Our Financial Advisers

Phil Sheppard

Director: MSc, FPFS, CFTe, MSTA, Cert PFS (Discretionary Management)

Phil gained experience in law, banking, and accountancy before forming Schaefer in 1983. As a Fellow of the Personal Financial Society, he has developed a significant range of knowledge and experience, passing specialist exams in portfolio management, taxation, trusts, pensions, and investment planning. His research into historical economic and financial collapses proved invaluable in protecting clients’ investment portfolios from the various crashes of the last 20+ years.

Phil is a Pension Transfer Specialist, providing advice on final salary pension transfers. He is accredited under the Personal Finance Society Pension Transfer Gold Standard.

As a Member of the Society of Technical Analysts, and a Certified Financial Technician, Phil has demonstrated expert knowledge with investment management and portfolio building.

Phil is also responsible for Compliance.

When not working, you will find Phil in his carpentry workshop, out on the Quantocks in the rain with the dog, or immersed in his growing family.

Gemma Lott

Managing Director, BA (Hons), Dip PFS

After completing a Degree in Politics and Economics, Gemma worked for a National Bank and another adviser before joining Schaefer in 2001 as a client administrator. Gemma has been a financial adviser, and in 2007 she became a Director, and has since taken over from Phil as Managing Director of the business.

Gemma has a young family and works part-time. She assists with compliance, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and works with Phil on the overall strategy for the business.