Board of Directors         << back

David Southworth, Non Executive Chairman
Richard Fraser, Managing Director
Stephen Ashcroft, Commercial Director
Julie Dean, Finance Director
William Hughes, Non-executive Director

David Southworth FCAA         << top
Non-Executive Chairman – Appointed July 2004

David Southworth has extensive experience of managing and chairing both public and private companies.  Having qualified as an Accountant in 1972 he has had experience with Philips Industries, Volex Plc and Coopers & Lybrand prior to 14 years spent with Skillsgroup Plc as Managing Director and subsequently Executive Chairman.  Leaving Skillsgroup in December 2000 he has retained a number of Non-Executive Directorships.

David chairs the audit and remuneration committees of the Group and his primary role along side the other members of the board is to direct the strategic development of the Group.

Richard Fraser         << top
Managing Director – Appointed July 2004

Richard joined Frenkel Topping Ltd (the trading subsidiary of Frenkel Topping Group Plc) in 1991 after gaining experience in financial services whilst working at Lloyds Bank, Bradford and Bingley Building Society and Scottish Widows.  Richard has been fully involved in the development of both structured settlements and Frenkel Topping Ltd, becoming Managing Director in 2000.  He played a key role in the appointment of Frenkel Topping Ltd as an alternative investment broker to the Court of Protection and Richard has also been a regular speaker at financial services conferences across the UK.

In addition to directing the strategic development of the Group with the other board memebers, Richard is in charge of the day-to-day operation of the Group.

Stephen Ashcroft         << top
Commercial Director – Appointed July 2004

Stephen studied law at Manchester University and had worked for Standard Life as a broker consultant before joining Frenkel Topping Ltd in 1990.  Since joining Frenkel Topping Ltd in 1990, Stephen has been fully involved in the development of structured settlements, contributing to the Law Commission Papers in 1992 and 1994.  Stephen is also a regular speaker on structured settlements across the UK.

Stephen primary role is for product development and brand awareness within the market place of the Group.

Julie Dean FCCA         << top
Finance Director – Appointed April 2006

Julie joined Frenkel Topping Group in November 2005 from The Caudwell Group and was appointed as Finance Director in April 2006.  Julie qualified as an Accountant in 2000 and has experience of establishing and running commercial operations both in the UK and abroad and has experience in all elements required of a finance function for both private and listed organisations.

In addition to directing the strategic development of the Group with the other board memebers,  Julie works alongside the Managing Director in ensuring targets are monitored and achieved.  Julie is responsible for the operations of the finance function, managing the external relationships with the Groups professional and ensures all legal, AIM and accounting reporting requirements are met.  Julie also heads any due diligence teams for any commercial arrangement for the Group reporting the results into the board before any contract is entered into.

William Hughes CBE         << top
Non-Executive Director – Appointed July 2007

William is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of Fairfax I.S. PLC, an investment bank and member of The London Stock Exchange.  William was the Chairman of Grampian Holdings PLC from 1985 to 1998, having previously been Chief Executive from 1976.  He was also Non Executive Chairman of Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust PLC for 15 years until his retirement in 2005.  William is a Trustee of the Prince’s Trust UK Council and Chairman of the Prince’s Trust (Scotland).  In addition he has been a director of the Foundation for Accountancy and Financial Management representing the Scottish Institute of Chartered Accountants and served as the Chairman of the CBI (Scotland).

Williams works with the board on the strategic direction of the Group and sits on the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee