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Danielle Higgins
Managing Director
Danielle Higgins is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of The Tracing Group, renowned for providing cutting-edge people tracing and data management solutions to top UK financial institutions and Pension Schemes. She's a 2023 nominee for the "Innovator of the Year" at the Women in Pension Awards, thanks to Validentity. This groundbreaking ID Verification tool seamlessly confirms customer and pension member identities. With 16 years under her belt in data quality and asset reunification, Danielle co-introduced the CTF Register in 2020 alongside Sharefoundation. This pioneering solution aids young individuals in rediscovering their lost Child Trust Fund accounts. Additionally, Danielle has been an instrumental Deputy Chair for the TISA Data Quality Executive Committee, advocating for best practices in addressing 'gone aways' in finance—a guideline later adopted by the BSI. Outside her professional realm, Danielle finds solace in ballet, yoga, and cold water swimming while cherishing moments with her two daughters and husband.
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.
Justin McGuirk
Head of Business Development
Justin has over 25 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.
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
Senior Tracing Executive
Brogan is an integral part of the Tracing Team, with over 11 years Customer Service and Administration experience within different industries. Brogans primary role is to support the Head of Tracing in continuously delivering accurate research results as efficiently as possible amongst various other tasks
In her spare 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!
Bob Appleton
Researcher
Bob is a vital member of The Tracing Group Research Team. He uses his 10-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!
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.
