About Us - harbor-stoat

Our Founding Story

Harbor-stoat began in 2014 when three financial professionals noticed a troubling pattern: capable, intelligent people making avoidable money mistakes simply because no one had ever taught them the basics.

Banks and schools rarely teach practical money skills. Parents, even well-meaning ones, often pass down habits rather than strategies. We set out to fill that gap with accessible, judgement-free education that meets people wherever they start.

What began as evening workshops in a rented community hall has grown into a dedicated centre offering year-round programmes for all ages. Our commitment remains unchanged: make financial knowledge available to everyone, not just those who already have wealth to manage.

What Guides Us

Our values shape every course we create and every interaction with our students.

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Practical Focus

Theory has its place, but we emphasise skills you can apply immediately. Every session includes actionable steps you can take before the next class.

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Inclusive Approach

Financial challenges touch everyone regardless of background. We create welcoming spaces where questions are encouraged and no situation is judged.

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Lasting Change

Quick fixes fade. We build habits and understanding that serve you for decades, adapting as your life circumstances evolve.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Financial education often intimidates people with complex terminology and abstract concepts. We reject that approach entirely.

Our instructors translate sophisticated ideas into everyday language. We use examples from real Birmingham life: local shops, familiar scenarios, relatable challenges. When a concept clicks, students remember it because it connects to their actual experience.

Concepts explained without jargon
Real-world examples from everyday situations
Interactive exercises rather than passive lectures
Progress measured by behaviour change, not test scores

Instructor teaching financial concepts to engaged students

2,400+ Graduates

12 Years Teaching

340+ Family Groups

8 Expert Instructors

Our Instruction Team

Qualified professionals who combine industry expertise with genuine teaching passion.

David Thompson

Former banking executive with twenty years in retail finance. David leads our adult programmes and specialises in debt management and credit education.

Priya Sharma

Chartered accountant and former school teacher. Priya developed our youth programmes and brings infectious enthusiasm to every session with young learners.

Michael O'Brien

Investment analyst turned educator. Michael runs our investment foundations course and makes complex market concepts accessible to beginners.

Our Birmingham Home

Our centre sits on Colmore Row in Birmingham's professional district, easily accessible by public transport and surrounded by the city's financial institutions.

The location is intentional. We want students to feel they belong in spaces where money decisions happen. Our bright, modern classrooms feature comfortable seating, interactive displays, and breakout areas for group exercises.

For those who cannot attend in person, we offer selected programmes through live video sessions, maintaining the interactive quality that makes our teaching effective.

Visit Our Centre

Ready to Start Learning?

Browse our courses and find the programme that matches your goals. New sessions begin monthly.

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The information provided on this website and in our courses is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, and results may vary based on individual circumstances. We recommend consulting with a qualified financial adviser before making significant financial decisions. Our courses aim to improve financial literacy and should not be considered a substitute for professional financial guidance.

About Our School