Matthew Parden

About Matthew

Chief Executive Officer

After gaining a degree in Physics at the University of Liverpool, Matthew Parden qualified as an accountant with BDO, and then embarked on a career in financial services, working with FTSE100 Company Aviva, then spending 17 years at private bank Duncan Lawrie, latterly as Group CEO.   Matthew was then CEO of the boutique financial advice business, Aspinalls Family Office for five years, overseeing a trade sale of that business in 2020.  In 2021 Matthew formed Marygold & Co. in the UK as a subsidiary of the USA NYSE-listed parent company, The Marygold Companies, Inc.

Marygold & Co. provides traditional financial advice services through its two subsidiary companies, including Step-By-Step Financial Planners Limited which was purchased from Kevin and Elizabeth Pratt in April 2024. Marygold & Co. also provides money management and savings services through its fintech App, launching later this year in the UK.

Kevin Pratt

Tel: 01543 490989

About Kevin

Chartered Financial Planner

I have been working in the financial services industry since 2001 when I started my career in bank assurance.  After leaving the bank I worked for a firm of independent financial advisers for six years before starting Step-By-Step Financial Planners in 2010 as the Managing Director. Since starting the company I have personally achieved Chartered Status in 2013 and the company attained Chartered Status in 2015.  This means that I and the company have achieved the highest qualification within the industry, equivalent to a degree and considered today’s gold standard of excellence and integrity.   Only a minority of financial advisers in the UK are at this level and an even smaller number of companies.

I am married to Liz and have two lovely young children, Charlotte and William.  When not having quality time with the family I enjoy travelling and I am keen sports enthusiast.

 “We have been with Kevin since 2002, in that time the market has gone up, down and sideways, we have sold our business, had a series of health scares and retired.  Throughout all of this, Kevin’s advice has helped us Step by Step.” – Graham Scott

Peter Williams

Tel: 01543 490989

About Peter

Compliance and Business Consultant
I work as an external compliance and business consultant and have helped Kevin with advice and guidance on all aspects of setting up and running Step-By-Step Financial Planners Ltd.  I have been working in the financial services industry for over 40 years with various different companies and dealt with the regulator under it’s different names.  
I bring a vast array of experience to the company but am also aware that the industry is ever changing due to various factors. 
I am proud of what has been achieved by Step-By-Step Financial Planners Ltd in a very short space of time, given all the regulatory changes and the economic background. 
I am married to Sheena and we have a son, Simon and a granddaughter, Annabelle.   In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening and watching most sports; especially Rugby Union.

Steve Dearn

Tel: 01543 490989

About Steve

 

Independent Financial Adviser

I joined Step-By-Step Financial Planners Ltd in May 2015 as an Independent Financial Adviser following 26 years working for Lloyds Bank.  I had previously worked with Kevin between 2001 and 2004 so it was good to get the opportunity to recommence our relationship.

I am qualified through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to Diploma Status (DipPFS) and am able to offer a full financial planning service from my base in the Rugby area of Warwickshire.

I am engaged to Hannah and I have four children, Harry, Amelia, Charlie and Daisy. When not spending quality time with my family, including watching Harry play football, I enjoy socialising with friends. I am an avid football fan and follow Aston Villa FC

Elizabeth Pratt

Tel: 01543 490989

About Elizabeth

Business Support
I’m Kevin’s wife and we have two lovely young children, Charlotte and William that keep us very busy! As a family we enjoy lots of activities together; physical ones like walks in the countryside, swimming, bike rides and some less strenuous ones like going to the cinema, building Lego and working on various art and craft projects (the house is never tidy!)
I have become more involved with Step-by-Step Financial Planners now that the children attend school full time.
My training and work background is in child care; I’m a qualified nursery nurse and specialised in working with children/young adults with Autism. I worked as part of the management team at a residential school for children with Autism for 16 years, which was extremely rewarding work.
Outside work I try and get involved in the local community, particularly with the local school where I help in school and I am the treasurer for the school Parent and Friends fund raising group.

Riley Harte

Tel: 01543 490989

About Riley

Administration Manager

I joined Step-By-Step Financial Planners in May 2021 as a part time administrator and was offered a full-time job at the end of the year. My parents have been clients of Kevin’s for two decades and were happy to refer me for a job at the firm.

I’m currently in the process of deciding which financial qualifications I would like to pursue but have a background in humanities and a bachelor’s degree in politics and philosophy from Lancaster University.

In my free time I’m a keen reader and learner, and have a passion for music and films.

Contact Us:

Tel: 01543 490989    Email: info@sbsfp.co.uk

The Loft, Wade Lane Farm, Wade Lane, Hill Ridware, Staffordshire, WS15 3RE.