Business Details
31 Years
experience
Independent Financial Planning Services in Kent and London
Established in 1995, Blue Ocean Financial Planning is a family-run firm headquartered in Hartley, Kent. Led by John Doyle and his daughter Annabel Sumner, we specialise in providing independent financial planning advice to clients across North Kent, London, and surrounding areas. Our team of five professionals is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence, offering tailored solutions that align with individual goals and circumstances. Clients consistently highlight our straight-talking approach, transparent fee structure, and the reassurance of working with a locally trusted team. With over 25 years of operational history, we combine deep industry expertise with a commitment to evolving client needs. Our services span savings and investments, mortgages, equity release, pensions, life and health insurance, and estate planning, including trusts.We pride ourselves on delivering value for money while maintaining a personal touch that sets us apart in the financial advisory sector. Our clients appreciate the accessibility of our advice, the absence of high-pressure sales tactics, and the long-term relationships we build through consistent, reliable service. As an FCA-authorised firm, we adhere to rigorous regulatory standards, ensuring our clients' interests remain paramount. Our 2019 client survey results underscore our success, with 100% of respondents indicating they would recommend us and confirming our role in helping them achieve financial goals.
Services
Financial Planning
Mortgage Advice
Pension Management
Equity Release
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of combined experience in financial advisory services
- Our transparent fee structure undergoes bi-annual competitive benchmarking
- Family-owned business with a proven succession plan ensuring long-term service
- 100% client recommendation rate according to 2019 survey results
- Specialist expertise in UK pensions and estate planning solutions
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Friendly advice
Knowledgeable team
No pressure sales
Professional service
Bespoke solutions
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service helps clients achieve long-term financial security through tailored strategies. We assess individual circumstances to create bespoke plans covering investment management, retirement planning, and tax efficiency. With a focus on clear communication and realistic goal setting, we help clients navigate complex financial decisions while maintaining regulatory compliance and ethical standards.
Mortgage Advice
We provide impartial mortgage advice covering all types of residential and buy-to-let financing options. Our service includes market analysis, affordability assessments, and remortgaging strategies. We help clients understand different loan structures, interest rate options, and associated risks while ensuring solutions align with their overall financial objectives and personal circumstances.
Pension Management
Our pension specialists offer comprehensive retirement planning services covering workplace pensions, personal pensions, and self-invested options. We help clients consolidate existing pensions, optimise contributions, and develop withdrawal strategies. The service includes tax efficiency planning and regular portfolio reviews to ensure clients remain on track to meet their retirement goals.
Equity Release
We provide expert guidance on equity release solutions for homeowners seeking to access property wealth. Our service covers lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans, with detailed assessments of eligibility, interest rates, and inheritance implications. We help clients understand the long-term financial impact while ensuring solutions align with their broader financial strategy.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning service helps clients preserve wealth for future generations. We specialise in creating wills, establishing trusts, and implementing inheritance tax mitigation strategies. The service includes power of attorney arrangements and care funding planning, ensuring clients' wishes are documented and assets protected according to their specific family circumstances.
People
John Doyle
Founder & Financial Adviser
With over 30 years in financial services, John established Blue Ocean in 1995. He specialises in pensions and investment management, combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach. His integrity and knowledge have earned him long-standing client trust.
Annabel Sumner
Director & Financial Adviser
John's daughter Annabel joined the business in 2015, bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining family values. She specialises in mortgage solutions and estate planning, ensuring continuity in the firm's client-centric approach and professional standards.
Questions
What financial services do you specialise in?
We specialise in pensions, investments, mortgages, equity release, life insurance, and estate planning, providing comprehensive wealth management solutions tailored to individual client needs.
How are your fees structured?
Our transparent fees undergo bi-annual benchmarking against competitors. We offer a family & friends discount and clearly explain all charges before any work begins.
Do you work with clients outside Kent?
While based in Kent, we serve clients across London and surrounding areas, maintaining the same high standards of personal service regardless of location.
How do you ensure advice remains suitable?
We conduct regular reviews and maintain ongoing communication, adapting financial plans as clients' circumstances and market conditions change over time.
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
Our team comprises qualified financial advisers with specialist expertise in pensions and investments, maintaining continuing professional development as required by FCA regulations.
How do you handle client complaints?
We resolve concerns promptly through direct communication. Formal complaints follow documented procedures ensuring fair and transparent resolution processes.
