Have used Julian Thornhill as a Financial Adviser for 7 or 8 years. In that time he has advised us…read moreon mortgage renewal several times, always making it clear if he would be receiving payment or not from the companies he advised would be the best option for us as mortgage provider. Most recently Julian advised me to renew our mortgage with our current provider as they had the best rates and that I would get cashback if I did it myself online. By doing this Julian negated the chance to get a referral fee and did not charge me at all for his services. A very dependable and trustworthy financial adviser who will always advise the best deal for you not for him. Could not recommend Julian and Thornhill Financial Services highly enough.

I can not rate Mortgages Remortgages highly enough. Over the past 10 years they have saved me…read morethousands of pounds in monthly mortgage payments. They exceed expectations and offer outstanding service. I would highly recommend them. Thank you again for all your hard work and support over the years. There is no one better in the mortgage sector.

After moving back to Holmewood after 5 years been a postman down south I found that Connexions were…read morereally helpful in sorting me out with a good c.v. and getting a job. Also I got help from the edge project, based in holmewood. A friend recommended them to me after seeing what they do on the Holmewood.org website which is a useful guide for teens and adults for where to turn to for advice.

My bank. Part of the HSBC group…read more I can not recommend this bank highly enough. One of my favorite things is having my call answered by a human being 24 hours a day all year round. The more you use this bank, the more convenient it gets. If you've made the payment before, you could quite simply phone them up, go through security, and say "I'd like to pay british gas, £39 from my current account, thank you" job done. They also sent me a case of wine when I signed up for my credit card a few years ago. The staff are attentive and always keen to help.No pushy up-selling. HIGHLY recommended.

First Direct is a brilliant bank…read more I moved to the UK when I was 32. From the moment I arrived I heard horror stories from other expats about the difficulties they had setting up bank accounts. With no prior address, utility bill, or credit history they were often laughed right out of high street banks. I spotted ads for First Direct at the time that were promoting them as the UK's first virtual bank, with all interactions processed online, by phone, or by post. With nothing to lose, I applied for a current account online. They immediately gave me one. They set me up quickly and professionally with no fuss at all. They asked me if I wanted a credit card and gave me a generous limit. I continue to be with First Direct, 7 years and counting, and have always found them to be excellent. If you ring them you get a human being right away, and after answering a couple of security questions they're happy to help you. They keep a close watch on my account and card activities and always ring up if they see anything suspicious. Their web site is easy to use and comprehensive. I've used it for credit card limit increases, savings accounts, foreign currency, and several foreign transfers. First Direct are a subsidiary of HSBC, so if you do need to go into a branch to speak to someone or make a deposit you can do it at any HSBC branch. First Direct had an ad campaign a couple of years ago saying they were the UK's most recommended bank. Everyone I know that uses them feels the same as I do. They're tops.

I had a standard letter to say my savings account had matured. It stated that i could not cancel…read moreonline so last Friday I visited the Dorking branch. Unfortunately my local Leatherhead branch has closed. This was a fruitless journey as it only opens Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, not particularly helpful for the customers. As my day's arrangements today took me near to Epsom I visited the Epsom branch and presented the letter to the gentleman behind the counter who asked for proof of I D. I asked if the standard letter requested I D and he confirmed it did not. My bus pass, issued by Surrey County Council and showing a current date, my name and my photograph was not acceptable although the name matches the letter Halifax sent me and the debit card of the account I wanted the money transferred to. I asked to see the manager but apparently he was in a meeting. What a shambles. I asked if he would paying my parking fee but I merely received a blank stare. Halifax are still earning interest on my money that I should have in my account.

Work for the company but not in one of the Branches so often an eye opener to see how I'm treated…read moreas a customer. The main Branch on Commercial Street is always busy due to being in a town centre location however queuing times are kept to a minimum and staff are always helpful. Advisers are available for immediate appointments and this Branch offers advice on a wide range of banking, savings and mortgage products, unline some of the smaller branches/agencies.

I know most estate agents get a bad press but my own experience with Alan Kirkham's of Shaw could…read morenot be further from the stereotype most of us have. I have recently bought a house through Alan Kirkhams and they could not have been any more helpful. Yes, i know they get a fee when they sell a house but the girl's i dealt with were genuinely decent people who did everything possible to help me out. It is my opinion that they are the friendliest agents for some way around and i wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. They kept me informed and up to date of every aspect of my purchase and they were more use than my solicitor and as the purchaser i did not even have a financial committment to them. I cannot praise the agents at Alan kirkham's Shaw highly enough. They take the stress out of a stressful situation.

Good company with excellent serviceread more

We have been banking with first direct for over 5 yrs now and I can only say positive things. The…read moreaccount on line is easy to manage. The call centres are english speaking, which helped us a great deal when someone clone our card and took money out of the account. They sorted it out straight away even being able to stop the bogus transactions. The one time they slapped us with a charge we called up and after a chat about it we signed up for text message service to help us and they removed the charge. All in all one excellent bank