Senior Risk and Quality Manager
(2005 – 2008) Bank of Scotland Investment Services
Deputy Regional Bancassurance Manager
(2002 – 2005) Halifax Building Society
Senior Personal Finance Adviser
(1999 – 2002) Halifax Building Society
Personal Finance Adviser
(1997 – 1999) Halifax Building Society
Graduate Trainee
(1990 – 1997) Halifax Building Society
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Chartered Member of the CIPD
The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LiBF)
Diploma in Financial Advice
Advanced Financial Planning Certificate
H15 Sales Management & Supervisor
Certificate for Financial Advisers
CeFA1 – Introduction to Financial Services & Products and UK Regulation
CeFA 2 – Investments and Risks
CeFA3 – Retirement Planning and Protection
