Ian has specialised in the provision of Accountancy & Tax training in Kent since 2001.

Consequently, Ian has vast experience and extensive knowledge of the professional education business. His focus is on the core values which result in the provision of a first class, high quality experience both in and out of the classroom for students and clients alike.

For over 15 years, Karen Martin has been a credible leader in the vocational learning sector. You may know her from her work with Ofqual, Awarding Organisations and independent training providers.

Karen can also be credited with contributions to conducting external quality assurance for Ofqual, management of end point assessment teams, design and delivery of accredited leadership and management programmes at level 3 and 5 and TAQA suite of qualifications.

Ashley qualified with an accountancy practice in Kent after completing both his AAT and ACCA studies, as well as acquiring the ACCA Applied Accounting Degree with Oxford Brookes. Before joining First Intuition, Ashley was part of the Group Finance team at a large insurance company.

Ashley is a tutor who is more than happy to go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure that his students are properly prepared for their exams and assessments.

Shane is responsible for FI Maidstone’s apprenticeship programmes and administration team. Shane has vast experience having worked with levy paying employers in the finance sector.

From their initial inquiry, through to guiding and advising them on implementing their apprenticeship strategy. He has supported employers in enrolling new apprentices, from pilot groups to larger cohorts, and setting up bespoke learner journeys & a robust 20% off the job training plan. He has also a strong knowledge of the funding rules.

Jo has extensive experience in apprenticeship quality improvement and operational delivery.  Her role at FI Maidstone is to support the Head of Apprenticeships, to ensure the effective management of our existing apprenticeship offer and support the development of new programmes.  Jo works closely with the Skills Development Coaches to ensure that learner’s programmes are designed to meet both their individual needs, as well as the needs of their employers.

Sarah joined First Intuition in June 2018 as a Receptionist and Customer Service Advisor. Sarah is now the Office Manager at FI Maidstone.

Sarah studied Social Administration at Portsmouth University and previously worked in the Civil Service.  She deals with all aspects of customer service and administration, including exams, attendance and accounts and is always happy to help.

Jennifer joined the administration team at First Intuition in June 2019 after spending a number of years working in retail and hospitality.
She assists with day to day admin tasks, as well as providing customer service, invigilating computer based exams and the printing of course material.

Jill works as a part-time payroll and accounts clerk at FI Maidstone.  Her work involves supporting the  Managing Director with various accounts and payroll tasks.

Harry joined First Intuition in March 2022. Harry has previously worked within retail/administration gaining experience in customer service, leading a team and gaining business knowledge. Outside of work, Harry has an interest in his health by going to the gym often as well as enjoying playing golf.

Hannah joined the administration team at First Intuition in December 2021, as a Business Support Apprentice. She had previously completed a Public Service level 2 Diploma at Midkent College.

Harvey left Manchester University with a degree in Maths and then qualified whilst working for the Official Receiver. He has worked in professional education since 2000 and teaches a broad range of subjects.

He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and versatile of tutors. Students frequently comment how he has helped them understand the most complex areas by bringing them to life, adding value to the material and linking it back to the real world.

Nicole started her career working in Local Government with Kent County Council, which has the largest County Council budget in the UK.  She supported Directors and Budget Managers to make key decisions on the most volatile and high risk budgets within KCC. During this, she became an ACCA member with a First Class Degree in Applied Accounting.  Nicole has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she can draw on to help students. Added to this is her love of learning as a former student of First Intuition herself.

Suzy has been involved in professional education and training since 1999. She has tutored trainee accountants across a broad range of accounting and business subjects, as well as running her own business supporting students, from a variety of backgrounds, with study skills and exam technique.

Her experience prior to tutoring included audit, accountancy and management accounts. Suzy loves teaching and her students often comment on her ability to make otherwise mundane topic areas both interesting and relatable.

Carla began her career in professional education in 2008, as a Tutor teaching both financial reporting and audit papers.

Previously qualifying as a chartered accountant whilst working as an auditor for Baker Tilly (now RSM) in London, Carla is able to bring her real life experiences of working in practice to the classroom.

Students often comment how Carla is able to break down complex topic areas to make them simple and easy to understand.

Her love of teaching and engaging with students on a daily basis has led to a long career as a tutor, while also having gained experience in managerial and operational roles within professional education.

Claire qualified with a big four firm in London. Prior to joining First Intuition, she specialised in Corporate Restructuring, working on a number of high profile reorganisations and insolvencies.

Claire’s specialises in teaching Tax at all levels. Claire believes in helping students reach their full potential, not only by preparing them for their professional exams but also by preparing them for their future careers.

Linda joined the apprenticeship team in August 2021 having spent the last 20 years teaching in FE, HE and Adult education colleges, most recently as a Bookkeeping and Accounting Tutor. Linda has now moved to our tutor team in May 2022. Linda is passionate about education and enjoys helping students to achieve their goals in life through gaining new knowledge, skills and confidence. Having been an accounting student herself she understands the pressures that study can bring and hopes that her experience will help her to support students throughout their journey.

Claire joined the apprenticeship team in June 2021. Claire supports apprentices studying different programmes ranging from levels 2 to 7 and has previous experience in apprenticeship delivery and support along with extensive leadership and management work experience. Claire also holds a qualification in Educational Training, and she works closely with the apprenticeship team to assist in supporting apprentice relationships to develop and improve their skills and behaviours throughout their qualifications.

Rachel joined the apprenticeship team in March 2022. She has previous experience as a coach, working closely to support young people with autism and learning difficulties achieve their employment goals whilst gaining confidence and independence.

Rachel will now be supporting FI apprentices studying level, 2, 3, 4 and 7. She will be helping them to develop the skills and behaviours needed to succeed in their apprenticeship.

Rachael joined the apprenticeship team in August 2021. Rachael now supports students studying levels 2, 3, 4 and 7 and has previous experience with delivery and support of Apprenticeships having also completed one herself.

She conducts regular reviews to help develop her cohorts’ skills and behaviours. Rachael thrives on seeing her learners grow and meet their personal and professional goals.

Skott joined the FI team as a Skills and Development Coach in May 2022. His experience includes the administration of training courses, delivery of functional skills and supporting learners with developing a range of life skills.

Skott has himself completed an apprenticeship and therefore has a good understanding of the challenges faced by apprentices.

Millie started with First Intuition Maidstone in May 2022, and has previously completed a degree, therefore understands the challenges that students face.

She also has experience in commissioning specialist training courses adhering to guidelines and requests. Millie enjoys working with people on their career development and assisting them wherever possible.

Jasmine joined First Intuition in April 2021. Jasmine is an experienced marketer with knowledge across multiple industries. She works on delivering customer-focused campaigns across all our platforms including social media and email marketing.