Meet the Team

Darren has spent his entire working life in financial services. A degree in Business and Finance Control at the University of Central Lancashire was the springboard for future endeavours. Working initially in banks and building societies, he then spent the next nine years at Prudential as a Financial Adviser before moving to Friends Provident in a Senior Financial Consultant role specialising in Inheritance Tax planning and wealth management.

After working briefly as an Independent Financial Adviser for a small local firm, he formed Indigo Financial Advice Ltd in 2005, and later forged a relationship with Pearson & Associates Accountants to form P&A Financial Services Ltd which is Pearsons’ in-house advisory arm.

Darren supports private and business clients with their financial planning aspirations. By specialising in the “At Retirement” market, Darren is able to ensure that clients approaching retirement fully understand the significant choices now open to them. He has expertise in protection planning solutions for business, and also spends considerable time managing Indigo’s in-house investment proposition, taking responsibility for fund selection, portfolio construction and risk management across the practice.

Outside of his busy work life Darren enjoys mountain biking, camping, and snowboarding. He is married to Sara and has two young sons, Barnaby and Jasper.

Paraplanner and Researcher

John joined indigo in 2010 having previously spent over six years undertaking a similar role for another local IFA firm. John graduated with a 2.1 honours degree in Financial Services from Sheffield Hallam University in 2005 and has since attained the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Diploma in Financial Planning and Certificate in Paraplanning.

John’s role within Indigo is to provide full support to Darren. This includes preparing and maintaining client files, gathering and analysing client information and helping identify areas of planning to achieve client goals and objectives.  He is also responsible for undertaking product and fund research, producing pension analysis reports, drafting suitability reports and implementing client recommendations. In essence he helps to ensure all the associated activities involved in the financial planning process are undertaken in a compliant and professional manner.

Outside of work John has a keen interest in sport. He plays badminton for Colne and previously played cricket for Foulridge for over 20 years. Away from sport John enjoys spending time with partner Katy, fell walking, camping and is an avid music fan; collecting vinyl records and regularly attending live gigs.

BSc (Hons), Dip PFS Independent Financial Adviser

Mark joined Indigo in June 2019, having worked in the sales Industry for over 15 years. In Mark’s position prior to joining Indigo, he was responsible for the launch of a new product specifically designed for coating asbestos roofs. Mark was also the Sales Director at the UK’s largest safety surfacing company, covering the UK and Europe, which involved a lot of travelling, particularly to Scandinavia. Mark graduated from Lancaster University with a 2.1 honours degree in International Business Economics, with a year spent studying at the University of Florida in the USA.

He recently completed the New Model Business Adviser Apprentice Programme and achieved his CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning therefore qualifying as an Independent Financial Adviser.

Outside of work Mark enjoys watching sport and is a season ticket holder at Burnley Football Club. He also enjoys travelling with his Fiancée Emma they have visited 20 different countries over the last few years.  Mark and Emma have recently had a new addition to the family, a baby boy called Sebastian.

Administrator

Rachel joined Indigo in September 2018. She previously worked for a leading fire alarm company providing administrative and account support. She has a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies and is currently working towards a degree in English Literature.

She is usually the first point of contact when telephoning, visiting or emailing the office. Her role is supporting Darren and John and the day to day smooth running of the office. She is responsible for compiling client portfolio reports and valuations as well as dealing with the back office management.

Outside of work Rachel enjoys spending time with her partner Jamie, camping, walking and rock climbing.

Administrator

Mariva joined Indigo in November 2021. She previously worked for a telecommunications company, providing administrative, health and safety, and compliance support.

She has an A level Apprenticeship in Customer Service in the business sector, A certificate in internal auditing for ISO 9001, and a Degree in Sociology. She is currently studying towards her Chartered Insurance Institute exams.

Mariva supports with office administration, and tasks and activities associated with compliance, new business and the review process.

Outside of work Mariva enjoys spending time travelling with her husband Ben, and young daughter Oriah.