Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 7 )

Mortgages ( 4 )

Pensions ( 18 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 9 )

Investments and Savings ( 14 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 7 )

Inheritance Planning ( 5 )

Long Term Care ( 1 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 5 )

Financial Planning ( 7 )

Financial Mentoring ( 4 )

Financial Coaching ( 5 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 5 )

£200k - £500k ( 3 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

Client reviews

This adviser has some reviews that were left while they were employed at a different firm to the one they are at now.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I turned to James for advice on my next steps as a recently bereaved widow. I had a significant sum to invest and needed a wise voice to lead me through the process.

How has James Ford helped you?

James has been a huge help to me in setting up a good financial plan for myself and my children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, the plan is working well even if the markets are 'difficult' right now.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in London

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

Having a serious health condition I did not wish to leave my main pension in a paid up final salary scheme.

How has James Ford helped you?

James Ford helped me to consolidate my pensions in a SIPP. I'll be able to leave any remaining pension to my partner and children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I think it was as good as I needed it to be.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I opened a pension pot

How has James Ford helped you?

James has always made himself available to answer -very clearly and patiently- all my general or more specific questions. As a result, I feel well supported in my investments and reassured.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Notwithstanding the current crisis, I am happy that James knows how to look after my pension and will take the necessary actions, should adjustments become necessary.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I wanted to transfer a couple of old - uncrystallised - Defined Benefit pensions into a SIPP. I could work out for myself that it was almost certainly appropriate to do so, but the amounts exceeded the threshold above which I had to have received qualified financial advice to proceed. The availability of suitably qualified, competent, independent and technical advice in this specialist field had beome very scarce so I had to do alot of research in order to find a likely source.

How has James Ford helped you?

James proved to be the perfect source of the qualified, competent, independent and empathatic advice I needed. He was very thorough in getting to understand my financial and lifestyle information. Regarding independence, I have right from the outset felt that he is on my side of the table in ensuring any advice has been suitable and appropriate for my needs and circumstances. This eventually extended to recommendations on actions and products, which after regular reviews I still believe are right for me. James has always ensured - and checked - that I understand exactly the nature, purpose and reasons behind any advice. Briefly regarding technical advice, I was actually surprised on the upside and very impressed by the forensic level of detail that went into my initial full report containing the advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have received the outcome I was hoping for, and continue to receive advice and service that I am very happy with. This was the first time I have ever elected to pay fees for financial advice, but I think the fees have been - and continue to be - good value for money based on the quakity of advice and service that I receive.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Wanted to save into a pension

How has James Ford helped you?

Helped me to understand the myriad options and select the best product for my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

It's something that I realised I wasn't keeping on top of following a career change.

How has James Ford helped you?

James offered very sensible, knowledgeable and practical advice regarding my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Everything is now much more manageable and easy to follow for someone who is good at doing the work but less good at the background financial planning.

What could they have done better?

It was a great service.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Approaching retirement and unsure of what was the best way of getting the best from my pension.

How has James Ford helped you?

James tracked all my pensions and dealt with final salary pension transferring onto a platform from where my drawdown finances my lifestyle. After discussing what I expected from retirement I was presented with a report explaining my options and leaving me with confidence about my future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, still confident in my future despite global pandemics and war in Ukraine.

What could they have done better?

James is a busy man, he always responds to calls/email but has not always been able to answer questions immediately, sometime research is necessary.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Savings were doing nothing in the bank

How has James Ford helped you?

Found me investments so my money grew

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yep

What could they have done better?

Could always have a higher return for lower risk

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Sussex

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

Pensions advice and setting up a SIPP

How has James Ford helped you?

He has advised us and helped find an appropriate vehicle for investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have only been clients for just under 18 months so still to see the long term benefits

What could they have done better?

The transfer took longer than anticipated and I had to make more of the running so would have preferred him to have kept me updated more frequently

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Sussex

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

Initially, I was looking for help consolidating a number of workplace pensions, but our discussions have subsequently broadened to include other investment plans.

How has James Ford helped you?

James advised on how best to consolidate the pensions, ensuring that any advantageous benefits were realised in the process. He also advised on ISAs and more general investment plans, such that all financial investments are now on a single new platform.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been very much what I wanted - a streamlined portfolio easier to understand and manage.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Buckinghamshire

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

He is the best in his field

How has James Ford helped you?

By helping me to save as much as i possibly can

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, 100%

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I needed assistance with financial planning in retirement and advice around inheritance tax

How has James Ford helped you?

He created a full financial plan for me and gives me ongoing advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James covered several of my enquiries across a wide range of financial topics with incite and and clarity, and has given me a good footing to develop my own financial management and investment. Looking forward to working with him more closely in the near future.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Pension consolidate needs

How has James Ford helped you?

Provided advice - excellent advice - and executed on what I needed promptly and professionally

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

I choose to take early retirement I required financial advise and support in this process.

How has James Ford helped you?

He provided Financial information and advice throughout this whole process

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now have the pension that I required

What could they have done better?

This whole process took place during the COVID lockdown but all went extremely smoothly

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Needing advice on my financial situation

How has James Ford helped you?

He has given me excellent advice regarding how to invest my savings and income approaching retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with outcome

What could they have done better?

