Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 14 )

Mortgages ( 1 )

Pensions ( 37 )

Equity Release ( 3 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 20 )

Investments and Savings ( 44 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 11 )

Inheritance Planning ( 15 )

Long Term Care ( 3 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 8 )

Financial Planning ( 27 )

Financial Mentoring ( 5 )

Financial Coaching ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 13 )

£200k - £500k ( 14 )

£100k - £200k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

( 1 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Value

Service

Advice

Based in Essex

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

Retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Understanding future requirements

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

The need to safeguard our future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the main yes, Covid has been an obstacle.

How has Simon Player helped you?

With his experience

What could they have done better?

I don’t know.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Left an international corporation that I had worked for many years to set up my own company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Transfer my old employers pension into a pension controlled by me.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

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

Investment of money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Concern that our savings needed to be redirected to be tax efficient.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Guiding us with a suitable vehicle to protect the impact of taxation.

What could they have done better?

Not sure. We were happy with the advice and the attention from Simon

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Divorce proceedings meant I needed financial advise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Yes very much

What could they have done better?

I am more than happy with Simon’s help and advise.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Somerset

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

Planning and investment for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

SO far

How has Simon Player helped you?

CLarified options, provided platform, focussed thinking

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Suffolk

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

To consolidate my some of my older pensions into one and also to provide pension advice with regards to my settlement agreement (redundancy) This also included pension advice for my wife's pensions as well

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have a clear picture of what our pension expectations are

How has Simon Player helped you?

By helping us through the complicacted nature of how pensions work and to help us choose/select pensions that best suit our families needs

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

I had a number of investments but no advice. I knew Simon already for me he was the logical choice as he understands my investment requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon is assisting me with my retirement planning. The questions he ask are pertinent and difficult for me to answer on occasion. He is very understanding of my desire to invest independently but always there to provide advice if I want it..

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Future after retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tbc

How has Simon Player helped you?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon , did an excellent job for me, I was impressed and grateful for the time he spent reviewing my complex set up and ensuring going forward my retirement and saving objectives are going to be met…thanks

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Dunbartonshire

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

The need to make savings work for me in the longer term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Investments have increased in value.

How has Simon Player helped you?

He discussed my situation and guided me to invest through the Nucleus platform.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with how he conducted my business

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cambridgeshire

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

Managing a broad range of investments is too complicated/time consuming for me to do personally.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the returns have been good from a financial and personal perspective.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has provided sound advice throughout. We have consolidated investments and migrated them to a single platform where risk can be more effectively managed. He has been a good sounding-board and has challenged our thinking. In addition, he has provided reassurance when necessary and structured our investments in a way that works best for us.

What could they have done better?

Occasionally, it has taken some time for Simon to respond to specific questions, but these are rare!

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Simon’s advice was useful in retirement planning and whether it would be financially viable to take early retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although investment returns have been variable in the last two rather extra-ordinary years. Outcome good over the longer term.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Regular communications and advise re iSAs

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Pension consolidation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely

How has Simon Player helped you?

Sound financial advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

To advise on investments and help With tax and future financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Advice, expertise and analysis I required for financial planning.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of. The returns are driven by the market

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

n/a

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

In so many ways...

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Needed to get a pension and was looking for general financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than i could have hoped for, I can confidently say I feel safe about my retirement

How has Simon Player helped you?

He helped sort my pension, investments, life insurance and critical cover insurance. He is also available 24/7 for any general financial advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Becoming a Director of a company triggered the interaction with Simon.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am seeing positive steps in the right direction.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Coached me through the entirety of things.

What could they have done better?

Less documents to sign.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cambridgeshire

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

Retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, based on Simon's advice on what to expect

How has Simon Player helped you?

Advice, guidance and setting up funds

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know of

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cambridgeshire

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

Retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Guided us through the minefield of combining a pension pot when we had to purchase an annuity in 2011 advised us on investments since then

What could they have done better?

We are happy with the advice given

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

The need for long-term planning, pensions etc

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon helped us to put together an overall investment/pension strategy that will hopefully continue to serve us well into old age. He is good at updating us and encouraging us to make sensible adjustments when needed.

What could they have done better?

I think he has done everything to a high standard.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

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

Advice sought on mitigating inheritance tax

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

By clearly explaining the various solutions available

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

I had a number of pension plans with small values and wanted to consolidate these to one plan that I could easily monitor

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon listened to what I was wanting to achieve and recommended a platform in order to allow me to easily monitor my overall pension fund. The process of moving my existing pension plans to the platform was carried out efficiently by Simon and his team and required limited input from me

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Surrey

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

I was made redundant with early retirement and needed advice regarding the investment of the lump sums that I was given. My father had used Helm Godfrey so I knew they were reputable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. In general, my money has been invested and made gains, despite the challenging financial environment.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has provided advice on how to maximise earnings from my and my husband's money and invest it with an amount of risk that is acceptable to us.

