Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chartered Financial Advisers in Barnstaple
Established in 1985, Philip J Milton & Company Plc has been delivering independent financial planning and wealth management services for over three decades. Our Chartered Financial Planners status, awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2018, reflects our commitment to the highest professional standards. We offer comprehensive services including retirement planning, discretionary wealth management, probate administration, and business financial planning from our Grade 2 listed premises in Barnstaple. Our team of three Chartered Financial Planners, all directors of the company, combines extensive expertise with a client-centric approach.We maintain transparency in all dealings, clearly disclosing our fee structures and service limitations. Our reputation is evidenced by long-standing client relationships, with many testimonials highlighting our reliability and ethical approach. We also provide taxation and accountancy services alongside specialist will writing and trust management. Our independent ownership structure ensures decisions are made in clients' best interests without external pressures.
Services
Financial Planning
Wealth Management
Retirement Planning
Mortgage Advice
Probate Administration
Business Financial Planning
LPOA Services
Taxation Services
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We hold prestigious Chartered Financial Planners status from the CII
- Three directors with individual Chartered Financial Planner qualifications
- Transparent fee structures with no hidden charges
- Comprehensive service covering financial planning and probate administration
- Over 35 years serving North Devon's financial needs
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
What people say
Peace of mind
Trust you
Made my job easier
Very impressed
Caring company
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service addresses all aspects of personal and business financial management. We specialise in creating tailored strategies for retirement planning, tax efficiency, and estate preservation. Clients benefit from our Chartered status and three decades of experience in developing solutions that adapt to changing life circumstances while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Probate Administration
We provide complete probate administration services, guiding clients through the complex process of estate settlement. Our team handles HMRC interactions, asset distribution, and legal documentation while maintaining cost transparency. Unlike traditional providers, we charge based on time spent rather than a percentage of estate value, ensuring fair pricing for estates of all sizes.
Discretionary Wealth Management
Our discretionary investment service creates customised portfolios aligned with individual risk profiles and financial goals. We offer regular portfolio reviews and consolidated tax reporting while maintaining flexibility for client input. The service includes access to exclusive investment funds and a complimentary annual review to ensure ongoing strategy relevance.
Retirement Planning
We specialise in comprehensive retirement planning covering pension consolidation, tax-efficient withdrawals, and inheritance considerations. Our advice addresses state pension integration, annuity options, and flexible drawdown strategies. We help clients navigate complex retirement decisions while considering inflation impacts and changing lifestyle requirements.
Business Financial Planning
Our business financial planning service addresses corporate pension schemes, director remuneration strategies, and keyperson insurance. We provide tailored solutions for company pension plans, tax-efficient director compensation, and business succession planning. Our approach combines regulatory compliance with practical implementation support for business owners across Devon.
People
Philip J Milton
Managing Director
With over 35 years in financial services, Philip established the firm in 1985. He holds Chartered Financial Planner status and oversees strategic direction while maintaining client relationships.
Scott W J Pickard
Director
Scott joined in 2001 and became a director in 2010. He specialises in probate administration and estate planning, managing complex cases with particular expertise in tax-efficient solutions.
Sandra Bright
Director
Sandra leads our taxation services team with specialist knowledge in personal and corporate tax planning. She has over 25 years' experience in delivering strategic tax solutions.
Felix J Milton
Director
Felix oversees investment management services, holding both Chartered Financial Planner and AAT accounting qualifications. He manages portfolio strategies and client investment reviews.
Helen Milton
Director
Helen contributes to strategic decision-making with focus on business development and client service standards. She has been instrumental in maintaining our Chartered status since 2018.
Questions
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
All three principal advisers hold Chartered Financial Planner status, with additional qualifications in accounting and tax planning.
Are your services regulated?
Our financial planning services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, while taxation and probate services operate under professional standards.
How are your investment fees structured?
We charge a competitive annual management fee that includes complimentary portfolio reviews and tax reporting services.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for probate, will writing, and investment management services.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Barnstaple, we serve clients across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset with both in-person and remote options.
How do you handle estate administration costs?
Unlike many firms, we charge based on time spent rather than a percentage of estate value, ensuring transparent pricing.
Reviews (5)
Richard Passmore
Mar 04, 2022
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I was with this company investing in Isas for over 15 years to start with they were great. However the charges are high and really not worth it with as in the past 7 or so years they have really lost their edge. Several times in key obvious dips they have consistently failed to actively manage the investments. To start with I thought give the benefit of the doubt but the ineptitude in seeing The effects coming to market from things like covid waves etc is just really poor when even an inexperienced investor like me can see the threats and possibilities.
Even when choosing to cash in my isa recently they lost over 2k despite giving them 2months flexibility, as they acted late and now seem to have sold at the lowest point in the market despite obvious changes on the horizon. In the end after the high charges my ISA has hardly kept pace with inflation where as my own investments saw 30 times the growth I got from Miltons by simply keeping an eye on things buying dips etc. Really sorry I could not recommend them at all despite being with them for over a decade.
Even when choosing to cash in my isa recently they lost over 2k despite giving them 2months flexibility, as they acted late and now seem to have sold at the lowest point in the market despite obvious changes on the horizon. In the end after the high charges my ISA has hardly kept pace with inflation where as my own investments saw 30 times the growth I got from Miltons by simply keeping an eye on things buying dips etc. Really sorry I could not recommend them at all despite being with them for over a decade.
Peter Mccarrick
Nov 16, 2021
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Nothing was to much trouble, PJ Miton were first class I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking financial advice especially Pentions and miss selling of Pentions. 5 service & 5 results. Regards Peter Mccarrick
Jill McCallum
Nov 08, 2021
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I cannot recommend Philip and his team highly enough. Their care and assistance is second to none and I would be lost in the pension maze without them. They always take the time to explain everything in easy terms and nothing is too much trouble for them.
Chris OConnell
Sep 30, 2021
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The administrators of my pension asked PJ Milton to take over the managment of my pension after the previous pension management had made investments outside the scope of the pension funds remit leading to substantial losses on my original investment - my financial advisor had gone out of business likely because of the claims against it from others like me who has taken their advice to transfer our pensions - PJ Milton offered me a low cost administration service to follow up with the FSCS ombudsman for compensation.
Although I could have done the claim myself - I felt that using PJ Milton's experience would be helpful and it turned out to be very successful - my pension service providers had to be chased by PJ Milton to provide information to FSCS and this was done professionally. Although it takes many weeks for the FSCS to consider a claim and pay it - I was impressed with the outcome and the good value of using the PJ Milton service - I highly recommend them for others looking to received compensation for their pension losses if the losses came about because of the pension managers was not managing the pension as it was described to investors.
Although I could have done the claim myself - I felt that using PJ Milton's experience would be helpful and it turned out to be very successful - my pension service providers had to be chased by PJ Milton to provide information to FSCS and this was done professionally. Although it takes many weeks for the FSCS to consider a claim and pay it - I was impressed with the outcome and the good value of using the PJ Milton service - I highly recommend them for others looking to received compensation for their pension losses if the losses came about because of the pension managers was not managing the pension as it was described to investors.
Mark Bradley
Sep 08, 2021
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The firm is always trying to help, where ever they can. Nothing is to big, and they make time and help you, much as they can. It's a great feeling their supporting you. Would be lost without them. A massive thank you
