Much of our charity work and the way we do things is enhanced by partnerships, friendships and introductions. Trust Advice was built on relationship; it is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in life-long, multi-faceted learning, and by sharing with each other those individuals and organisations that have made our journey better, we can only strengthen together. On this page you will find some of our closest partners who we are delighted to recommend in areas that sit outside of our service. Do check them out, visit their websites, and find out more.

David Farndale – Charity Retail & Trading Partner

“I can offer a comprehensive range of very experienced charity retail services, whether considering a first shop, adding more to your group or needing to improve existing stores. I can help either in an advisory role or on sub-contracted tasks.

During my employed time in the charity sector, I have opened 21 charity shops, gift shops, warehouses, offices and a coffee shop.”

Simon Shefford – Church Mortgages Partner

“I am an independent mortgage broker with over 30 years experience, I have helped churches and charities to obtain competitive mortgages for property purchase and development.

There are a number of lenders who are looking to lend in this sector at very competitive rates, it is just a case of sourcing them, negotiating terms and conditions with lenders and presenting an application in the correct way.

There is a big gap between most churches and lenders that I help to bridge, with my experience in the loans market and also from having been a pastor of a church, a trustee and a treasurer.”

Louise Beaton – Community Halls Advice & Fundraising Support

“I have over 30 years’ experience of supporting those running community buildings, at both local and national level and have contributed to changes in policy and legislation which have helped volunteers to maintain financially viable community buildings.

Community Buildings Adviser for Action in rural Sussex for 14 years, I am familiar with many of the difficulties facing those running multipurpose premises. I supported capital projects worth around £1 million p.a.e.”

Ben Ansell – Managing Director

Ben has 15 years experience working in various fundraising, leadership and consultancy roles for small, medium and national organisations including Oxfam, The British Heart Foundation. His last in-house role was Director of Fundraising (2016-2020) for Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham, London.

He has a degree in business and a certificate in marketing qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Ben has partnered with Trust Advice to offer our members support with their Fundraising activities and funding applications.

Tracy Jones – HR Consultant

Professional HR consultant with over 19 years’ experience in handling complex or sensitive HR issues.

Tracy Jones is able to provide a wealth of corporate knowledge and apply it to small and medium sized businesses around their everyday people challenges.

Her broad skill set includes writing and delivering leadership training, performance management and delivering organisational change.

She is professional and knowledgeable and will provide a bespoke service, helping you to manage your people matters, giving you the time to deliver your business objectives.

Tracy has agreed to offer Trust Advice members a 15 minute free telephone or zoom consultation with an hourly rate charged thereafter.

Access is a specialist charity insurance broker, assisting charities, trustee boards, churches and community groups of all sizes and having strong relationships with charity insurance companies. This means they can arrange a wide range of covers, designed specifically to meet your organisation’s needs. 

They offer a bespoke solution, arranging typical covers such as liability and indemnity insurances, building and vehicle policies to more complex insurance cover. Their customer-first approach helps clients get quality jargon-free advice, insurance that covers each risk, assistance in claims and help in saving costs.
 
Access has been committed to helping charities manage risk for over 20 years, with 15,000 organisations now trusting them to advise and arrange their insurance each year.”

David Kirby – Legal Partner

“DK Legal is owned and managed by David Kirby, a qualified solicitor specialising in charity law. He has built up considerable expertise in the charity sector and understands the challenges facing charities and the need for clear and cost-effective solutions to legal issues which arise.

David also has served on the boards of charities and is currently part of the executive leadership team of a micro-finance social enterprise. This focus on the charity and social enterprise sector both professionally and personally reflects David’s passionate support for the vital work of these organisations.“

Les Howard – VAT Partner

“I have been pleased to partner with Trust Advice CIC since it started, I help churches and other organisations to navigate the VAT maze.

Frequently that involves working with other professionals (Accountants, Solicitors, Architects) to ensure a uniform approach. And, frequently a lower VAT cost releases money for other programs.”

We are delighted that Les is a part of our team of partners. He brings over 30 years’ experience in VAT, and has worked as a freelance VAT Consultant for more than 20 years. He has supported a wide range of charities and can provide telephone and email advice to you, as well as engaging in more substantial project work. He also delivers VAT training for a major national training provider and sits on the Tax Tribunal.