About us

Croft and Oakes was formed by Keith Croft and Chris Oakes to bring together two likeminded approaches to protecting and growing your wealth, whether you are an individual or a business.

Our adviser team has grown since we formed with additional skilled advisers.  Our Adviser team now includes Marc Derbyshire, Maureen Hoole, Garry Owens and Jessica Shukie and we are continuing to grow.

Our Team of specialists are here to provide the highest standard of holistic and unbiased bespoke financial advice, backed up with over 100 years of combined experience and some of the highest levels of qualification in the industry.

Keith Croft FPFS

Job Title: CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER

For more than two decades I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the world’s largest Banking and Wealth Management organisations, this has given me the opportunities to develop my knowledge and experience alongside some of the greatest minds in financial services […]

Chris Oakes FPFS

Job Title: CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER

As a Chartered and Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) I am able to provide unrestricted, whole-of-market financial advice. My Chartered Financial Planner status also proves that I am qualified to the highest level in the industry, with this particular standing being widely regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for financial advisers […]  

Marc Derbyshire Dip PFS

Job Title: INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

I qualified as a Financial Adviser in the year 2000 following a short career in the British Army, 2nd Battalion of the Light Infantry. I have enjoyed working for some of the largest financial services organisations and latterly a total of 12 years with Lloyds Banking Group. My last role was with Lloyds Private Bank […]

Ian Holmes

Job Title: IFA ADMINISTRATOR

As an Administrator at Croft and Oakes it is my mission to ensure every part of the business runs effectively and efficiently so that as a team we can provide our clients, both new and existing, with the highest standards of service and exceed expectations. EXPERTISE I have worked in Financial Services for over 25 […]

Julie Burke

Job Title: PARAPLANNER

I have worked in Financial Services for over 30 years and have spent my whole career working for Independent Financial Advisers. I have carried out many roles during this period which has given me the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in all areas of financial planning as well as more […]

Simon Bartlett Dip CII

Job Title: COMPLIANCE & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

I joined Halifax Building Society in 1988 and held various roles during my time there until 2010. Having spent several years as a Business Development Manager, I moved into Financial Services in 1999 where I provided advice to clients on a variety of areas of Financial Planning.

Garry Owens APFS

Job Title: CHARTERED & INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

Having advised individual and corporate clients on a wide range of financial solutions over the past  20 years, I bring  a mature and  knowledgeable approach to managing my  client`s wealth. This experience has been gained working within commercial and private banking with Lloyds Bank and Schroders Personal Wealth, before more recently becoming an Independent Financial […]

Karyn Shimmons

Job Title: SENIOR IFA ADMINISTRATOR

As administrator at Croft and Oakes I aim to give high quality admin support to the team to ensure the business can run smoothly and allow the advisers to continue to provide an exceptional service to existing and new clients. I have worked for over 30 years within an administration role starting my admin career […]

Jessica Shukie APFS

Job Title: ASSOCIATE of the PERSONAL FINANCE SOCIETY INDEPENDENT & CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER

I have worked in financial services for over 15 years, advising both individual and corporate clients. Whether that was explaining the pension benefits to an audience of 200+ factory workers, or helping a chief executive save into their pension. My career path has given me an in-depth knowledge of public sector pension schemes, whether that […]

Maureen Hoole MSc, FPFS

Job Title: Chartered Financial Planner

I have worked in the financial services industry since 1982, for a large insurance company and latterly as an adviser. My career started with Commercial Union/Norwich Union and through the many company mergers I left after 22 years as a Senior Manager. I have been advising since 2008. Since then, I have taken the opportunity […]

Verity Corbett

Job Title: TRAINEE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

I joined Croft and Oakes in 2023 following a successful 18 year career in teaching, latterly as head of mathematics at several local schools. I am passionate about supporting others and helping them to achieve their goals whether that has been students learning maths or helping clients plan holistically to achieve a financially strong and […]