Our Story
Founded in January 1995 by Gary Naylor, Optimum has grown through recommendation and reputation to become one of the most respected independent financial advisory firms in Colchester and the surrounding area.
Est. January 1995
Founded by Gary Naylor and later expanded with Directors John Arrowsmith and Tosh Naylor, Optimum has grown entirely through recommendation, reputation and professional connections to become one of the largest and most prominent independent advisory firms in the region.
We have advised and assisted different generations of families and successions of business owners — offering ongoing holistic and bespoke independent financial advice to both private and business clients for over thirty years.
Our offices at St Peters Court, just outside Colchester city centre, offer modern facilities, private client meeting rooms and free parking directly outside.
“Treating customers fairly is and has always been at the heart of our business and is considered in every business decision we make.”
Our Credentials
The Chartered Financial Planner designation is the gold standard for professional financial advice — held by a small minority of advisers in the UK. Several members of our team hold this distinction.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register FRN: 798611. Registered in England & Wales No. 10854987.
Multiple advisers hold the Chartered Financial Planner title — demonstrating the highest level of technical competence and commitment to ethical practice.
All advisers are directly employed — not self-employed or commission-based. This fundamental difference means advice is always focused entirely on your interests.
We are not tied to any particular provider or product range. Our independence means we always consider the full range of options available to you.
Our History
From a small team in 1995 to one of the most respected independent firms in Essex — our growth has always been driven by the quality of our advice, not by sales.
1995
Optimum Independent Financial Advisers opens its doors in Colchester, built on the principle that clients deserve truly unbiased advice.
Early 2000s
The founding team expands, bringing specialist expertise across pension, investment and protection planning.
2010s
Georgina Kitteridge, Stephen Biggs and Michael MacLeod join, broadening the depth of chartered and qualified expertise.
2021
Independent survey of 925 clients reveals 92% would recommend Optimum without hesitation.
2025
Celebrating three decades of serving clients in Colchester and across Essex — and many families into their second generation.
Financial Planners
Our advisers combine decades of collective experience with the highest professional qualifications in the industry.
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
Support & Operations
Our experienced support team ensures every client interaction is managed with care, efficiency and discretion.
Office & HR Manager
Senior Paraplanner
Paraplanner
Client Account Executive & Market Updates