About John Sykes | Independent Adviser Southport

John's approach

John works with individuals and families who want clear, honest advice on retirement planning, pension arrangements, and protecting their financial future - as an FCA-regulated, independent adviser with no ties to any provider.

Being independent is central to how John works. He is not employed by a bank, insurer or investment firm - he is not tied to any provider, and searches the whole market when making a recommendation. Every recommendation is based on what he believes is suitable for your circumstances.

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About John

I have always had a natural interest in money and planning, and I decided to become a financial adviser after seeing first-hand how good advice can genuinely improve people’s quality of life.

I live in Ainsdale, and most mornings you’ll find me walking the family dog, Harley, on the sand dunes, or stopping for a coffee in Birkdale or Freshfield. Outside work, I enjoy hiking, gardening and reading.

Before becoming an adviser, I spent over a decade working as an engineer across the automotive and nuclear industries. That experience still shapes the way I work today: methodical, detail-focused and practical.

John's background in the automotive and nuclear engineering sectors - high-stakes environments where precision, regulation and accountability are non-negotiable - has shaped how he approaches financial planning.

Qualifications & regulation

FCA regulated - what that means for you

Working with an FCA-regulated adviser gives you important consumer protections, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Whole of Market

I can recommend products and solutions from any provider in the market - not restricted to a panel, a bank, or a preferred list.

CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (Dip PFS)

The CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning - known as Dip PFS - is the industry benchmark qualification for financial advisers. It covers pensions, investment, financial protection, tax and estate planning at depth. I also hold the CII Certificate in Mortgage Advice and CII Level 3 in Long Term Care Insurance.

FCA Regulated

John Anthony Sykes (FCA ref: JXS00972) is an Independent Financial Adviser connected to Fintuity. Fintuity is a trading name of Fintuity Limited (FCA No: 814106), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can verify my registration on the FCA Register.

Continuing Professional Development

Structured CPD each year to keep knowledge current - including pension legislation, investment markets and evolving tax planning considerations. Ongoing learning is a requirement of FCA regulation and a professional expectation I take seriously.

Personal Finance Society - Qualified Member

Qualified Member of the Personal Finance Society

The Personal Finance Society (PFS) is the professional body for financial advisers and planners in the UK. Qualified Membership denotes a holder of the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (or equivalent), and a commitment to professional standards, continuing development and ethical practice. You can learn more about the PFS at thepfs.org.

Who I work with

Working with Fintuity

As an independent financial adviser, I choose to work with Fintuity. Fintuity is a trading name of Fintuity Limited - a directly authorised financial services firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No: 814106).

Fintuity provides the regulatory framework, compliance support, technology and infrastructure that allows me to focus on delivering quality advice to my clients. Working within a well-structured authorised firm means I have access to robust compliance oversight, professional indemnity cover and a support infrastructure that benefits you as a client.

This arrangement means you have the same consumer protections as with any FCA-regulated firm - including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme where applicable. You can view Fintuity Limited on the FCA Register.

Fintuity Privacy Notice ↗ Fintuity Complaints Procedure ↗

How I work

The principles I work by

01

Independence first

I search the whole market for every client. No tied products - just the option I believe is most suitable for you.

02

Clarity over jargon

Financial advice should be easy to understand. I explain things in plain English and make sure you know exactly what I'm recommending and why.

03

Evidence-based decisions

Recommendations are built on analysis - cashflow modelling, cost comparisons, tax projections - not guesswork or gut feel. If I can't show the workings, I won't make the call.

04

Long-term relationships

I aim to build relationships where I understand your situation well over time. That continuity helps me give better-informed advice - and it's one of the reasons I moved away from large-firm environments where client relationships were often managed at scale.

05

Responsive and accessible

You should be able to reach your adviser when you need to. I respond promptly, keep clients informed, and am available when circumstances change.

06

Client interests above all

My duty runs to you. Every recommendation I make is what I believe serves your interests best - nothing else influences that. That's what independence means in practice.

07

Collaborative approach

Where appropriate, I work alongside your existing advisers - accountants, solicitors, and tax specialists - to ensure your financial plan is properly integrated with your wider professional affairs.

Testimonials

What clients say

"I would recommend him to others with total, 100%, confidence."

Dr. Kathryn. M

"We were unhappy with our previous adviser. After meeting with John, we felt he was a more capable pair of hands."

Anthony. M

"My wife sadly passed away, and I wanted to set a trust fund for my stepdaughter. John found a solution that exactly fit my requirements."

Craig. F

Important information: The value of investments and pensions can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. This website is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. John Anthony Sykes (FCA ref: JXS00972) is an Independent Financial Adviser connected to Fintuity. Fintuity is a trading name of Fintuity Limited (FCA No: 814106), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Straightforward advice, built around you