Meet the Team

Jayne Bellis
Founder & MD

Jayne is an experienced and seasoned professional having spent the last 40 years working in social welfare and financial services including the last 25 years in the free debt advice sector. She is a safe pair of hands with many years managing debt advice teams, training debt advisers and collaborating on advice projects, to secure the best outcomes for all.

Founding Pennysmart CIC in 2009 driven by a belief that a more ‘holistic-approach’ to debt advice was needed to support the most vulnerable who need extra support to achieve long term solutions. With a determination to deliver this via a social enterprise approach, underpinned her commitment to building a respected, viable and professional service.

She is now sought out as an expert in her field, often works as a consultant and has been involved with a number of working groups such as MaPS Strategy Group Wales, National Advice Network Wales, IMA Council; Financial Capability Forums Wales, NW MALG etc.

Janet Lawton
Non-Executive Director

Janet joined Pennysmart as a non executive director in March 2019. She is a housing professional, having worked in social housing all her career across various organisations within the North West. Janet currently works across west Cheshire heading up services delivering housing management and homelessness support on behalf of the local authority.

Janet brings to the Board her experience in operational delivery, coupled with an understanding of the issues faced by people living with vulnerabilities that contribute to poverty and debt. In her spare time Janet also volunteers with a charity who provide an inclusive space for people who have experienced homelessness and marginalisation to have a voice, with the Choir with No Name.

Angharad Williams
Non-Executive Director

Angharad is an employment law solicitor, and joined Pennysmart as a non-executive director in August 2022. She specialises in advising employers and employees on a wide range of employment law and HR issues, and has worked in this area for over seven years.

Through her work, Angharad has had the opportunity to provide pro-bono advice to members of the local community, and has experience of working with others at a strategic level, having been a member of numerous committees throughout her career. She brings her analytical, problem-solving, legal and people skills to the Board.

Erica Parkinson
Non-Executive Director

Erica is a qualified accountant and joined Pennysmart as non-executive director in August 2022.

Erica currently holds the position of Finance Director at NWF Fuels Ltd where she has been in the role for 6 years, prior to that she has worked across various industries including Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing. She brings with her to the board her knowledge in financial experience, M&A, operational excellence, process improvement and business strategy.