Our Story

Independent Advice Built
on Thirty Years of Trust

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

Colchester’s Most Trusted
Independent Advisers

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.”
Gary Naylor, Founder
Optimum IFA offices
30 Years of
Independence
1995 Year Founded
92% Recommend us
925 Surveyed clients
<5% Staff turnover

Our Credentials

Chartered Status — the Highest
Standard in Financial Planning

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.

FCA Authorised & Regulated

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register FRN: 798611. Registered in England & Wales No. 10854987.

Chartered Financial Planners

Multiple advisers hold the Chartered Financial Planner title — demonstrating the highest level of technical competence and commitment to ethical practice.

Employed Advisers

All advisers are directly employed — not self-employed or commission-based. This fundamental difference means advice is always focused entirely on your interests.

Whole of Market

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

Thirty Years,
One Commitment

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

Founded by Gary Naylor

Optimum Independent Financial Advisers opens its doors in Colchester, built on the principle that clients deserve truly unbiased advice.

Early 2000s

Directors John Arrowsmith & Tosh Naylor join

The founding team expands, bringing specialist expertise across pension, investment and protection planning.

2010s

Growing the team with specialist planners

Georgina Kitteridge, Stephen Biggs and Michael MacLeod join, broadening the depth of chartered and qualified expertise.

2021

Client satisfaction survey launched

Independent survey of 925 clients reveals 92% would recommend Optimum without hesitation.

2025

Thirty years of independent advice

Celebrating three decades of serving clients in Colchester and across Essex — and many families into their second generation.

Financial Planners

Meet Your Advisers

Our advisers combine decades of collective experience with the highest professional qualifications in the industry.

GN

Gary Naylor

Founder & Director

Chartered Financial Planner

TN

Tosh Naylor

Director

Chartered Financial Planner

JA

John Arrowsmith

Director

Chartered Financial Planner

GK

Georgina Kitteridge

Financial Planner

Chartered Financial Planner

SB

Stephen Biggs

Financial Planner

Independent Financial Adviser

MM

Michael MacLeod

Financial Planner

Independent Financial Adviser

DB

David Bright

Financial Planner

Independent Financial Adviser

Support & Operations

The Team Behind the Advice

Our experienced support team ensures every client interaction is managed with care, efficiency and discretion.

SB

Sophie Barrett

Office & HR Manager

AH

Andrew Huckson

Senior Paraplanner

EH

Ellie Hewitt

Paraplanner

VN

Vicky Naylor

Client Account Executive & Market Updates

Start the Conversation

Your Financial Future Starts
with a Free Conversation

The initial meeting is offered entirely at Optimum’s expense — no obligation, no pressure.