Simon Valentine-Marsh

Review from verified client

January, 2018

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

We have always had financial advisers. After decades of high commission-bearing policies with Allied Dunbar (becoming Zurich) we switched to Philip J Milton where, after a few years, Simon took over our managed funds and pension strategies.

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Self-employed for most of our working lives, we've always tried our best to manage savings and forward planning, but circumstances change. Putting specific requirements to Simon, he not only came up with solutions but was also able to suggest (and persuade us) to adopt very different and highly flexible strategies. His breadth of knowledge and understanding of the way we're comfortable operating is the best we've come across.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not only what we'd been hoping for, but far better than our expectations.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We briefed Philip J Milton to untangle our affairs and funds accruing from several decades and to simplify pension and management funds and strategies. That brief continues today as we enjoy retirement, and our annual meeting with Simon V-M constantly assures us that his, and the company's understanding of our evolving requirements is always one step ahead of our thinking. This is what you need from an adviser.

Simon's reply

Dear David, Thank you for taking the time to provide me with a review and for your kind comments therein, which are most appreciated. With my very best wishes. Simon

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Despite his apparent youthfulness I have always found Simon to be very knowledgeable, backed by his commitment to continuous study. I have every confidence in his deliberations in respect of my financial affairs. He takes great care to work with our cautious personal attitude to risk to recommend a series of opportunities and jugements that are customer centred, not organisationally centred. His analyses are always very detailed and prompt, and there is never any sense of "sales" pressure.He is an excellent communicator and I always feel that I am in "safe hands".

What could they have done better?

Keep up the good work!

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon has a positive but very friendly approach. My move away from Devon has had no effect the quality of his care/service. Simon makes himself available promptly via email or he has phoned me as required. Simon was very through in his research in my initial financial situation and he listened carefully to my objectives. Simon gives me the space to consider his suggestions before I had to come to my initial decisions. Simon has done a yearly review ( more often if required) as that I can maximise my investment potential. I trust Simon with my investments.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon always offers unbiased and appropriate advice, and is exceptional in the way that he explains the reasons for the advice he is giving. He is always highly professional, yet friendly and pleasant.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

I have dealt with Simon Valentine-Marsh and the company for over 12 years, and the company for over 24, years and have at all times been successfully guided by there advise. Personally there have moments of problems when some stock or other crashed out, but from a technical perspective, over time, they, Simon and his associated professionals have always delivered on their advice. They have always been contactable at all times, giving reassurance to a now elderly investor. The yearly financial reviews are a key part of their planning advise and something which I find especially helpful. The ability of the company to handle all aspects of financial planning, savings, pensions, wills and matters of probate, and my other personal monitory matters make the company to me a "One stop shop". I have introduced two other members of my family to the company, with differing financial situations, who have both reported total satisfaction in the professional and moral integrity of Simon and his other departmental colleagues. Finally I feel both comfortable and at ease discussing all aspects of my finances and family matters with him and this company. I would advise anyone who is looking for a long-term financial adviser to look no further than Simon at PJ Milton and Co PLC.

What could they have done better?

My only suggestions would be that the time between yearly meetings to the actions discussed (financial report /advise update) could at times be shorter. apart from this I do not see how your service could be bettered.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Helps to understand the current position and plan for future needs

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon always listens well then gives advice or may make a suggestion. He is very approachable and explains detail in clear and easy terms. No unnecessary jargon. We are "rest assured" that Simon takes notice of our requirements and we trust him implicitly to care of them. Ray & Maureen

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Always happy to help. Nothing is too much trouble. If need be we can ring without notice and can speak to him or he soon rings us back if engaged. Very reassuring and much appreciated.

What could they have done better?

Never underestimate the lack of understanding of some of your clients. The heads are nodding but the eyes are glazed over. Try and keep it simple please.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon listens to what I would like and then advises accordingly using his experience and knowledge

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon is very approachable and takes time to listen carefully before offering any advice . He reviewed mine and my wife's various pension plans prior to our retirement and provided a detailed written report of the actions he advised us to take together with explanations. We found his advise invaluable in achieving the best income from these plans. Simon has also provided advise on ISA investments and was helpful when I had problems with a previous IFA. He reviewed my papers and advised me to report them to the Financial Ombudsman Service where my case was upheld and compensation eventually received after a long legal battle. Although Simon was not involved in the case, other than to provide calculations relating to the loss, he provided a sympathetic ear frequently during the process. If Simon does not know the answer to a problem, he always reports back with an answer when he has checked it out, I trust Simon and have confidence in his advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon has been our financial adviser for more than 5 years and during that time has helped us immensely. He gives us complete information on all aspects of our finances and all options which are available to us. He has always been available should we need to contact him or returned our calls in a timely fashion. Our pensions and taxes were a nightmare until Simon came along. We recommend him wholeheartedly.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon's communications with me regarding my pensions and financial advice was explained to me in a way which was easily understood. Simon's understanding of my of my situation was diagnosed and accurate and again explained to me which put my mind at ease regarding my financial future.

What could they have done better?

At present I feel Simon is a first class financial advisor who I would recommend to anybody.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Very approachable & has a first class understanding of our needs and requirements. Offers excellent advice and recommendations and is never rushed in our meetings and discussions. Always follows up with a detailed letter confirming the points discussed. Readily available for additional advice via e-mail if required.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really comes to mind.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon has been our advisor for several years and in that time we have had an annual meeting to discuss my pension fund and a variety of associated topics. We have also been in regular contact by email when necessary. In all the years we have known him we have completely trusted his opinions and believed that his advice was for our benefit to maximise our pension plans. He has seen us through a critical period of our lives, retiring from full time work and moving into a period of reliance on our savings and pension pot. He has shown sympathy and understanding, humour and diligence.

What could they have done better?

Like most financial advisers Simon lives in a different world from ours, dealing with funds, taxes, pensions, annuities etc. He could try and explain in more simple terms what he is saying as we sometimes leave his office not completely sure if we understand something he has told us. I usually write after our visit and ask and he always explains.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Simon Valentine-Marsh helped you?

Simon always responds quickly, particularly when something is evidently urgent and in a comprehensive and understandable manner. He adheres to timetables and offers initiatives before being prompted. He achieves the agreed objectives without undue fuss. He is extremely approachable (and will accept being teased from time to time).

What could they have done better?

In Simon's case, very little, now that we communicate in the first instance by e-mail.