What could they have done better?

I can't really think of anything

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

I was getting close to retirement and I needed to consolidate my pensions and work out a plan of how to have a good income for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, on the whole, the pension fund has done very well and I have the income I want. The pandemic, Ukraine war, energy problems etc have hit the pension fund, but it is gradually recovering. It seems to have been invested well.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Good advice, and has looked after my pension funds very well.

What could they have done better?

If he could tell me next week's winning lottery ticket numbers, then I would be even happier !

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Initially, I needed some advice about combining some legacy pensions but since then, Simon has advise my across my whole portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Clearly, economic conditions have been challenging over the past couple of years but Simon's advice has always been sound and I've been kept informed at every stage of any decisions which affect my investments either directly or indirectly.

How has Simon Player helped you?

See above.

What could they have done better?

Nothing leaps to mind.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

I got divorced and had some money to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has been very helpful, guiding me through the process of investing my money. He has always been very patient and informative. I feel that he cares that I understand how he has made investments on my behalf and I am confident that his advice is in my best interest.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Inherited it from my mother

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but this is due to fragility in the current market

How has Simon Player helped you?

Helped explain me through the process of investing money.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

My pensions were with Lehman Brothers so wanted professional advice as to where to invest them

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon helped me and my husband amalgamate our pensions into better policies. He also helped us to work out our financials needs for the future so we can budget accordingly

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Get the best return on an investment for our retirement!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I did but COVID has caused a lot of anxiety so I’m just keeping my fingers crossed.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Yes defiantly!

What could they have done better?

Not to sure to be honest as it’s new to us!

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I had been made redundant from my employer of 31 years and wanted advice on the best options for my final salary pension scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, regular contact and updates from Simon including ways to make the fund better and more productive

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has been great at providing ongoing advice on the investments in my pension fund and tweaks to make it better. He has also provided valuable advice on a small additional pension I also have from another short term employer.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Isle of Wight

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

The need for financial planning and long term investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In terms of the advice and planning yes, in terms of the portfolio performance, not yet.

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has been very diligent and thorough in his advice. I like that he is prepared to argue his case but listen to my preferences. He is always very responsive and eager to help.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Huntingdonshire

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

Looking for a company with a reputation that would give sound advice on financial matters and take on the responsibility of monitoring its progress and recommending changes necessary to met my goals and risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

How has Simon Player helped you?

By steadily increasing the value of the investment fund bearing in mind the risk profile. In particular Simon's recommendation for dealing with Inheritance Tax and safeguarding those funds have proven to be first class.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cambridgeshire

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

To get advice about planning for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Facilitate reflection on priorities/goals/risk, advise on and then implement specific steps (relating to issues such as insurance, pensions and inheritance planning), provide regular updates, follow on advice, opportunities to meet and discuss arrangements.

What could they have done better?

I can't identify anything.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bedfordshire

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

Changing financial circumstances due to joining the partnership of a law firm with more deployable income. I needed support to understand where and how best to deploy savings etc. and to get my financial affairs in better order.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely

How has Simon Player helped you?

We have worked together to understand the best products for me to invest in/via, while better understanding my risk appetite and the challenges that might present. Simon has been fantastic at explaining the various products available while we have agreed/worked on prioritising certain initiatives and plugging gaps in my financial planning. Where he does not provide certain services, he has also been a helpful source of referral to mortgage brokers etc.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I have been extremely happy with the service provided.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

To manage funds into my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Very much so

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northamptonshire

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

Inherited money and wasn't sure how to invest it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not as yet but that's mostly due to the markets at the moment not being great, would expect long term returns

How has Simon Player helped you?

Advising how to invest, setting up accounts and generally making the process very easy

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Dunbartonshire

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

To help with investments including ISAS

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

He reassesses our financial state every year, advised on inheritance planning and gives advice whenever we ask him to do so.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Multi pension schemes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

Valued advice for my pension

What could they have done better?

Very good

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

I needed good advice for my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Simon Player helped you?

He has given me good advice and guidance on my future goals.

What could they have done better?

I have never had any problems with Simon or his advice, so do not know how he could have done better. He has been very good for me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Only couple of emails/calls exchanged regarding setting up meeting but now I know their fees- will not be proceeding

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

How has Simon Player helped you?

