About Abbeygate Wealth Management

Abbeygate Wealth Management Ltd offer a comprehensive financial planning service for all your investment planning and protection needs.

With nearly 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Abbeygate Wealth Management Ltd are able to offer a complete service to clients in all aspects of financial planning.

We provide personalised, face to face wealth management advice to individuals, their families and business whether your requirement is to build wealth, manage cash and borrowings or protect your wealth against risk.

We are a Partner Practice of Quilter Financial Planning Ltd and offer a comprehensive range of wealth management products and services from companies within Quilter Financial Planning Ltd and also from a range of external organisations carefully selected by Quilter Financial Planning Ltd.

James Stott

Founder & Managing Director

James founded Abbeygate Wealth Management in 2007 following a successful career with Barclays Wealth. As Founder and Managing Director, he remains committed to maintaining strong client relationships and delivering comprehensive, holistic financial planning advice tailored to each individual’s circumstances and objectives.

With more than 20 years of experience in wealth management, James has built a reputation for providing personalised advice and exceptional client service. His relationship-focused approach has enabled him to develop many long-standing client partnerships, founded on trust, understanding, and consistent support.

James began his career with Pearl Assurance before being recruited by Barclays Wealth, where he advised high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of financial planning and investment matters. Drawing on extensive expertise in both stockbroking and financial planning, he established Abbeygate Wealth Management to provide independent, client-centred advice with the flexibility and personal service that clients value.

Known for his calm and approachable manner, James takes pride in helping clients feel confident and informed when making important financial decisions.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is also a keen fly fisherman and enjoys clay shooting whenever the time allows.

Emma Hibble

Operations Director

Emma joined Abbeygate Wealth Management in 2018, bringing with her over 13 years of experience supporting a high-level business consultant, where she progressed from Junior Administrator to Office Manager through dedication and hard work.

As Operations Director, Emma oversees the day-to-day running of the business with a practical, organised, and methodical approach. She is passionate about creating a positive and collaborative working environment, encouraging her team to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients and the business alike.

Emma is highly committed to personal and professional development, with a strong interest in leadership, self-improvement, and helping others grow in confidence and capability. She has completed numerous leadership and development courses to strengthen her skills and is always looking for ways to support, encourage, and inspire those around her.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, yoga & fitness.

Dawn Robson

Wealth Manager

Dawn is an experienced Wealth Manager with over 25 years in financial services, having transitioned into the profession after leaving the Royal Air Force in 2000.

Originally from the North East of England, where she grew up on a farm, Dawn brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to her work. Now based in East Anglia, she is a passionate horsewoman who regularly competes and volunteers at regional events. AWM is also proud to sponsor classes at the prestigious Norfolk Show Jumping Festival, held annually at the Royal Norfolk Showground.

Dawn is known for her straightforward and approachable style, helping clients feel confident and fully informed when making important financial decisions. She has a strong belief in clear communication and prides herself on making complex financial matters easy to understand.

Committed to maintaining the highest professional standards, Dawn has achieved Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society – the most advanced level of qualification within the profession.

Her expertise lies in Estate Preservation and Inheritance Tax Planning. She works closely with clients to help reduce, and in many cases eliminate, inheritance tax liabilities, ensuring their wealth is passed on to future generations as efficiently as possible.

Layla Orr

Paraplanner/Trainee Wealth Manager

Layla has been a valued member of the Abbeygate Wealth Management team for over 13 years, bringing extensive experience and dedication to her role as a paraplanner. Throughout her time with the firm, she has developed a strong technical knowledge and a keen eye for detail, supporting advisers in delivering high-quality financial planning solutions to clients.

Now progressing into a financial adviser role, Layla is excited to work more closely with clients, helping them navigate their financial journeys with confidence and clarity. Her long-standing experience within the business ensures she brings both insight and continuity to her advice.

Outside of work, Layla enjoys keeping active at the gym and spending quality time with her two young boys, who keep her busy and motivated.

Jen Kirkwood

Senior Administrator

As Senior Administrator, Jen plays a key role in delivering the friendly, approachable service that is at the heart of Abbeygate Wealth Management. A valued team member, she enjoys building strong relationships with both clients and colleagues, ensuring every interaction is professional, supportive, and efficient.

Highly organised and customer-focused, Jen is passionate about providing an exceptional client experience. She takes pride in managing each case with care and attention to detail, guiding it through to a successful conclusion and helping clients progress towards their investment goals.

Before joining Abbeygate Wealth Management, Jen spent over seventeen years working as a teacher. She brings a wealth of transferable skills, including excellent communication, strategic planning, organisation, coordination, and administration, all of which contribute to the high standard of service our clients receive.

Jen lives locally with her husband and teenage children. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the theatre, and travelling.

Karina Daniel

Client Relationship Manager

Karina began her career in the motor trade, working within the corporate client sector, where she developed extensive experience in delivering exceptional client service and building strong professional relationships. This foundation naturally led her to her role as Client Relationship Manager at Abbeygate Wealth Management, where she has been supporting clients since 2018.

At the heart of Karina’s role is ensuring clients receive a first-class experience. She is dedicated to building strong adviser-client relationships, maintaining regular communication, and ensuring clients remain informed and supported throughout their journey. Known for her personalised approach, genuine warmth, and commitment to helping others, Karina takes great pride in delivering outstanding client care.

Outside of work, Karina enjoys travelling, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. She is passionate about cooking and loves hosting family and friends. Family life keeps her busy with her husband, two children, and Sonny, their energetic Labrador. Spending quality time with loved ones remains one of her greatest priorities.

Ellie Gudgin

Client Relationship Administrator

Ellie joined the Abbeygate family in 2023 as a Client Relationship Administrator, following her relocation from her native Scotland. In her role, Ellie plays an important part in supporting the client experience, helping to maintain strong relationships through clear communication, attention to detail and a professional, approachable manner.

With a particular focus on annual financial reviews, Ellie assists in ensuring clients receive an organised and efficient service throughout the review process. She is committed to providing reliable administrative support and helping clients feel informed and well looked after at each stage of their journey with Abbeygate.

Outside of the office, Ellie is an avid Formula 1 fan and enjoys being involved in local musical theatre.

Miriam Harris

Paraplanner

Miz Harris is a Paraplanner at Abbeygate Wealth Management, where she works closely with the adviser team to support the delivery of clear, well-researched financial advice. She specialises in turning complex planning points into carefully structured, client-friendly recommendations, helping ensure each piece of advice is accurate, practical, and tailored to the client’s needs.

Away from work, Miz enjoys life at home with her husband and their dogs, and is often found cooking, gardening, or working on her latest DIY project.

Josh Cates

Paraplanner/Financial Planner Apprentice

As the newest and youngest member of the team, Josh brings a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and a strong foundation in analytical thinking to his role as an Apprentice Paraplanner and Administrator. Having recently completed his A-Levels in Maths, Biology, and Physical Education, he has developed a disciplined approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail – both essential in supporting effective financial planning.

Outside of work, Josh competes at a national level in BMX Racing and is currently ranked 3rd and 4th in the 17-24 and 17-29 age categories in the UK. This commitment reflects his drive, resilience, and focus within the workplace.