T: 0345 250 8400
E: enquiries@obsidian-financial.com
Obsidian Financial Advisers

Meet The Team

Find out more about our firm

Blackstone Partners

Staff

Gareth Chalk

Independent Financial Adviser

I have been a professional Financial Adviser since 2000. Duties have also included working for a large national IFA as an Associate Manager for the region with responsibilities including monitoring and signing off advice from fellow advisers within the regional office - ensuring integrity, sound technical knowledge and effective client servicing remained at a high standard across all advisers. I am regularly asked to comment on financial issues in regional newspapers, and have had client case studies published in the national press.

Whilst studying towards the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning I have achieved advanced, specialist qualifications in Equity Release, Pension Income Options and Care Fees Planning. I am also a member of Symponia - an organisation of Independent Financial Advisers specialising in the sensitive area of Care Fees Planning, and hold the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) certificate in Financial Services.

Prior to a career in financial service, I trained as a Primary School Teacher, and worked as a Payroll Manager. I was born in South Wales where I continue to live with my wife Nicola, and daughters Bethan, Seren and Catrin.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: Gareth.Chalk@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07967 654 917

Gina Evans - QCF Level 4 – Regulated Diploma & Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice Cert PFS Cert CII (MP) CertBB&C

Independent Financial Adviser

I started in the financial services industry over 20 years ago as a Mortgage and Protection Specialist, so I have an in depth knowledge of both first and second charge residential mortgages - as well as all buy to let/portfolios, commercial mortgages and commercial / regulated bridging finance – I also now specialise in Equity Release for the over 55’s too.

I provide all of my clients with a totally un-biased, whole of market, holistic financial planning service. So I will advise and make suitable, individually tailored, financial recommendations on your pensions and retirement planning, your savings & investments, long term care planning – as well as all of your potential borrowing needs, whilst also ensuring that any financial liabilities are fully protected against the un-expected for life, critical illness sickness cover and also LTD Director employee benefits.

I pride myself on my excellent customer services and my professional communication skills - I truly believe, and ensure, that my client's best interests always come first. I am a very bright, bubbly, friendly and outgoing individual – who believes in living life to the fullest and ensuring you fulfil your dreams and aspirations.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: gina.evans@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07791 480 433

StaffSheneen Hartley

Client Servicing

Since joining the team in 2023, Sheneen has quickly become an indispensable part of Blackstone Partners. Specialising in preparing detailed information for client reviews, she ensures that everything runs seamlessly, offering a smooth and reassuring experience for our clients.

Based near our Cardiff office, Sheneen’s life is a vibrant mix of professional dedication and family adventure. At home, she juggles the demands of raising two teenagers, caring for energetic Labradors, and sharing her love of horses with her daughter. When she’s not working or spending time with family, you’ll often find her immersed in a good book or enjoying the tranquillity of a horseback ride.

Sheneen’s unique blend of professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail makes her a valued member of the team and a trusted point of contact for our clients.

 


StaffJoseph Martin

Client Servicing

Joe joined Blackstone Partners in November 2024, bringing a strong foundation in financial services and an impressive drive to build a career in financial planning. Currently studying towards his Level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning, Joe has already passed several modules and is on track to complete his diploma early next year. His previous roles have honed his exceptional client communication skills and regulatory awareness, making him a natural fit for our client-focused approach.

As part of his training, Joe is immersing himself in all aspects of financial planning. 

Outside work, Joe’s meticulous nature extends to his personal life. Based in Lisvane, Cardiff he balances his professional aspirations with a keen interest in ongoing learning and self-development and a love of motorsports!. His proactive and thoughtful approach ensures that he’s well-equipped to support clients on their financial journeys, while continually striving to expand his expertise.

We’re thrilled to have Joe on board as he embarks on this exciting new chapter, contributing his fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the Blackstone team.


Staff

Louise McNeill - FPC 1, 2 & 3, CF2, HR1 & ER1

Assistant Planner/Technical Support for Simon Rowles, Carl Whitelock & Calvin Lister

Louise has worked within the Financial Services industry for over 20 years and was previously a qualified financial adviser for Royal Liver. Louise holds the full Financial Certificate and Diploma in Financial planning along with qualifications in Mortgage advice and Equity release and investment and Risk.

Louise provides technical support and research within the team to numerous advisers within Blackstone Partners and also acts as a PA to Simon Rowles and Carl Whitelock.