Very personable and explained complicated matters in very clear and concise terms. worked well involving family member who also need advise and help on all aspects on my financial planning

What could they have done better?

nothing that I can think of

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

How has Simon Player helped you?

Being a complete novice when it comes to money matters, Simon's easy going mannerisms and expert knowledge of the subject really helped put me at ease. He quickly understood what my family and I needed without offering unnecessary products etc. looking to cater only for what I genuinely wanted. Since our first meeting I am now fully aware of the need for Trusts, better Life/Health insurance and have organised a will through a 3rd party. Looking forward to testing his knowledge a little further on bigger values in the future!

What could they have done better?

So far nothing, but he is on the wrong side of North London.....

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Never got back to me

Review from verified client

May, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cambridgeshire

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon follows up on requests and proactively manages my portfolio, revising options based on regular assessments of my approach to risk.

What could they have done better?

Pride a wider variety of options for consideration.

Review from verified client

May, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

Regular contact, good advice around VCT's.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

How has Simon Player helped you?

Very personable, approachable and friendly. Very good at communication, e-mailing updates and details of investments. Took care to explain all the options and give general good advice. Made every possible effort to get the best annuity deal.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind!

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon explains clearly why he makes proposals for portfolio changes and how these fit into your risk appetite. His own fee arrangements are very fair and transparent, and he explains where additional fees apply, eg for platforms, anmd those levied by Helm Godfrey on top of the investment managers fees. He also prepares well for review meetings and provides all requisite information and key facts, as required under applicable FCA rules.

What could they have done better?

Helm Godfrey has a limited choice of portfolios, eg it does not offer a pure capital growth fund. Whilst it will willingly develop bespoke portfolios, you have to pay additional fees for this service; otherwise you have to use one or more of the generic portfolios which may not exactly fulfil specific investment objectives.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has an excellent grasp of the financial services market and products, and is able to explain them clearly. He gives options with an explanation of the relative pros and cons of each, so I can be confident that the decisions I make are the right ones for me. Simon fully addresses questions, whether in meetings, by phone or e-mail, and does so promptly.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Surrey

How has Simon Player helped you?

We meet once a year to ensure investments are aligned for the coming year. He provides clear information about the investment products offered and is available to discuss any issues I have and located close to where I work should I need to meet face to face

What could they have done better?

More proactive during the year in ensuring my portfolio is the best for my requirements and ensuring I am aware of any new products that may be of interest and fine tune areas where circumstances or markets may have changed.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

How has Simon Player helped you?

Listens, understands and then gives quality advice. And chases me up when I need chasing......!

What could they have done better?

As far as my affairs are concerned - nothing

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lanarkshire

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon has been most helpful, giving expert advice and support. He takes time and care to explain various options and, as I am personally not familiar with the world of finance and investment, this is much appreciated. He is careful to ascertain my attitude to risk and gives regular updates and reminders, e.g. about ISAs. I'd highly recommend Simon.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

How has Simon Player helped you?

I have worked in capital markets for many years and manage my own asset allocation. Simon understands this but is always available if I want to talk through ideas with him. If I decide to take a long-term view on a certain asset class, Simon will recommend the best fund managers in that particular area. Importantly, this includes the fees that the fund manager charges, and the cost of buying and selling. I enjoy my discussions with Simon, in my opinion he is both he is knowledgeable and trustworthy. He is well placed to help anybody through the complicated world of pension planning.

What could they have done better?

I value the service Simon provides. He is direct and to the point - these are qualities I admire honestly I cannot fault him.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

Makes sures he understands you financial and family circumstances well so that major planning issues are addressed in advance and ther are no major suprises as they approach , while keeping an eye on making sure that the basics of ISA@ wills etc are attended too but lesser students of their financial affairs

What could they have done better?

Play Golf

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

I feel that Simon really treats me as an individual. He is very patient and will spend as much time as I need to make sure that I understand exactly how my money is being invested and that I am happy with any decisions we choose to make. He always takes time to answer my questions fully and listens to any concerns I may have. As someone who is inexperienced in investments it is very reassuring to have someone like Simon to help and advise me.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Simon Player helped you?

Simon took over a difficult situation because our previous advisor had let us down. He invested a great deal of time and effort in sorting out our affairs, much of which he was not compensated for because of the commitment his company made. We have found Simon to be responsive and easy to do business with. He is prepared to challenge but without being domineering.

What could they have done better?

We would benefit from more regular reviews. Our financial arrangements are quite complex (or so it seems to us) and when we meet with Simon he helps to clarify but it is easy for the year to slip by and end up not being clear as to how we are doing. As I near retirement, the need for confidence about where I am in terms of my financial planning is becoming more important.