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Team

Meet our Team

Danielle Higgins

Danielle Higgins

Managing Director

Danielle established The Tracing Group in February 2017, recognising the need for a more straightforward approach to tracing. The Tracing Group is focused on its strategy to provide innovative solutions to this sector that harness the latest in technological development whilst remaining dedicated to the client's needs. 

The team that Danielle has brought together combines strengths in people tracing research, technical infrastructure and creativity. Danielle has led The Tracing Group to secure some of the UK's most high-profile Pension Schemes and administrators as clients and is securing new business at a rapid rate. 

Data quality and asset reunification have been the focus of Danielle's professional attention for the last 11 years. She has been running companies that deliver this, consulting on the subject as part of industry-wide initiatives, lobbying the government or developing products designed to solve these issues.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys ballet, yoga and spending time with her husband and two daughters. 

Paul Gaston

Head of I.T Infrastructure

Paul is responsible for setting up the technical infrastructure of the business. He is an experienced company director with more than 30 years of IT systems, data and platform development knowledge. He has extensive experience implementing secure infrastructure systems and is responsible for the data infrastructure and security policies at The Tracing Group.

Paul is also highly creative and instrumental in The Tracing Group's product development team. He focuses intently on bringing the most innovative products to our clients and industry. 

In a previous life, Paul was in the RAF as an electronics engineer. In his spare time, he enjoys walking with his dog Luna and is a regular attendee of the local karting track, where he constantly strives for the fastest lap. He always says, "This is my last year racing," but we think that will not happen any time soon.

Paul Gaston
Justin McGuirk

Justin McGuirk

Head of Business Development

Justin has over 20 years of sales and customer service experience.

 

His client-facing techniques, coupled with his inbound endeavours, ensure that the customer experience is marked by values relating to skill, competency and confidence.

Justin keeps a watchful eye on current affairs, a couple of watchful eyes on his two young daughters, and zero watchful eyes on Match of the Day, when his team has performed abysmally.

Sarah Warricker

Office Manager

Sarah is responsible for all areas of office management and compliance support. She has twenty years of operations, sales and product management experience in financial services. 

She has previously worked in the asset reunification industry and is instrumental in ensuring we can continue to deliver the highest standards to our clients.

She enjoys walking her dogs and spending time with her husband and two daughters in her spare time.

Sarah Warricker
Sam Thelwell

Sam Thelwell

Head of Research

Sam is responsible for the research team that delivers results for our clients. Having previously managed large research teams at different asset reunification companies (after spending many years as a researcher), he has a wealth of relevant experience.

 

Sam is focused on quality and accuracy when it comes to research results and is also a great leader with an inclusive and considerate approach to managing his team. Sam will always make himself available to clients with queries about results and considers client satisfaction a key measure of his success.

 

Sam is a keen cricketer, has previously represented Norfolk at Minor Counties Cricket, and is a captain at Swardeston Cricket Club. He has enjoyed travelling extensively with his wife over the past decade, but COVID and a daughter have stopped that!

Brogan Nicholl

Research Support

Brogan is an integral part of the research team, with over nine years of customer service and administration experience within different industries. With a qualification in Business Administration, Brogan's primary role is to support the Head of Research in continuously delivering accurate research results as efficiently as possible.

In her time, Brogan enjoys spending time with her family and travelling the country. She also likes taking her Rescue Staffy, Bella, out for adventures or enjoying Bella's favourite activity, a cuddle on the sofa with a cup of tea and a digestive biscuit!

Brogan Nicholl
Bob Appleton

Bob Appleton

Researcher

Bob is a vital member of The Tracing Group Research Team. He uses his 5-plus years of people tracing and genealogical research experience on the various cases that cross our desks daily. Bob enjoys solving complex research cases with minimal input information and is exceptionally skilled with overseas tracing projects.

In 2013 Bob completed a History degree with a 2:1 specialising in landscape and modern British history. Bob enjoys coffee, real ale, and the local music scene when he isn't spending time with his daughter.

Alison Williams-Hughes

Office Administrator

Alison is an essential member of the research team. A communication and media studies graduate, she has over 15 years of experience in customer care and administration. She provides first-class support to the rest of the research team and provides our client’s customers with the best possible customer service.

 

In her spare time, Alison enjoys walks in the countryside with her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel or cuddling on the sofa with one of the cats. She also loves travelling abroad and at home and discovering new places and cultures. She also likes making bits and pieces with her vast craft collection!

Alison Williams-Hughes
Amy Mansfield

Amy Mansfield

Office Administrator

Amy is a vital member of the research team. With seven years of experience providing the best customer service, she ensures all calls are handled professionally and efficiently. Her continuous support for the researchers helps to ensure the research team remains proficient in providing accurate research results for our clients.

 

Out of work, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and their jack russell dog, Penny, who may be small but has a big personality. She also enjoys reading, especially a good thriller book!

Suzanne Lightwing-Smith

Business Consultant

Suzanne has extensive business experience across several sectors and specialises in people and customer experience.  She supports The Tracing Group with business strategy and development, working on projects and initiatives to help build and grow the business whilst maintaining excellent customer service and a great working environment.

 

In her spare time, Suzanne loves spending time with her two sons and dog and enjoys travelling.

Suzanne Lightwing-Smith
Justas Sidiskis

Justas Sidiskis

Digital Marketing Manager

Justas brings various skills and experiences, including a strong understanding of marketing concepts and strategies. He has a solid foundation in marketing principles, including market research, branding, digital marketing, and campaign planning.

Computing & IT and Business graduate. Justas strongly desires to learn and grow in marketing and is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

In his spare time, he enjoys meeting with family and friends and doing all sorts of sports activities.

Need more details? Contact us now

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