Chartered Financial Planners · Est. 1995 · Colchester, Essex
Providing bespoke, unbiased independent financial advice for over thirty years — without bias, prejudice, influence or pressure. Whole-of-market access. No obligation to proceed.
FCA Authorised & Regulated · FRN: 798611 · No fee without prior agreement
What We Do
As independent advisers we have access to the whole of market — our recommendations are always made solely in your interests.
Bespoke risk-rated investment strategies tailored to your goals, diversified by geography and asset class.
Learn moreLong-term retirement planning, cashflow modelling and flexible drawdown strategies for every life stage.
Learn moreComprehensive protection planning covering life cover, critical illness, income protection and family income benefit.
Learn morePersonal and commercial mortgage advice across the whole market — from first-time buyers to complex commercial arrangements.
Learn moreIHT mitigation, trust planning, lifetime gifting strategies and specialist tax advice to protect your estate.
Learn moreProfit extraction, key person cover, auto-enrolment and succession planning for business owners and directors.
Learn moreWhy Optimum
Since 1995, every decision we make is considered through the lens of treating our clients fairly — it is and has always been at the heart of our business.
Your initial meeting is offered entirely at our expense and without obligation. All meetings are held in private client meeting rooms at our modern Colchester offices.
Our advisers are employed — not commission-based — ensuring advice is wholly in your interest. We access the whole of market and are never tied to specific providers.
Recommendation reports and fees are presented in a clear and open manner. No fee will ever become due without your prior agreement.
Personal circumstances are not linear. We have been providing ongoing services and reviews to clients — and their families — for over thirty years.
Client Satisfaction Survey · 925 Clients · Since 2021
of clients said they would recommend Optimum to family and friends without hesitation — surveyed independently since January 2021.
Our People
Every adviser is directly employed — not self-employed or commission-based — ensuring advice that is always focused on your best interests.
Founder & Director
Chartered Financial Planner
Director
Chartered Financial Planner
Director
Chartered Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Chartered Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Independent Financial Adviser
Financial Planner
Independent Financial Adviser
Financial Planner
Independent Financial Adviser
What Clients Say
“Really practical advice that was relevant and clear. Can’t thank you enough.”
Adviser: Stephen Biggs
“The service and advice is always first class from all staff concerned.”
Adviser: John Arrowsmith
“Georgina is always very friendly and shows interest in our lives & needs.”
Adviser: Georgina Kitteridge
Market Insights
1 May 2026 · Vicky Naylor
Despite ongoing uncertainty, equity markets continue to find resilience as investors look through short-term volatility.
Read update27 Apr 2026 · Vicky Naylor
Geopolitical tensions remain elevated, yet diversified portfolios have continued to demonstrate stability through the turbulence.
Read update17 Apr 2026 · Vicky Naylor
Central bank signals shift as inflation data continues to soften, giving markets renewed confidence heading into Q2.
Read update