Mark Fenton :: Director

I left school with three ‘A’ levels and after one year of hoping to be a football professional with York City, turning down offers from Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal on the way, I went to work for the Halifax Building Society and never looked back. That’s where I developed the mortgage bug, a sick illness but one I’ve not been able to shake off.

I worked there for 4 years, interviewing for everything from Mortgages to opening Little ‘X’tra Accounts and gained a huge amount of experience. I enjoyed my time there but it was time to move on. I joined a new firm of Estate Agents in York, Hunters the Estate Agents, where I set up their mortgage department. I worked there for 10 years but always had a yearning to set up my own mortgage company. That’s what I’ve done with my long term friend Chris Simpson, that’s where the name Fenton Simpson Financial Services comes from, it took us ages to think of it.

I still have an interest in football and in other sports including that infuriating game, golf. I live with my partner, Jayne, and our four children and enjoy every minute of bringing up girls of 9, 13 and 16, not. Outside of my family, it is my goal to help Fenton Simpson Financial Services to continue to grow and be successful.

Born York

Started work in the Financial Services industry in 1984 having worked for several top class companies including Halifax Plc, General Accident Property Services and Norwich Union. Vastly experienced within the mortgage market holding industry recognised qualifications: Financial Planning Certificate and Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice.

Set up Fenton Simpson Financial Services in 2003 and have been delighted with the company’s progress since then. Just like my colleagues I have a keen interest in sport having played Football and Cricket throughout the Yorkshire region. Golf seems to be about my limit these days and I can also be found on the Knavesmire whenever there is a race meeting.

I live in Heworth just a short distance from our Offices with my partner Mandy and her two sons Louis and Harry.

Kath Kear :: Office Manager

I left school many many years ago to be a ‘Comptometer Operator’ in Rowntrees offices where I worked for 15 years before leaving to have my one and only daughter. This was in the pre-computer days (that’s a long time ago); so when I joined the rat race again I had to have a rethink.

I started working for the North of England Building Society (now merged with Northern Rock) which soon led me to be involved in mortgage administration and I joined Mark at Hunters 7 years ago as his administrator. I then moved to Fenton Simpson to relieve the directors of the stress and boredom of their mortgage administration side of the business (you either love it or hate it, I must love it).

I enjoy holidays abroad as often as possible with my second husband Paul, and love dressmaking for special occasions, trying to keep reasonably fit (not really a pleasure), and socialising with friends and family. Sport doesn’t even come into it, so most of the social conversation here goes completely over my head.

Elaine Sweeney :: Mortgage Consultant

Financial Services and mortgages have been part of my life since 1983 where I started work at Burnley Building Society, which subsequently became National & Provincial Building Society and finally Abbey. More recently, I worked for Hunters Property Group as a mortgage adviser, which was a great insight into the Estate Agency Industry.

Ready for a new challenge I joined Fenton Simpson in March 2007. This has been an easy transition to make as I had already met Kath whilst working at Hunters and used to work with Sue in my Building Society days, which is where I first met Chris and Mark.

My husband Tom & I live in Strensall and we consider ourselves to be newlyweds as we got married in 2005 after 22 years of being together, Kath made my wedding dress.

We enjoy holidays, most sports and socialising with friends.

My goal is to play a major part in Fenton Simpson’s success and continue helping my clients with their mortgage and protection requirements.

Sue Taylor :: Insurance Administrator

In common with one of my colleagues, I also left school many years ago to be a ‘Comptometer Operator’ at Rowntree’s, which is where I first met Kath Kear. Having kept in touch over the intervening years it was a pleasure to join her at Fenton Simpson.

I previously worked in the Financial Services industry for many years and more recently in the retail sector but found the unsocial hours were not to my liking!

I enjoy walking, holidays abroad and spending time with my husband Gary and our 5 grandchildren who are all under 5 years old.

I have only recently joined the team at Fenton Simpson Financial Services but I am fully enjoying my time here dealing with all the admin a busy office generates.

Mark Grayshan :: Mortgage Consultant

I have been in the Financial Services industry for over 12 years and have worked for Pearl Assurance, AXA, Allied Dunbar and Legal and General. I have also had estate agency experience with Bairstow Eves and Hunters as both Mortgage Adviser and Branch Manager enabling me to understand customers needs and concerns in the housing and mortgage markets.

I joined Fenton Simpson in November 2007 and am looking forward to renewing old acquaintances. I first met Elaine whilst working at Bairstow Eves and then Hunters and this will be the third time we have worked together and the second time I have worked with Kath. Quite a family reunion!

I live in Staxton between Scarborough and Malton with my wife Cathy and have 2 sons - Andy 24, Nick 22 and 1 daughter, Sarah 12 and enjoy watching most sports especially football and cricket, trips to the theatre, reading crime novels and exploring different countries.

My aim is to help with Fenton Simpson’s continued success by maintaining a professional and personal service to our customers.