Confident I received excellent advice and service

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Halycon Wealth has helped me to make sense of my finances.

How has James Ford helped you?

Simplifying my affairs through consolidation of a number of plans and helped me to understand volatility.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Through the use of cash flow planning my wife and I now have a strategy in place to hopefully achieve financial Indepence and maintain of lifestyles ongoing. Couldn’t recommend Halycon Wealth /James Ford more highly.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Surrey

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

James was referred by a work colleague of mine

How has James Ford helped you?

James was approachable and open in explaining various options in fields I had little to no knowledge of. Was not pushy in the slightest but always prompt and helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Surrey

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

Too much to do and not enough time...

How has James Ford helped you?

Helped me reorganise and manage my financial portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Within the confines of the market, I've had good results.

What could they have done better?

It took us a while to get the first meeting in but that was probably ore my fault!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James didn’t contact me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Through him I have found a bank online that is customer friendly, thank you very much

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Informative discussion

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2019

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Explained carry and concisely

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Sussex

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

I had been left some inheritance and was looking for advice on how best to invest it.

How has James Ford helped you?

James went into a lot of detail about what I was hoping to achieve with the money and then explained to me what my options were and their specific benefits.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I became a client and have been thoroughly impressed thus far with both the results the ongoing service I receive from James and his team.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I was approaching retirement and wanted to consolidate a few old pensions I had accrued throughout my career and then take advice on how to maximise the income they would produce.

How has James Ford helped you?

James was totally professional in his approach. He undertook a full review of my whole financial position and did thorough analysis of my pensions before advising me how I should proceed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. I was made to feel completely at ease and everything was explained brilliantly so I felt completely confident in my decisions.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I spoke to James to get some help about our overall financial situation. Having been to see my bank manager and yet again found absolutely no support I looked online for financial advice and was very lucky that James was there to help.

How has James Ford helped you?

well, by talking through my financial worries he was able to come up with ideas on how to improve and strategies our option. James was beyond kind, supportive and helpful and I felt I could trust his advice. He has a calm and friendly approach which made for an easy conversation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have! I believe that the changes put in place will improve our budget and save us a lot of money every month. I couldn't have asked for any more!.

What could they have done better?

I truly feel that there is nothing James could have done better - it was a pleasant conversation, I felt supported, heard and helped ... perfect!!

Review from verified client

August, 2018

Overall

Value

Service

Advice

Based in London

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

We needed policy of insurance to cover the mortgage in event of death or serious injury.

How has James Ford helped you?

James advised on obtaining the insurance including providing different quotes depending on a fixed or depreciating scheme. He also set up up with mortgage broker to arrange a 're mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Pension consolidation.

How has James Ford helped you?

Locating various pensions, advising on and consolidating the various suppliers into one.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, simplified my pension going forward.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

I had multiple pension pots from prior employments and was encouraged by a friend to seek advice on how best to manage them. James was recommended to me as someone I should contact in regards to this.

How has James Ford helped you?

James ran me through the process of consolidation, explained the benefits and bought all our pensions together, making them easier to manage and halving the fees we were previously paying.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I'm very pleased with his work!

Review from verified client

August, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Money sitting in the bank doing nothing.

How has James Ford helped you?

Helped with an investment plan with a risk level that I was happy with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early signs are good.

What could they have done better?

Not sure. He was the best out of the ones I saw

Review from verified client

August, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Having recently retired I was looking for some advice on maximising my investments in addition to some inheritance tax planning.

How has James Ford helped you?

James spent a long time making sure he understood my circumstances before giving me some excellent advice on how I could maximise the tax efficiency of my investments and thus my retirement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so. I intend to work with James moving forward and throughout my retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind. I was very impressed with the overall service.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hertfordshire

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

Having moved companies, got married and started a family, I felt it was the right time to plan more for the future. I just wanted to some professional advice on how to achieve the best results.

How has James Ford helped you?

James was incredibly understanding about what goals I wanted to prioritize. The key, for me, was to have it explained in simple terms - this enabled me to take out the right personal protection and pension plan. Trust is probably the most important part of this process and I felt/feel confident that James helped me make plans to safeguard my family's future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Extremely happy with the outcome - I personally do not think I could have achieved the same result had I done this myself and speaking to an experienced professional, just gave me the necessary confidence that I was not making any mistakes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - he was excellent, helpful, efficient and supportive of my priorities.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Surrey

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

I was looking to consolidate company pension plans.

How has James Ford helped you?

Very professional and honest advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

And more. I have used James since and recommended him to several colleagues and family members.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

I was looking to take out some insurance for my family and get some general advice on pensions.

How has James Ford helped you?

James spent time doing a detailed review of my circumstances and my reasons for wanting the cover before discussing my budget and the level of cover needed. He then prepared quotes and talked me through my options allowing me to make a fully informed decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now have the right cover in place to protect my family which was exactly what i was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Highly recommended.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Receipt of a substantial monthly pension allowance as part of my package.

How has James Ford helped you?

Advised on product selection tailored to my personal circumstances and attitude to risk. Once the correct product had been identified, he facilitated all areas of setup and continues to manage ad hoc changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

N/A