Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 19 )

Mortgages ( 23 )

Pensions ( 2 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 1 )

Auto Enrolment ( 1 )

Investments and Savings ( 7 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 1 )

£200k - £500k ( 3 )

£100k - £200k ( 5 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

Up to £50k ( 17 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

December, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wanted to gain additional funds to get a bigger property

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Helped us gain the funds needed and sorted out the life insurance policy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all, effortless on our part.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Buying a house, not classed as a first time buyer.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Talked me through all the options available to me and provided some great advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100% - Steve got me the perfect affordable mortgage

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Buying property through mortgages and bridging loans

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I have many properties and Steve offers me advice on new mortgages and existing mortgages. Steve looks after me through the whole process and makes obtaining mortgages and remortgages a walk in the park

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Many times. I have dealt with Steve for 7 new mortgages and 5 remortgages I wouldn’t use anyone else.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of any constructive criticism. My property portfolio has grown at a fast pace and this is down to my enthusiasm and Steve’s understanding of mortgages and his communication and organisational skills

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2019

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

We are currently considering options for the future. If we go down the path suggested by Steve we will contact him. This was part of our discussion with him.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

General advise with mortgages and finances moving forward.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve has a way of explaining many possible investment ideas and strategies but ultimately leaves you with no pressure as to which way to go.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely.

What could they have done better?

I’d love to be able to help by adding something constructive but he genuinely did nothing wrong!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2019

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Ok

Review from verified client

February, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were buying a new house so required a new mortgage and also needed life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve was very helpful advising us on mortgage lenders that may be more suited to our situation. He followed up our enquiry swiftly and we got a mortgage offer a couple of weeks after his visit. He also built a great package for us with life protection, critical illness cover and income protection.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we got the mortgage we needed, with slightly lower monthly payments than we were expecting.

What could they have done better?

Steve was very good at replying to my questions, the appointment for making the application went smoothly and he did a stellar job, I don’t think there was anything he needed to improve on!

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Mortgage and insurance

How has Steve Sims helped you?

He helped me find the best deals for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing Steve was very knowledgeable and professional throughout the whole process

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed a mortgage to buy my house

How has Steve Sims helped you?

He met me at my convenience and advised me on the best mortgage deal for my circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I secured a great mortgage offer

What could they have done better?

Steve was very professional and I couldn’t fault his work - I wouldn’t say he could have done any better

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Service

Value

Advice

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Buying first house

How has Steve Sims helped you?

With getting me a mortgage when no one else could get to the price I needed. Sorted out my life insurance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Decorate my house before I moved in

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed a mortgage for my first time purchase after starting a family

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve went above and beyond

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now own my first property which I am renevating

What could they have done better?

To be fair to Steve I don’t think he could of done much more

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

2 remortgages - residential and buy to let.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I was recommended Steve by a friend who has used Steve for a few years. From the first meeting Steve was professional with his approach, accommadating and flexible which is great for us with a young family. He listened to our situation, offered sound advice and proposed realistic options. Steve has been a great support throughout the process too which has massively helped. We will definitely look to use Steve again in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Steve was able to suggest options we didn’t know were possible and we are pleased with the outcome of his advice and services.

What could they have done better?

I don’t have constructive suggestions. I don’t believe there is anything he could have done better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I was happy with his response but not sure about his fees as they were very expensive for an introduction.

Steve's reply

Hi Wendy, Thank you for the feedback, apologies if you felt the cost was on the expensive side. I just wanted to clarify the cost involved only becomes payable if I do an application on your behalf and you are actually proceeding to do business. Anything up to that point doesn't actually carry a charge/cost.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Gave practical and useful advice based on our circumstances. Explained clearly what our options were. No hard sell and set out his fee structure clearly and up front.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Good initial meeting, awaiting further information

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve is a very friendly and very helpful adviser. He has always been very prompt with all information which we have asked for. Always explained information in depth but also can be understood easily. We would highly recommend him and we will be using him again in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Pleasant and helpful

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I found him to be punctual, personable and well informed. He explained very clearly how he would be able to invest my money. I may use his advice but want to compare the charges first with those of another adviser.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I never even had a response from Steve despite claims that he would be in contact within 24 hours. Really disappointed with the lack of service.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Can't leave a negative or positive review here as I have very little to base it on. Steve was very polite and descriptive over email however did not replay for over a week or so as things were 'hectic' - unfortunately i had moved on by then.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Friendly, knowledgable, personable and a very useful meeting.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Remortgage.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve was extremely professional and honest during the entire process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The mortgage was sorted within 48 hours and Steve kept me informed throughout.

What could they have done better?

Nothing- fantastic service! Couldn't recommend enough.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Buying our first family home.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Explained everything thoroughly and found us the best mortgage possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were buying a new family home and Steve came highly recommended to us.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve helped us find the best mortgage on the market, giving us advice on pros and cons to each. Also helped us protect our home with great value life insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, couldn't have asked for a more speedy, professional service.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Good straight talking advice

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Buying a house.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve arranged our mortgage. He was excellent and we were very impressed with his expertise and knowledge. He explained everything to us in clear and simple terms and was thoroughly professional. We will be seeing Steve again in the future when we require further advice on financial matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

As first time buyers with a complicated situation, we felt the need for specialist knowledge and advice in navigating the mortgage options available for us.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve broke down what was available to us and explored all potential avenues with impeccable accuracy and detail. He applied his knowledge and experience to our situation and explained each and every step in helping us to secure our mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Steve went above and beyond our expectations to secure the mortgage that was right for us, a fact we are immensely grateful for.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say I have no criticisms or words of constructive advice. Steve was excellent throughout the whole process.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To complete a remortgage of our home.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

With everything at all times. Throughout the whole process he has given us advice and information we require. Answering any questions no matter how big or small, he's been a great help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, nothing. We told him what we were looking to do and he's made that happen so we are very happy.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Mortgages are difficult to obtain especially in our circumstances; four children, self-employed and nearing 50 years of age. We tried several mortgage brokers who couldn't help so we contacted Steve.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve would not give up on finding the right mortgage for us even though it was difficult.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We now have the mortgage and are about to exchange contracts.

