Meet the team

Paul Stokes: Co-founder | Chartered Wealth Manager

I help clients at all life stages navigate their financial journey with confidence. With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, including co-founding and leading a national financial planning and wealth management firm, I bring broad expertise across all areas of financial planning. I’ve helped individuals, families, trusts and businesses achieve their objectives around investments, protection, retirement, and broader long-term planning.

As a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and a Chartered Wealth Manager, I’m committed to the highest professional standards and ongoing learning. Staying up to date with industry developments and regulatory change means I can give clients advice that’s current, considered, and grounded in real expertise.

At Cohesion, my focus is simple: making financial advice clear, personal, and empowering. I don’t believe advice should only be accessible to high-net-worth individuals, everyone deserves access to advice they can rely on. I take the time to listen, understand your priorities and walk you through the process so even complex decisions feel manageable.

Building long-term relationships is central to how I work. Whether you’re planning for yourself, your family, your business, or partnering with us professionally, my aim is always to offer clarity, reassurance, and confidence at every step of your financial journey.

Outside work:

I’m active as a rugby referee across the county with the Hertfordshire Society of Referees, keeping me connected to the game I love. I also enjoy supporting Coventry City, listening to music, sharing good food, and spending quality time with friends. I bring the same balance, connection, and energy to my client relationships, building connections that are thoughtful, supportive, and lasting.

Claire Mellon: Co-founder | Chief Client Officer

I’m passionate about helping clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence and support. With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, including senior roles across marketing, client experience and strategic planning, I bring empathy, clarity and care into every interaction. My background gives me a deep understanding of how people think and feel about money, which helps make complex financial decisions simple and manageable.

I’m particularly committed to championing and empowering women, making financial advice accessible to all ages and helping remove barriers so everyone can feel confident about their financial future.

As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I’m driven by the highest standards of communication and client understanding. At Cohesion, that translates into an advice experience that balances professional expertise with genuine human connection – so you always feel informed, supported, and in control.

Outside work:

I’m a huge rugby fan and spend most of my spare time watching matches or catching up with rugby friends. I’m also ‘Auntie Claire’ to some wonderful children and a few very special cats. Horses and eventing have been lifelong passions, and while I haven’t competed for a while, I’m aiming to get back in the saddle before a certain milestone sneaks up on me.

Food is another great love of mine. Nothing makes me happier than cooking treasured family recipes or experimenting with new dishes. I’m at my best when I’m surrounded by animals, nature, and the people I care about, and I bring that same warmth, enthusiasm, and sense of connection into the way I work with clients.