Around 12 years ago my wife and I decided to explore the options of consolidating a number of investments we had in order to prepare an overall retirement fund. This included a deferred money purchase retirement plan from a previous employer and private pension plans.

We did plenty of homework and had some preliminary discussions with several financial planners. Most had a specific model, which they tried to fit our needs around. David and Samantha’s approach was, by comparison, like a breath of fresh air. They were far more flexible and spent a lot of time discussing what our future plans and needs might be. We both felt very confident asking them to guide us through our options and make decisions on a plan.

We have followed that plan with regular reviews and eventually retired completely a couple of years ago. I can honestly say that we are in a far stronger financial position than we might have been had we not worked together with Sam and followed her clear guidance along the way. We both look forward to continuing that relationship.

My experience of C Alexander Financial Planning Limited over the years has been nothing short of exceptional. Meeting David and the team for the first time almost 20 years ago I knew I was in safe hands and the consistent and considered advice given over that period of time has been gratefully received.

Their approach to all things financial is serious, professional and considered, their approach to themselves and their clients is good humoured, respectful and empathetic.

It’s a pleasure to vouch for the service C Alexander provides, but I regard it a privilege to count David as a close personal friend.

Long may all aspects of it continue.

My relationship with David Picker and his excellent team at C Alexander Financial Planning Ltd, specifically Samantha Hayes, started in 1987 when I was 25 years old. I was introduced to David by a mutual friend after I had been a victim of some really poor and potentially damaging financial advice. David took on my case and resolved the problem in conjunction with the Financial Ombudsman, which included the recovery of investments and the award of compensation. This formed the basis for an immense amount of trust and respect between us that has resulted in a mutual life-long commitment to the management and development of my financial affairs, from mortgages to investments, pensions and retirement/tax and inheritance planning.

Having just turned 55, our highly successful relationship has endured for over 30 years now and the original basis of seeking professional financial advice, which remains as valuable and important as ever, has grown into a trusted friendship, where wider advice has been sought and provided.

I was highly recommended C Alexander Financial Planning by several of my colleagues. Since my first initial meeting with David over 17 years ago he has provided me and my family with great financial advice and support. I can contact David on any matters at any time of day. I have built up a great trusting relationship with David and everyone else within the company. I would class David not only as a great advisor but a good friend.

Originally I was introduced to David Picker following the sale of my business in 2009. It was not a retiring life-changing sum but he guided me to create a good foundation through which to build a portfolio to carry me through to the next stage of my career. Subsequently, I met his colleague, Samantha Hayes (they work together now), their advice has changed with my circumstances, my portfolio has diversified and some has been sold to help create my new businesses. Apart from getting on very well at a personal level, I have always found the investments to be extremely well thought out, clear and easy to follow and in any cases where they have underperformed, they have acted in good time to steer a new course. I enjoy working with them both and look forward to doing so in the years to come.

I was first introduced to David at age 17, having just signed my professional contract at Leeds United. Since then David has not only given sound financial advice as to make the most from my career earnings, but he is also a true friend to me and my family.

He has been a guiding hand during every stage of my career and continues to do so. I trust him and his judgement completely regarding my financial affairs.

Running a busy Catering and Events company and traveling a great deal, I find that looking after my own investments is something that always gets pushed to the bottom of the pile. It takes thorough and extensive research to make the right financial decisions. Lack of time and the correct expertise means you need the right company for the job.

David and Samantha at C Alexander have years of this expertise and the in-depth knowledge of how personal financial products work.

They understand my financial life and adapt investments to suit in the most tax efficient way that work for me.

David Picker has been our Financial advisor for a few years now and from the moment we started working with him he has met and surpassed our expectations of working with financial advisors. David has always offered sound financial advice, he takes the time to really know his clients which gives us every confidence that not just our financial goals are well understood but our personal needs also. David always keeps in regular contact with us and provides us with ongoing financial advice as our needs and markets change. He takes the time needed to fully explain our options and to guide us in an appropriate direction. He is always available to answer any questions or to explain options to us, even if it has been outside working hours!

We feel as though David and his team at C Alexander truly care about our family, our finances, and our future. We couldn’t thank them enough.

I belong to the vast antediluvian majority that, barely able to add two and two, feel like pariahs in the financial world where regulations, seemingly written in hieroglyphics, need an Aladdin’s lamp for their decipherment. Good fortune has granted me such a lamp: the magical firm of C Alexander Financial Planning Limited endowed with its awe-inspiring genie, the Manging Director, David Picker. Thus, over many years, whenever I faced a financial mystery – too often, I must confess – I was immediately swathed by David Picker and his astute associate, Samantha Hayes, with judicious advice based on exceptional vision, insight and expertise. I should also state, emotionally as I tend to be, that David Picker and Samantha Hayes have not only empowered me to prosper but also provided that rare blessing which, transcending professional matters, suffuses me with a profound friendship comparable only to the bonds that exist in a blissful family.