Ray Martin

Founder and Director

Ray began Four Seasons in 2005. Back then, most firms earned their income from commission. This didn’t feel right to him, so Ray became one of the first fee-based advisers in the country. Today, Ray continues to innovate by being one of the first to offer:

  • Fixed initial advice fees (not percentage-based)
  • Guaranteed value for money
  • Specialised retirement advice

Four Seasons has grown from a one-man band in a broom cupboard of an office in Epsom, to a team of five highly qualified and experienced specialists.

Professionally

Ray has now been a financial planner for more than 22 years.

He sees his job as giving our clients a better return on life, through their money. A big part of that is helping people to achieve their goals; often ones that they didn’t even realise they had!

His aim is to help his clients to relax, not worry about money and feel secure.

Personally

Ray is married and has two daughters; one runs a dog grooming business and the other works in the Civil Service.

Ray’s loves are travel, food and wine (preferably all together).

Outside work, he enjoys cycling, golfing, reading and watching sport.

Importantly

All regulated financial advisers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find Ray on their register here.

Furthermore, all advisers must have an up-to-date Statement of Professional Standing (SPS). You can click here to view Ray’s.

 

Ray in the spotlight

On an ideal weekend, where can we find you?

Having a BBQ with friends and family.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Florence and Greece.

What was the first album you bought?

Blondie – Parallel Lines.

When the dessert menu arrives, what are you looking for?

Tiramisu or a chocolate souffle.

What three qualities draw you to new people?

Intelligence, kindness and humour.

What’s your pet peeve?

People with a lack of empathy.

Which three people would be at your dream dinner party?

Steve Jobs, Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe.

What are three small things that make your day better?

A good laugh, decent coffee and learning something new.

More team members

Adrien Houdet

Paraplanner

Jack Montague

Administrator / Trainee Paraplanner

Tom Reeve

Client and Operations Manager

Karen Jermy

Compliance Consultant

Katherine Mock

Paraplanner and Chartered Financial Planner

Reviews and Ratings for Financial adviser Ray Martin, Kingston-upon-Thames

We’re highly rated

We retain a 5-star rating on VouchedFor, an independent service that enables clients to review their professional advisers. VouchedFor verifies the reviews and testimonials we receive, so you can be confident that they are authentic. 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 Top Rated Adviser, as listed in The Times

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Our former financial adviser was retiring and recommended Ray to us. He alleviated the constant worry of where to best invest our savings without too much risk. We’re very pleased with the results over the last 10 years. He explains things in layman's language, which we appreciate, and gives us the confidence we have made the right choices. What more can people expect?

Kathleen

We had pension policies and investments that needed sorting out ready for retirement. We didn't know what to expect from a financial adviser. We assumed that he would simply advise us where to get the best deals. How wrong we were. Ray took us right back to basics. He made us carefully consider what we really wanted to achieve. He has allowed us to start to really enjoy our retirement.

Michael

I needed financial advice about pensions and investments as I approached retirement. My wife was in the same position. Ray Martin worked out a comprehensive plan for putting my pension provision and savings into proper order. He did the same for my wife. He has continued to provide us with advice ever since. Ray is always straightforward, open and proactive.

Laurence

I was approaching retirement and wanting to look into limiting taxation and Inheritance Tax, as well as providing for my wife. Ray provided sound advice to switch from my current arrangement to a Drawdown Pension and ISA investments. I have now retired and have started seeing the benefits of his advice. The returns on my portfolio have increased beyond expectation. Ray performed extremely well.

Demetri

I had sold my house and didn't know how to invest the money. Ray invested very wisely and there has been about a 5% increase every year. He listened to our queries, gave answers that we fully understood and followed any requests. He always had time for us, and never rushed us. We would have been financially at a loss without his help.

Brian

Ray has been advising my wife and me for about 20 years. He is everything one could hope for in a financial adviser: wonderfully enthusiastic, extremely well informed, completely trustworthy and scrupulously observant of the regulatory requirements. He is able to explain complex matters very clearly, and so far, his advice has always been first class.

Oliver

I had money to invest and had no idea how to go about investing it and hopefully making a gain. I have three children and wanted advice about inheritance planning. Ray is very patient, very clear when he explains things, he is very interested in me as a person, totally trustworthy and is an excellent listener. We have never been disappointed! He`s been brilliant.

Rosie

I had just been widowed. Ray sorted out and simplified what was a very complex set of investments into a much less confusing portfolio. I have been extremely happy with everything Ray has advised over the last 12 years. Whilst moving with the times, he has dealt with all aspects of my investments wisely and given me all the guidance and help I have needed.

Pat

As the financial director of a company, I was seeking to get advice on how to plan and invest for retirement. Without a doubt, Ray Martin helped me understand and plan how to fund my retirement. Ray has been with me every step of the way. His advice has been invaluable. I retired and achieved my annual income goal. His continued advice is helping me in the next stage of my life.

Mike

I needed some advice regarding my late mother’s estate. I had also retired and required advice on how to manage my private pension. Ray was extremely helpful, and his advice was very clear and easy to understand. I came away from our initial meeting feeling very relieved and less stressed. We have just had our first yearly review and I was surprised how well my investments had done.

Jane

In the last 10 years, my circumstances have changed with the passage of time. Ray has guided me on how to protect and make my money grow. He listens carefully to my needs and gives clear, concise advice in a professional manner. He and his team are always accessible and patient with my questions and their approach gives me confidence that my finances are securely looked after.

Glenys

Client stories

Mike

Planning for retirement

An accountant by trade, Mike knew the value of seeking the help of a financial professional when it came to planning for his eventual retirement. Here’s his story.

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Oliver & Rosie

Peace of mind in retirement

Oliver and Rosie have found the financial peace of mind they needed to enjoy retirement to the full. Here’s their story.

Read More