About
Daniel Tillson
Founder & Managing Director
With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage and financial services industry, Daniel specialises in helping clients find the right mortgage solutions tailored to their needs. From searching thousands of deals across 90+ lenders to securing exclusive offers not available directly, he is dedicated to making the mortgage process simple, stress-free, and cost-effective.
Daniel is passionate about building long-term relationships with his clients, ensuring they have the right mortgage, legal support, and protection in place. Outside of work, he has taken on several charity challenges, including a 100km trek through the Sahara Desert, a 150km Nordic ski tour, and the Three Peaks Challenge – raising over £26,000 for local causes.
Email: Daniel@MeritMortgages.co.uk
Book a consultation with Dan:
https://calendly.com/meritmortgages/initialconsultation
Louise Smart
Protection Director
As a mum of three, Louise understands how important it is to protect your home, your family, and your future. She knows that life can be unpredictable, and having the right protection in place offers peace of mind when it matters most.
With a strong background in both financial services and HR, Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal, empathetic approach to every client she works with. Whether it’s life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, or family protection plans, she takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances before recommending the right solution.
Louise works closely with the mortgage team to ensure your protection needs are seamlessly connected to your mortgage journey. Her goal is to make the process simple and stress-free, so clients feel confident knowing their home, family, and finances are fully protected.
Email: Louise@MeritMortgages.co.uk
Book a Protection Review with Louise:
https://calendly.com/meritprotect/protection
Nadine Hawkins
Senior Client Account Manager
With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, Nadine plays a key role in ensuring every client’s mortgage journey runs smoothly. From file checking and data entry to booking client meetings, she works behind the scenes to keep everything organised and on track.
Before joining Merit Mortgages, Nadine spent over a decade at Barclays Bank in roles including Cashier, Personal Banker, and Business Specialist. This background has given her a strong understanding of the industry and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service. She also had the opportunity to work alongside Daniel during this time, which adds to the collaborative spirit of the Merit Mortgages team.
Nadine’s attention to detail and commitment to client care make her an invaluable part of the team, ensuring every client feels supported throughout the process.
Email: Nadine@MeritMortgages.co.uk
Abigail Pateman
Client Account Manager
With a strong background in customer service, team management, and administration, Abigail brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role at Merit Mortgages. Her focus is on keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, from managing documentation and client communication to supporting our brokers so clients enjoy a seamless mortgage journey.
Abigail’s career has been incredibly varied, spanning roles in facilities management, retail, catering, and education. She has managed teams of over 80 staff across multiple sites, handled client-facing responsibilities in both corporate and customer service settings, and delivered exceptional operational support throughout her career. Her time as a District Manager overseeing 24 units across Hampshire shows her ability to manage complex operations while maintaining outstanding service standards.
Abigail’s organisational skills, people-first approach, and dedication to delivering a smooth experience for clients make her an invaluable member of the Merit Mortgages team.
Email: Abigail@MeritMortgages.co.uk
Laura Tomkins
Independent Mortgage Advisor
Laura Tomkina brings valuable experience supporting both residential and buy-to-let clients, with a strong understanding of lender criteria, affordability assessments, and how to navigate the mortgage process smoothly from start to finish.
She is known for her friendly, approachable style and takes pride in delivering clear, straightforward advice without the jargon. Laura is passionate about making sure every client feels informed, confident, and supported at every stage, whether they are buying their first home, moving, investing, or reviewing their current mortgage.
Her focus is always on finding the right solution for each individual client, while building long-term relationships based on trust and transparency.
If you are looking for guidance on your next move, Laura will be happy to help.
Email: Laura@MeritMortgages.co.uk
Emily McCabe
Client Account Manager
Emily plays a key role behind the scenes, helping to keep everything running smoothly from application through to completion. She supports both our advisers and clients, ensuring a seamless and well-managed experience at every stage.
With a strong focus on organisation, communication, and client care, Emily is passionate about delivering a high level of service and making sure every client feels informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey.
If you have any questions about your application or need support along the way, Emily will be happy to assist.
Email: Emily@MeritMortgages.co.uk