Louise lives in Barry with her Son (Callum) and has a partner (Jason) & Step-Daughter (Brooke) In her spare time, Louise enjoys taking her dogs out for long walks around the Barry coastline, cooking and relaxing in her hot tub.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: louise.mcneill@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07961 576011

Staff

Simon Rowles - CII QCF Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning including qualifications in Taxation & Trusts and Planning for Long Term Care

Independent Financial Adviser

I’m married to Zuzanna and we have a son, Jack. Although I live in the town of my birth, in South Wales, my career has included roles in various areas throughout the U.K.

Having been in Financial Services since 1990, I have held positions such as specialist adviser, team manager and regional manager, whilst retaining my own client base. I now focus on providing financial advice to existing and new clients.

Focusing on ‘Lifestyle Planning’ I aim to help you achieve your best possible life with the money you have. I will take time to understand YOU, your background, philosophy, needs and objectives so that I can help you put your money to good use. Using ‘Cash Flow Forecasting’ enables you to consider your future financial position.

I provide advice, help and guidance in all areas of financial planning, but particularly in estate protection, care planning and wealth management. This includes investment planning in addition to helping people transition into retirement.

I meet many new clients in my role as Seminar Presenter. I present on all of the areas mentioned above, for both public and corporate seminars.

Whether I'm presenting to an audience or working with individuals, I believe it is imperative to communicate (what are essentially complex, financial matters) in an easy-to-understand way.

Qualifications:
CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (QCF)
This includes qualifications in Taxation & Trusts in addition to Planning for Long Term Care. I can also offer advice on Estate Planning, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: simon.rowles@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07973 770 318

Staff

Josie Vellucci-Senior - FPC 1,2 &3

Paraplanner – Research and Technical

Josie has been in the Industry for over 25 years, and a fully qualified Independent Financial Adviser in her own right for over 15 years, holding the full Financial Planning Certificate and Diploma in Financial Planning, Josie holds advanced specialist additional qualifications in Equity Release and Long Term Care Planning.

Josie is an integral part of the team providing the valuable technical research and support. Josie will research the market, helping produce accurate reports that are specific to your needs. Josies helps me prepare for each meeting to ensure that all advice I give you is accurate and based on the current market positions.

Josie lives just outside Cardiff with her husband a two sons. In her spare time Josie enjoys weekends away, cooking traditional Italian meals for her whole family!

T: 0345 250 8400
E: josie.vs@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07747 560 000

Georgia Wales

Client Services Manager for Gareth Chalk

Georgia has been with the team since 2016 and ensures the smooth running of the office on a day to day basis.

Her role within the team is to look after any client requests or queries and ensure that the expectations of our clients are met and exceeded. Georgia also oversees the client review process.

Georgia is a former gymnast and has represented her country competitively. These days she finds that it’s enough work to exercise Murphy, her German short - haired pointer.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: georgia.wales@blackstonepartners.com

Louise Watson

Client Account Manager for Gareth Chalk

Louise has a strong Customer Service ethos with over 20 years experience in various roles in and around financial services.

Louise's role is to look after any client requests or queries, and ensure that the expectations of our clients and met and exceeded. Louise will contact clients regularly updating them of the progress of their assets, and assessing whether we should get together to review their current situation.

Louise is currently studying for the Certificate in Financial Planning.

Outside work, and in between acting as a family taxi driver, Louise enjoys going camping with her husband and two sons.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: louise.watson@blackstonepartners.com

Carl Whitelock - BSc Mathematics FPC 1,2&3 MAQ CF7 CF8 HR1 JO5

Independent Financial Adviser

Having been a financial adviser for 12 years since graduating from Cardiff University with a BSc in Mathematics, I specialise in providing personal advice to existing and new clients.

Focusing on face to face advice, my process is to listen to clients needs and objectives and offer a personal "diagnosis" in a language that they understand. I pride myself on presenting complex financial matters in an understandable and plain English fashion.

My home life is busy, entertaining my 2 young children and my interests outside of family and financial services are wide and varied but include travel, socializing with my family and friends and following international rugby.

T: 0345 250 8400
E: carl.whitelock@blackstonepartners.com
M: 07971 161 731

Contact Us

Obsidian House, Hints Road
Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3PQ

Tel: 0345 250 8400
Email: enquiries@obsidian-financial.com

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