Meet The Team
Andrew founded Orchard Financial Solutions in 2014 and has over 15 years’ experience in the financial services sector. Prior establishing the firm Andrew worked in senior management positions for specialist mortgage lenders including a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.
On a day to day basis Andrew still advises clients and thoroughly enjoys getting stuck into challenging and complex mortgage and bridging finance cases. He has a particular interest in self-employed, adverse credit and BTL mortgages.
Outside of work Andrew is a keen runner and regularly attends Parkrun events on a Saturday morning. When he’s not running he can be found watching his son Thomas, participating in Fell Running and Cross Country Events across the UK.
Karen has worked in the mortgage industry for over 25 years, firstly as an administrator processing mortgage and protection applications, then qualifying as a Mortgage & Protection Adviser herself in 2008.
Karen specialises in all types of mortgages, residential and Buy to let and has extensive criteria knowledge across the ever changing mortgage market. She prides herself on giving both a professional and personal service and loves helping to guide people through the mortgage process whilst getting them the best product to suit their individual needs.
Away from work Karen loves to swim, walk her dog and supporting Middlesbrough FC, when she is not doing that, she will be found trackside, cheering on her son Bradley whilst he competes in outdoor Karting.
Stephen brings a rare blend of financial expertise and real-world business insight to his role as a mortgage adviser. He began his career in retail banking, spending over seven years in the industry and progressing to Senior Mortgage Consultant with Santander, where he developed a strong understanding of lending, affordability and the importance of clear, honest advice.
He later spent more than 13 years as a business consultant, working closely with SMEs across a wide range of sectors to help them launch, grow and strengthen their businesses using a practical, results-driven approach. Today, Stephen brings that same people-first mindset, commercial awareness and problem-solving expertise to mortgage advice, ensuring clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey.
Outside of work, Stephen is a devoted dad of two and a passionate Newcastle United supporter.
Rob brings 30 years of diverse experience in the financial services sector, excelling in roles across Sales, Training and Development, Supervisory, Managerial, and Directorship.
The wealth of knowledge he gained spurred him to found Secure Compliance in 2004, aiming to provide a more personalised approach to compliance services. Rob has been working with the Team at Orchard Financial Solutions since 2014 and helps the Team navigate FCA rules and regulations.
Outside of work, Rob enjoys the Leicestershire countryside and walking with his dogs.
Philippe is a seasoned financial services expert with over three decades of experience in the mortgage industry. Holding MAQ and Cert CII Equity Release Qualifications, he excels in residential, BTL, and commercial mortgages.
Passionate about customer service, Philippe thrives on helping clients from all walks of life achieve their property aspirations. This dedication is his daily motivation.
A family man, Philippe has been happily married for 33 years and is a proud father of two. When he’s not working, you can find him enjoying motorcycling, watching films, and embracing outdoor activities. Bilingual and fluent in three languages, including French and Spanish, Philippe is also an aspiring author and is currently building his own house.
Jatinder is a highly motivated Mortgage Advisor with over 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry with Royal Bank of Scotland. He provides advice on all types of regular mortgages, including purchases, remortgages, rate changes, further borrowing, and term amendments. His specialist areas of expertise include Regulated Interest Only mortgages, Transfer of Titles, and Buy to Let with Portfolio Landlords.
Jatinder prides himself on being customer-focused in all interactions, with a proven track record of providing exceptional customer service. He is multilingual and helps Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu speaking clients navigate their mortgage applications.
Five years ago, if someone had told Jatinder that he would become green-fingered and enjoy gardening on the weekends, he wouldn’t have believed them. Now, he is rediscovering his love for photography with his sons, who are teaching him drone videography. He also actively pursues an interest in property investment and is always keen to learn new investment strategies to build and preserve wealth.
Rakesh has worked in the financial services sector for over 20 years. And holds a number of qualifications including CeMAP; Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice; Certificate in Equity Release.
With an encyclopaedic knowledge of mortgage products Rakesh is always able to provide clients with a solution. Be it a straight forward re-mortgage; a later life mortgage advice, or an adverse credit mortgage application. You are in safe hands.
Away from work Rakesh is actively involved with the local Lions Club. He is passionate about sport especially tennis and cricket. And when not participating himself he ferries his son around the UK to tennis competitions.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
With over 30 years in financial services, John has developed a wealth of expertise across mortgages, estate agency, and lettings. His deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach have helped him build lasting relationships, earning trust for both new and repeat business.
John’s passion and dedication shine through in every interaction, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their needs. His commitment to excellence has been the foundation of his success in an ever-evolving market.
Beyond work, John is a loyal Hartlepool United season ticket holder, enjoying football, socialising, and gardening. When not outdoors, he’s walking his three dogs and making the most of life beyond the office.
