John Pickles
Director & Independent Financial Advisor
Clients say: "I felt very comfortable and informed, thanks to John's patience, thorough explanations and reassuring friendliness. I am kept up to date with the progress of my investments, and trust that John will keep an eye as well, advising on changes if necessary. Over the years, John's presence and help has been invaluable."
We strongly advise that you check the credentials of any financial advisor that you may be considering working with. You can see John's Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) certificate below.
Professionally
During my career in financial services I’ve been a Director of a Unit Trust company regulated by IMRO; Director of a Home Loans Mortgage company; Broker Sales Director of a life assurance company; Sales and Marketing Director of a financial services group and partner of John Pickles & Partners (IFA) which I set up in 1996. I continue to be a partner of John Pickles & Partners, as well as a director at Globe.
My primary interest is investment, including the investment of pension funds. I also enjoy advising clients on inheritance tax planning and those taking an income in retirement.
Click here to view John's qualificationsPersonally
I’ve been married for 47 years (to the same wife!) and have two sons and two grandchildren. What with six nephews, a great-nephew and several great-nieces, I have an ever-expanding family.
I’m interested in most sports (except football) particularly rugby union and Mixed Martial Arts. Other interests include science and cycling. I’ve taken part in the ‘Big Battlefield Bike Ride’ across France and Belgium, cycling 327 miles in six days to raise over £7,500 for Help for Heroes.
I’ve also participated in the ‘Highland Adventure Race’, involving mountain biking for 35 miles, followed by canoeing for 9 miles. The following day we hiked 16 miles, including climbing Ben Nevis. Together, Globe’s two teams raised over £12,000 for the Mitchemp Trust, which helps disadvantaged kids who are struggling.
I’ve become fascinated by politics, especially over the last three years. My wife and I often visit National Trust properties.
Likes
- Marvelling at the stars
- Magic
- Cirque du Soleil
- Humour
- Positive people
- Game of Thrones
- Dune - the series
Dislikes
- 'Dead fish' handshakes
- Tapioca
- Almost all red wine
- Worriers
- Sloppy journalism
- Rap
Get to know John
Here’s your opportunity to find out a little more about John.
On an ideal weekend, you can find me:
You can’t. No allotment for me! And no gardening either. I’ll be out somewhere, walking, cycling, driving or visiting, if I’m not at home.
My favourite holiday destination is:
Pretty much anywhere that I haven’t been to before. But there must be an activity. White water rafting in Costa Rica was the best. Cruising up the Thames for a week.
My favourite song to play in the car is:
I never play songs in the car now. That has the same effect on your reactions as alcohol, apparently.
The first album I bought was:
Blue Moon, by The Marcels.
If I could be any fictional character, I would be:
Jason of the Argonauts fame.
If I could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, I would win a medal in:
If conkers or tiddlywinks became Olympic sports, England should certainly win a Gold, but I cannot be sure that it would be me who wins it!
When the dessert menu arrives, I’m looking for:
A lemon meringue pie just like my mother used to make.
The three qualities that draw me to new people are:
People who have the confidence to look me in the eye, and who seem open. People who have something to say, but who will also listen. People with a firm but not crushing handshake
My pet peeve is:
The way that retractions and apologies about erroneous press articles are hidden away in the paper with far less prominence than the original offending article.
The best gift I’ve ever received is:
As a boy, my roller skates. As a man, my bike.
The three people at my dream dinner party would be:
Professor Brian Cox, Deborah Meaden, Steve Irwin.
The three small things that make my day better are:
My first cup of tea of the day, a smile and a genuine compliment.
My proudest moment as a Financial Advisor was:
Setting up my own IFA practice in 1996, starting entirely on my own with absolutely nothing, and making a success of it. Then moving it into Globe.
The three things I love most about my job are:
Empowering clients to feel confident enough to make financial decisions that they would otherwise have felt unsure about. I love learning about a client’s situation and have realised that you can never predict what is most important to that person. I can usually make a positive difference to a person, and really enjoy it when that person feels that they can rely upon me and my advice.
The types of people I most enjoy working with are:
Warm, humorous, open people. Bright, intelligent people who know a lot about a subject, especially when it is something about which I know little or nothing. People who feel that they have achieved something in their lives, however small.
