Meet The Team

Peter Cooper (Director & frustrated golfer)

Peter commenced his career in 1986 with a large financial services company before becoming an Independent Financial Adviser in 1992. Peter is both a Chartered Financial Planner through the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Certified Financial Planner with the Institute of Financial Planning. Peter is also one of only a small number of people in the country to have achieved the Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS) and the Fellowship of the Institute of Financial Planning (FIFP). Peter is also Investment Management Certificate qualified through the CFA Society of the UK.

Away from the office Peter is a keen golfer (with a stubborn handicap which refuses to go down) and an enthusiastic walker, particularly if there is a pub at the end.

Contact Peter: peter@cooperjohnston.co.uk

Ian Johnston (Director & amateur Indiana Jones)

Ian graduated from Lancaster University with an honours degree in 1988 and joined a major building society as a Management Trainee before becoming an Independent Financial Adviser in 1993.

Ian is a Certified Financial Planner with the Institute of Financial Planning and has gained advanced levels of industry qualifications in key areas including taxation, trusts, investment and pensions holding the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate.

Ian's degree was in Archaeology and he still takes a keen interest in the subject, visiting historic sites in Europe when able. Until recently Ian played rugby union for his local club, before realising that it was becoming just too hazardous! However, accepting retirement gracefully, much of Ian's spare time is now spent supporting his son in his rugby career.

Contact Ian: ian@cooperjohnston.co.uk

Sylvia Lellek (Paraplanner & Alan Titchmarsh fan)

After achieving an honours degree at University College London, Sylvia commenced her career in the Printing Industry before taking a career break to raise her family.

Sylvia joined Cooper Johnston at the Company's formation in 2002 and has worked in financial services for over 17 years. She holds the Financial Planning Certificate and provides advisory support to Peter Cooper in her role as a Paraplanner.

Outside of work Sylvia enjoys gardening, walking and spending time with her family.

Diane Hilsdon (Administrator & budding Tour de France competitor)

Diane started her career in a secretarial capacity working for a variety of different companies including property development and financial services before leaving to raise her family.

Diane joined Cooper Johnston in 2007 and provides administration support to Ian Johnston on a job share basis.

Diane's hobbies include walking, cooking, cycling (when the weather is good!) and house/garden history.

Grace MacHutchon (Administrator & downhill skiing enthusiast)

Grace commenced her career in the Civil Service before leaving to raise her family. On her return to work Grace has enjoyed a varied career as a Personal Secretary to Senior Executives in the field of Corporate Finance, The Design Council, Higher Education and Insurance.

Grace joined Cooper Johnston in 2008 and provides administrator support to Peter Cooper.

Grace’s interests include playing badminton, skiing, the theatre and walking in the Dales.

Carol Lambert (Administrator & expert on tea shops)

Carol began her career in a Legal Company as a Personal Assistant to the Senior Partner until taking time out to raise her family.

Carol joined Cooper Johnston in August 2010 after previous experience in the financial services sector. Carol provides administration support to Ian Johnston on a job share basis.

When not at work Carol enjoys gardening, walking, shopping, visiting tea shops and line dancing.