Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chartered Financial Advisers in Hertford
Established in 2001, we are Chartered financial planners based in Hertford, dedicated to providing independent advice that prioritises our clients' lifestyles and long-term goals. Our approach focuses on understanding each client's unique circumstances, combining over two decades of experience with a commitment to the highest professional standards. As a regulated firm under the Financial Conduct Authority, we specialise in creating bespoke financial plans that address retirement strategies, investment management, and life-changing events. Our team of certified professionals has consistently been recognised for excellence, including multiple inclusions in the VouchedFor Top Rated Guide and shortlistings for industry awards.We differentiate ourselves through a client-centric philosophy that avoids product-centric sales, instead using cashflow modelling to visualise and achieve financial objectives. With a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex financial decisions, we maintain a focus on transparency, ethical practice, and ongoing support tailored to individual needs.
Services
Financial Planning
Retirement Advice
Investment Management
Inheritance Planning
Divorce Financial Planning
Long-term Care Strategies
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We are Chartered financial planners with over 20 years of local expertise
- Our independent advice focuses on your lifestyle, not products
- Proven track record since 2001 with 97% client recommendation rate
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for compliance and trust
- Award-winning client-focused approach with bespoke cashflow modelling
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Financial Planning Institute
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Trusted advisors
Personalised approach
Excellent communication
Bespoke solutions
Professional team
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates tailored strategies aligned with your life goals. We analyse your current financial situation, future aspirations, and risk profile to develop actionable plans that address wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. By using advanced cashflow modelling techniques, we help clients make informed decisions about investments, retirement, and major life events while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Retirement Advice
Specialised retirement planning services help clients achieve financial independence. We assess pension provisions, income requirements, and tax implications to create sustainable retirement income strategies. Our approach considers state pensions, private investments, and tax-efficient withdrawals while addressing longevity risks and healthcare costs through scenario planning and regular portfolio reviews.
Investment Management
We offer independent investment advice focused on achieving long-term financial objectives. Our evidence-based approach combines risk profiling with market analysis to create diversified portfolios aligned with client goals. We continuously monitor market conditions and adjust strategies to optimise returns while maintaining appropriate risk levels within regulatory frameworks.
Inheritance Planning
Our inheritance planning service helps clients preserve wealth for future generations. We provide guidance on tax-efficient gifting, trust structures, and will creation while considering family dynamics and potential care needs. The service integrates with overall financial plans to balance current lifestyle requirements with legacy goals.
Divorce Financial Planning
Specialised financial guidance during divorce proceedings ensures fair asset division and long-term financial security. We analyse settlement options, calculate future income needs, and assess pension sharing implications. Our independent advice helps clients understand post-divorce financial sustainability while coordinating with legal professionals.
People
Scott Atkinson
Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner
With over 30 years' experience, Scott leads our financial planning team. He specialises in complex retirement strategies and has held senior roles in the financial services industry since the 1980s.
Simon Frost
Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner
Simon co-founded the business in 2001 after training under Gerald Pepper. He focuses on investment management and has particular expertise in helping business owners transition from their companies.
Katie Hately
Chartered Financial Planner
Katie specialises in helping clients navigate life-changing financial decisions. She has particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and supporting clients through divorce settlements.
Alison Fry
Financial Planner
Alison works with clients to create comprehensive financial plans that address both immediate needs and long-term objectives. She has developed specialist knowledge in retirement income strategies.
David Shepherd
Head of Business and Finance
David oversees our financial operations and compliance framework. With extensive experience in financial services regulation, he ensures our business maintains the highest standards of professional conduct.
Questions
What is lifestyle financial planning?
Our approach focuses on your life goals rather than products, using cashflow modelling to create tailored strategies that align with your personal circumstances and aspirations.
How do you help with retirement planning?
We assess your current financial position and future goals to create a comprehensive retirement plan, including income strategies, tax efficiency, and risk management.
Are you regulated by financial authorities?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 195615, ensuring compliance with strict professional standards.
What happens during the initial consultation?
We conduct a no-obligation 'getting to know you' session to understand your financial situation, concerns, and long-term objectives before developing any recommendations.
How are your financial plans reviewed?
We conduct annual reviews to ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals, adjusting for life changes, market conditions, and evolving financial needs.
Reviews (5)
Brian Cook
Dec 10, 2021
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I recently engaged the services of Scott Shadwell at GPFM to assist me and advise on financial matters, planning and pensions. I have found Scott to be a consummate professional, knowledgeable, thorough, very amenable and extremely helpful. I look forward to working with Scott from now on in the future concerning such matters. I would most certainly have no hesitation in recommending his services to others. B M Cook. Hertfordshire.
Alan Spurr
Mar 20, 2021
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Not only has Scott Shadwell given good advice he has also helped and explained every step. As important he is always available and responds in good time. If he needs to forward any request to his colleagues at the office the request is quite seamless and they are just as helpful ( but sadly I have not noted their names for a mention).
Patricia Hill
Feb 21, 2021
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Gpfm were recommended to me and I can honestly say it was one of the best recommendations I have had. Scott Atkinson is my advisor and has helped support and advise me on my financial affairs. It is fair to say I am not a financial guru by any means but Scott is very good at breaking things down for me and helping me understand the best options. I also agree with other reviews that the support team at Gpfm are superb. Thank you for your continued support.
Ian Shelley
Feb 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
GPFM are a very professional and friendly team to deal with and we would have no hesitation in recommending them. Their help and advice has enabled us to live the relaxed life we've always wanted. Scott Atkinson looks after our portfolio and we don't just think of him as our Financial Advisor, we think of him as a friend too.
GPFM are a very professional and friendly team to deal with and we would have no hesitation in recommending them. Their help and advice has enabled us to live the relaxed life we've always wanted. Scott Atkinson looks after our portfolio and we don't just think of him as our Financial Advisor, we think of him as a friend too.
John Conlan
Dec 24, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
Scott Atkinson has been advising us for over 20 years. We rate him and his firm very highly and recommended them.
Scott Atkinson has been advising us for over 20 years. We rate him and his firm very highly and recommended them.
