Meet the Team
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Get In Touch
Paula Reid
Time in Industry: 40 years.
Joined Maple Leaf: From the beginning.
Qualifications:
BA honours degree in English Studies.
As her title suggests, Paula is the Owner & Director of Maple Leaf Financial Services Ltd. Paula very much operates an “open door” policy within the company whilst overseeing all of the day-to-day business activities of Maple Leaf.
Originally from Liverpool, Paula has lived in the Chester area for over 30 years and is the proud mother of 2 daughters, a chocolate labrador and 2 miniature dachshunds!
Christian Morris
Time in Industry: 25 years.
Joined Maple Leaf: 2011
Qualifications:
Financial Planning Certificate 1,2, & 3.
Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP)
Calibrand Level 4.
Christian is a highly experienced mortgage adviser, dealing with residential mortgages, complex buy-to-let enquiries, in addition to commercial and development finance. He is our specialist when it comes to areas such as advising businesses regarding their Key Man Insurance, Partnership Insurance, Loan and Share Protection advice, Shareholder Agreements and Trusts.
Chris has lived in Frodsham, Cheshire for a number of years and is a keen sports enthusiast, (both watching and taking part), and it’s in this area where he has a personal “claim to fame” – he once bowled out the then England cricket captain Michael Atherton in a friendly match at Old Trafford cricket ground.
John Egerton
Time in Industry: 9 years
Joined Maple Leaf: 2022
Qualifications:
Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP)
Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)
John joined Maple Leaf financial after 9 years working in the financial services industry, this included being part of a project that ensured a smooth transitional takeover of MBNA by Lloyds Banking Group.
John specialises in residential mortgages including first-time buyers, home movers and re-mortgages. He also covers buy to let investment properties, advising on those held as a personal landlord as well as the increasingly popular limited company structure. His focus is on providing honest and professional advice. His recommended solutions are always built on the client’s objectives and aims, truly listening to what they want to achieve and acting in their best interests.
When not working, John enjoys keeping active through a variety of sports including football, cycling and running.
Monika Simkute
Time in Industry: 11 years
Maple Leaf joined: 2022
Qualifications:
Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP)
Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)
Monika has been working in the financial services industry for over 10 years, for companies such as Lloyds Banking Group and North Wales Credit Union.
Monika is a specialist in residential, buy to let mortgages and protection. She has helped many clients with complex circumstances such as adverse credit, contract working or the recently self-employed.
Monika is passionate about helping people and focuses on clear communication, so that her clients fully understand the facts, options, and recommended solutions. She will be a helping hand to guide you through the process from start to finish.
When not working, Monika spends most of her spare time with her family and friends, loves going for country walks, reading crime novels and baking cakes.
Anish Patel
Anish is a DipPFS-qualified Financial Adviser with three years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in investments and pensions.
Anish is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals with tailored advice and strategic planning. With a strong technical foundation and a client-focused approach, he provides guidance to ensure long-term financial security and growth.
Anish has lived in South London all his life and when not working he loves to spend time with his family, watching or playing football and socialising with friends.
Leigh Potts
Time in Industry: 6 years
Joined Maple Leaf: 2025
Qualifications:
Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP)
Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) International Introduction to Investment Award
Leigh lived in South Africa for many years, working in wealth management which included pension consolidation, and financial planning services, concentrating mostly on international assets. After some time out to have children, and returning to the UK in 2021, she became a qualified Mortgage & Protection Adviser.
Leigh has developed experience in residential lending, buy-to-let mortgages and protection planning. Her background includes providing personalised solutions to high net worth and self-employed clients.
Leigh is passionate about finding the right mortgage, tailored to each person’s goals and circumstances. She prides herself on sound customer service, being personable, and giving constant updates to make the mortgage process as smooth as possible. She is equally committed to ensuring clients have robust protection in place – covering life, income and critical illness – so they can plan for the future with peace of mind.
Leigh lives in Cheshire with her family and two Hungarian Vizslas who absolutely love their long walks and sofa cuddles.
Sarah Thomason
Time in Industry: 20 years
Joined Maple Leaf: 2025
Qualifications:
Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP)
Sarah has been in the financial industry for many years, working for Barclays Bank and Active Mortgage Management, then in Probate for 5 years prior to joining Maple Leaf.
Sarah’s role is to support the advisers and liaise with clients, product providers and solicitors, also keeping clients up to date throughout their mortgage journey.
Sarah has lived in Sandbach for 30 years and has a grown-up son and two dogs. In her spare time she runs a micro-brewery in Middlewich, Cheshire, with her husband.
Jane Northen
Time in Industry: 9 years
Joined Maple Leaf: 2016
Jane’s role is to continuously support the entire Maple Leaf team and to liaise with clients, product providers, and solicitors. An important part of her role is to ensure that every client is looked after efficiently and kept informed of progress from application to completion.
In her spare time, Jane is a keen quizzer and recently reached the semi finals of BBC Mastermind.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Most buy to let mortgages are not regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.
The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.