About Us - umbernook

Our Story

umbernook was founded in 2018 by a group of financial professionals and educators who noticed a troubling pattern: intelligent, capable people struggling with basic money decisions simply because no one had ever taught them.

We believed that Birmingham deserved better. A city known for innovation and enterprise should equip its residents with the tools to thrive financially.

What started as weekend workshops in a community centre has grown into a comprehensive educational programme serving families, young professionals, and business owners throughout the West Midlands.

Our Values

The principles that guide every course we design and every student we teach

Accessibility

Financial education should not be a privilege. We structure our pricing and scheduling to accommodate working families and offer bursaries for those who need them.

Practicality

Theory without application is forgotten within weeks. Every lesson includes exercises that students can implement before the next session.

Honesty

We teach what works, acknowledge what we don't know, and never pretend that financial success comes without effort and discipline.

Respect

Everyone arrives with different backgrounds and circumstances. We meet students where they are, without judgement about past financial decisions.

Our Journey

2018

The Beginning

First workshop held at Digbeth Community Centre with 12 participants.

2019

Junior Programme Launch

Introduced our first course designed specifically for children aged 7-12.

2020

Digital Expansion

Adapted our curriculum for online delivery, reaching students across the UK.

2021

New Headquarters

Moved to our current location on Colmore Row with dedicated classroom space.

2022

Business Programme

Launched our Small Business Finance course in partnership with local enterprise hubs.

2023

2,000 Students Milestone

Celebrated reaching over 2,000 enrolled students across all programmes.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We believe that financial literacy is a skill, not a talent. Just as anyone can learn to read or drive, anyone can learn to manage money effectively.

Our courses combine structured learning with peer discussion, practical exercises, and ongoing support. We create an environment where questions are welcomed and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.

Graduates leave our programmes not just with knowledge, but with confidence and a community of like-minded individuals committed to financial growth.

Leadership Team

The people behind our programmes

Rachel Turner

Founder & Director

Former wealth manager with 18 years in financial services. Passionate about making finance accessible to everyone.

David Kowalski

Head of Education

Secondary school teacher turned financial educator. Specialises in youth programmes and curriculum development.

Aisha Nkomo

Senior Instructor

Chartered accountant with expertise in small business finance and personal tax planning.

Join Our Learning Community

Take the first step towards financial confidence. Explore our courses or get in touch to discuss which programme suits your needs.

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About umbernook