Meet The Team

Meet the dedicated professionals behind our success. Get to know the faces driving innovation and excellence

James Slater

Chief Executive Officer

James co-founded ST&R in 2012 alongside his Wife, Natasha, to provide honest, straightforward and expert advice to customers.

Setting himself apart from strategic-focused CEOs, he is known for his hands-on approach, understanding the needs of ST&R at all levels, offering a wealth of ‘know-how’ in the ever-evolving financial services sector. James is an influential leader of people who remains committed to delivering the highest standards of innovation, to achieve persistently improved performance across the ST&R board.

James ‘lives for his family’, especially Natasha and their three children and, in the days before ST&R he was an International Judo Coach with his Father.

Ross Harrington

Chief Client Officer

Ross joined ST&R in 2024, bringing with him 30 years’ experience in managing large corporate businesses in both an insurer and client environment across all regions, including London.

Ross is skilled at taking ownership and accountability for delivering strong solutions for insurers, brokers and client relationships with experience across sales and distribution, underwriting, product & propositions, claims and risk management.

Being a board member of IUAD, Ross proudly represents ST&R in collaboration with the insurance market to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be joining such a vibrant and exciting team. With what is already a winning dynamic, I’m looking forward to heading the project and bringing in the next chapter in the evolution of this exciting business".

Roger Swansbury

Finance Director

Roger is the Group’s Finance Director, having joined the Company in 2020. He is also a co-founder of Fortifix.

Prior to joining ST&R, Roger held senior finance roles in owner managed businesses, PLCs and internationally operating entities, specialising in high growth and distressed businesses.

He holds a BSc in Mathematics from Aberystwyth University and is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (“FCCA”).

In his spare time, Roger plays hockey at a high level and is always up for a challenge or adventure to raise money for charity - including breaking world records.

Sarah Griffiths

Operations Director

Sarah is the Group's Operations Director and joined the Company in 2012 when the business was formed having previously worked for James directly at Paymentshield and Click.

She has extensive experience developed from working in various roles across the business and was promoted to her current role in 2015 where she oversees the call-centre for both iReview and ST&R.

Sarah has developed a deep understanding of ST&R's day-to-day needs, keeping in-line with all the providers metrics. As Sarah has moved through the company, she has experienced all aspects of ST&R which gives her an edge in understanding the company's operational needs.

Lauren Berry

Business Manager

Lauren joined the team in Spring 2024. As the Business Manager she is responsible for liaising with key stakeholders and to ensure a smooth and timely delivery of technically driven projects.

Lauren manages our Customer Relationship Team who are targeted with reducing cancellation rates and arrears whilst maximising cross-sell opportunities and enhancing overall customer service. Lauren also works closely with our Board of Directors and our panel of providers to investigate trends and anomalies which arise within our product offerings.

"Team ST&R strives to deliver the very best regardless of department or position, this is what struck me upon arrival, a singular mindset which in turn creates a fantastic culture of excitement and continuous desire to improve".

Leanne Hodgson

Compliance Manager

Leanne is key to liaising with our providers to ensure that our teams are delivering both up to the minute recommendations and giving the very best advice to our customers. With masses of experience in quality assurance working with key brands such as Co-Operative, Barclays and Nationwide, Leanne has major experience including finance, investment, mortgages and onboarding sectors.

"As with any business of our nature, effective compliance management is key to protecting our customers, we are constantly evolving our processes to ensure that we deliver only the best in terms of advice and service".

Saq Saleem

Sales Manager

A powerhouse of professionalism and managerial experience, with a natural ability to drive his team forward, Saq delivers outstanding customer service and demands only the very best from himself and his people. With a strong background in operational management, he joined us with a wealth of experience from companies such as Esure, Direct Line and British Gas. His key skills are project management, mentorship, people development and customer service.

"The first thing that strikes you at ST&R is the energy, its infectious and makes you want to be involved. Ideas are welcomed with everyone having a voice and a sense of value. We run as a singular unit with each department working closely together always challenging the status quo to improve the services that we provide".

James Hunter

Mortgage Manager

James has been with Team Star since 2016 and drives the mortgage arm of our business.

With 23 years experience in the financial services industry, James has worked with market leaders such as CIS Insurance, Lloyds Banking Group and Countrywide. James ensures that our customers receive only the very best in advice when making what is usually one of the biggest financial commitments of their lifetime.

"Buying a new home is a hugely exciting time, especially for first time buyers. However, it can also be one of the most confusing times due to the size of financial commitment and process required. Our team are here to take those frustrations away and make the whole journey an enjoyable experience from start to finish and, whether your purchase is personal or business related, we're on standby to help from the offset".

Rebecca Bateson

HR Advisor

Rebecca brings over 10 years of retail management experience and holds a Level 5 Diploma in People Management. She brings a strong people-first approach to her HR role, where she oversees onboarding, policy compliance, employee relations, and supports business changes in recruitment, compensation, and training. Passionate about HR technology and learning & development, Rebecca is committed to supporting a positive and growth-focused workplace culture.