What could they have done better?

Steve was thoroughly professional throughout and he went above and beyond of what we expected of him. He kept in touch regularly and was always positive.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had a lot of credit card debt initially then decided to sell our house to clear.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve has gone over and above what you would expect. He has helped and supported us for over a year. I could not praise his services enough and has worked really hard to get us the best deal.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are about to complete next week on a new property.

What could they have done better?

I would struggle to find anything. As stated he was superb.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

updating of financial position.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

he assessed our situation and advised us on a much more efficient package for our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

it's a long term thing, but yes, we are very happy with the current situation.

What could they have done better?

I really can't think of anything - sorry!

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Life insurance is very complicatedyou can't just compare one from a website and choose, there are so many hidden parts to it I believe you need the right advice to choose the right policy which suits your family and individual needs.

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Helped me and wife to get the right life protection insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Steve was spot on in all aspects

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very good

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Friendly professional advice

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I have found Steve to be a very efficient professional who has my full interest at heart, as his main focal point whenever we meet to do business. He is an excellent communicator who explains clearly the various options available to gain the best savings rate on the various amounts of money I hold . He also checks out that I have fully understood the outcomes of changes I have agreed to on his recommendations, and gives me the opportunity to stop or change my mind ,if I am uncertain about things about things.

What could they have done better?

With the financial market changing rapidly I think it would be helpful if Steve was able to bring along some information about new forms of investments and saving company's and what services they provide. As an example I am thinking about things like Peer to Peer lending and Investments.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

He was very helpful and understood my needs and circumstances

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

It is difficult to rate our Adviser given that he is the only one we have used! We have no-one to compare him with! In all our meetings with him, either at the Co-op Bank or since his work with Opal we have found him to be friendly, personable and to want to know our wishes in terms of the financial commitments we wish to make in order to give us the best advice he can. He has made the effort to describe the benefits/shortfalls in various investments and allowed us to choose what best fits our attitude to risk etc. He has also responded either by phone, e-mail or in person to questions that we have had. I have therefore given 4 stars when maybe I should have given 5 particularly in terms of the Quality of Advice (although this will be determined over a longer period of time!) and Quality of Service.

What could they have done better?

My wife and I do not have any real knowledge of the financial markets etc. Whilst we have had several discussions with regard to our proposed investments it would help to know a little more. Having said this Steve has made some effort in the time he has spent with us to provide some of this information. I recognise that I could spend time reading/using the internet or whatever to gain such but personal advice has always been preferred.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Mr Steve Sims is a very knowledgable and compentant IFA based on my experience I recomend his servies to my family and friends.

What could they have done better?

I have no issues with Mr Sims

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve is extremely knowledgeable, he seeks to listen and really understand his client's needs. He doesn't try to influence and carefully educates in a way that enables you to gain a better understanding of areas that can be overwhelming. He is trustworthy, honest and deals with everything promptly. I would highly recommend Steve; he is very personable which puts you immediately at ease and is always highly professional.

What could they have done better?

For the service that I require - nothing.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I was very pleased with the service recieved from Steve. He is professional, efficient and friendly and did a great job at helping me find exactly the cover I need, at a price that suits me. Highly reccomended.

What could they have done better?

I was happy with all aspects of the service recieved.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

A very conscientious professional that is diligent and thoughtful with his advice and guidance towards mortgage rates and borrowing. A very honest and open opinion during our mortgage search. Mr Sims was constantly in contact to inform us of where we were relating to our mortgage application and when a few issues arose he dealt with them quickly and without fuzz.

What could they have done better?

I think he needs to promote himself more so that he increases his competitiveness in his field. I would like to think he can remain creative when trying to build a bigger client base.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Above all Steve listens to what you need and then finds the solution that meets your requirements. I would not hesitate to recommend Steve to anybody.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve arranged for our mortgage on a new property we purchased. He provided us advice on all of the products available to us and created a relaxed environment where we could discuss which best suited our situation. There was never any pressure and the final decision was ours. We were regularly updated throught the process and he was very efficient answering our questions.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Our adviser Steve analyzed myself and my girlfriends personal financial situation and prepared a good variety of options designed to help us address our financial objective of providing cover for critical illness etc. Steve was great at advising on what option to choose and asked the right questions to help us determine what our goals were as we werenÂ’t fully sure originally.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure what he could improve on really as we were very happy with the service provided from Steve and would highly recommend him to anyone else who is looking for any sort of financial advice.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Advice and guidance was provided in an informative and impartial manner. We were given tailored advice that suited our specific needs.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I was greatly surprised by the personable and professional approach that Steve displayed.He was passionate about his work and as a customer you got a sense of comfort as I knew that I was dealing with somebody who clearly cared about my dilemmas.

What could they have done better?

I asked him a question on tax which he was honest enough to say that it was an area of development for him. So more knowledge around tax planning would be beneficial.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Steve advised the executors of an estate the most tax efficient manner to handle the estate in a friendly and efficient manner

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

I felt that Steve was friendly and professional. He was approachable, which I thought was essential when discussing personal matters such as family and your individual needs. I didn't think he was at all pushy, which I have experienced in the past and the products I decided to take matched exactly what I was looking for at a fair price.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Steve Sims helped you?

Very thorough and knowledgeable about product, and gave honest, sound advice about which option to choose.

What could they have done better?

We were fully sati fifes with service received.