Client Stories
We asked a few of our clients to explain what we have done to help them and the benefits they experienced by working with us. Here are their stories.
Video stories
Simon & Pamela Carlton
Simon & Pamela were nearing retirement and in need of a plan. As organised but busy people, they had money all over the place and wanted help understanding their finances and positioning their money for better returns. Our work together has enabled Simon to retire much earlier than anticipated.
Ian and Linda Gordon
Ian & Linda were 3 years off retirement and unsure of the next steps to take. They wanted to retire at their target date and have sufficient income to meet their lifestyle goals. By modelling different scenarios, we showed them they could afford to retire and created an income strategy for during their retirement.
Alan Hutchinson
Alan and Helen approached us to reaffirm that they were financially ready to retire. We continue to reassure them that they can carry on travelling and doing the things that they want in retirement. We also helped Alan’s mother with estate planning and significantly reduced her Inheritance Tax bill.
Mike and Sue Erwin
Mike and Sue came to us when they started thinking about retirement. We worked with them to understand what they had and helped them create a plan to achieve the retirement they desired. They are now phasing into retirement and we continue working together to ensure they stay on track.
Peter & Maureen Thorndyke
Peter & Maureen approached us to help them reduce their Inheritance Tax bill and the amount of administration from their existing investments. Through careful planning, including gifting to children, we reduced their Inheritance Tax bill, meaning they could see the children use it now, rather than wait many years.
John & Pamela Lythe
John and Pamela arrived at our office wondering if it would be possible for them both to retire at the same time. We looked at the figures and created a long-term plan which allowed them to retire simultaneously. It gave them the freedom to travel and achieve their goals much earlier than expected.
Suzanne Richardson
Suzanne found us when she was left wondering how she would cope financially when presented with an unfair divorce settlement. We reassured her that we could help make sense of the settlement. We reworked the figures, clearly explaining why we had done so, and highlighted the flaws in the calculations provided.
Written stories
John & Catherine’s story
"We wanted to ensure the family benefited from our estate – not the tax man!"
David & Brenda’s story
"I knew I wanted to retire early but was not sure if I really could afford to."
Edward’s story
"I want to make sure I can live in the style I’ve become accustomed to, even after I retire."
Awards
View allCISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm™ of the Year Award 2022
EISA 2024 - Financial Adviser of the Year (Andrew Elson). Winner 2024
Yorkshire Financial Awards – Independent Financial Adviser of the Year (Andrew Elson). Winner 2024, 2023, 2022
Professional Adviser Awards – Adviser Firm of the Year – Overall. Winner 2024, 2020
Professional Adviser Awards – Professional Adviser Firm of the Year – North East. Winner 2025, 2024, 2020, 2019, Finalists 2022, 2021
Professional Adviser Awards – Best Client Engagement (Advisers). Winner 2024, 2023, 2020, Highly Commended 2022, 2019
New Model Adviser Firm of the North Award. Winner 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, Finalists 2018, 2017
Yorkshire Financial Awards – Financial Adviser Team of the Year. Winner 2023, 2022
Yorkshire Financial Awards – Outstanding Achievement (Sarah Elson), Winner 2023
New Model Adviser Top 100 - 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
Women in Finance Awards – Financial Adviser of the Year - North East (Sarah Elson). Winner 2022
Yorkshire Financial Awards – Director of the Year (Sarah Elson). Winner 2022
Professional Adviser Awards – Tax-Efficient Adviser of the Year. Winner 2021
CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm™ of the Year Award 2019
Yorkshire Financial Awards – Best Employer. Winner 2019
Retirement Planner Awards – Best Individual Pensions Advice Firm of the Year – The North and Scotland. Winner 2019, Finalist 2018
Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards – Retirement Adviser of the Year. Highly Commended 2018
Ready to talk?
If you want to know more about getting the most out of your finances for your retirement, investing or estate planning, please get in touch. You can send us an email or use the direct message box at the bottom of this page. Or call us and we can chat through your needs and, if you are ready, make an appointment to better understand how we can help.
Our latest client survey results
100%
of our clients are confident in the technical abilities and knowledge of their adviser
100%
of our clients feel informed and reassured after their annual review meeting
83%
of our clients are extremely likely or very likely to recommend us to others
Andrew has made us aware of all aspects of the planning process in ways easy to understand and in a way that is never rushed or shrouded with jargon. His work has been very thorough with attention to every detail. He has been an invaluable source of help and advice, and we look forward to maintaining contact for many years to come. Andrew was recommended to us, and we in turn recommend him as an excellent Financial Adviser and Planner, with good advice, good knowledge and a genuinely caring approach to his clients.
Mr & Mrs J LytheLeeds
We really feel part of a "family". This is due to the care and consideration you have both shown to us over the years. You show a concern not only to our financial needs, but also taking into account the history of our family, and where the future for them may be! This is what makes you as a "partnership" very, very special to us.
Dr & Mrs K PeacockGrimsby
Approaching retirement
Andrew… explained everything in an easy-to-understand way. The one-hour meeting went on for almost three hours but because it was so interesting the time flew by.
Mr & Mrs P McCluskeyPontefract
Approaching retirement
New ideas raised and options offered which I would not have thought of. Friendly approach with great comfort in being able to raise any matters.
Dr N KitchenMaltby
Approaching retirement
Andrew cares about us and our family's wellbeing. He offers a personal service that suits our needs and tailors our financial planning accordingly. He is incredibly knowledgeable but has an ability to describe complex issues in a straightforward way. He has completely sorted out our financial situation and we don't know how we would manage without him.
Mrs K TunstallOtley
Keeping your wealth in the family
I have known Andrew a long time, but more recently he has been acting as my Financial Adviser. In this time he has provided some very useful information, insights, options and advice on key financial decisions. His style is always supportive, tailored and unhurried. I feel he is one of a few advisers I can trust.
Mr R MountainWarrington
I have used Andrew for over ten years now. He knows the business very well and presents all possible options to allow you to decide for yourself the best fit solution. He is friendly and freely gives advice without making you feel pressured. I would have no hesitation in recommending him for investment advice.
Mr N HopwoodWakefield
Andrew was extremely professional and guided us through the maze that is the financial world. He took the time to really understand our position, explained very clearly a number of options and the implications of each. Most importantly everything was conducted in a clear manner, helping us make the decisions.
Mr & Mrs M ErwinWetherby
I wanted to say a big thank you for the way you have guided us through the whole process. We have really appreciated your patience, clear explanations, lack of judgement about how we have saved so little so far, and your grounded approach. It has made what could have been a very confusing and uncertain process, seem far less intimidating. It’s been a pleasure "working" with you.
Mr & Mrs C CardenLeeds
Andrew was very welcoming and immediately easy to get along with. His professionalism stood out and we were quite confident that we had made the correct choice for dealing with our financial affairs. We are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship.
ClientNorth Yorkshire