Testimonials

Simon really gets people.

There are plenty of search firms that can check experience and achievements. But this business is about understanding people; both candidates and employers.

Simon is one of the best at that vital difference.

Geoff Towers City of London Corporation Board Advisor & PIMFA NED Former CEO @ Pershing, CEO @ Standard Life Savings

Younion is a rare breed within the specialist wealth-related sectors it operates.

Not only are Simon’s recommendations fully researched, he takes the time, trouble and care to ensure all parties to the arrangement are fully informed and involved every step of the way.

He approaches his work for us with an innovative element which I find rare in the world of executive search and among more ‘traditional’ headhunters, probing for solutions rather than just taking an order.

Check him out!

Peter Craddock ACII CDr FIoD CEO - Policy Services; APFA Board Member & FCA Regulatory Decisions Committee Member Also, Head of Establishment (Regulatory) & Large Business Acquisitions - SJP Group plc

First and foremost, Simon is a good person.

In addition to that, he regularly keeps in touch, highlighting opportunities and potential targets.

Whether there is news or not, he checks in and during the discussions, new ideas can arise.

Well connected and highly thought of.

Ahmed Farooq CFO @ Howden Previously CFO @ The Wesleyan

Simon assisted us with the search for and purchase of a wealth management business.

His involvement from start to finish was very professional and detailed and it was certainly a positive experience for us.

Simon would no doubt provide you with a high level of service where you have recruitment or acquisition plans.

Chris Harrington Managing Director @ Cowgill Holloway Wealth Management

More than happy to recommend Simon to anyone seeking counsel and support in many areas of business growth.

I have worked with him on a number of projects and always found his counsel to be wise and demonstrative of a deep subject matter knowledge.

Alan Easter Advisory Board Member @ The Investment Network Previously Founder & Group CEO @ The Beaufort Group

I have known Simon for over 20 years – in my opinion he is the most professional recruiter I know working exclusively in the DFM/Advice market nationally helping firms identify and recruit top individuals.

Simon Funge Executive Director @ Quilter Cheviot Previously Head of FP @ Wesleyan - & - Head of Advice Transformation @ RBS Group

Simon helped us to find a buyer for our previous firm.

We wanted to avoid the usual consolidators and secure the ongoing office and staff retention as part of the deal. He provided a short-list of 4 firms and we went with one of them.

Most striking was his patience in getting both parties over the line. He was supportive without being biased.

At no time did we feel hurried in making our decision. There were no deadlines. Quite refreshing and unique in my experience.

I would not hesitate in recommending Simon and Younion to any sellers out there who want an alternative to the common route of exit.

Phil Jacobs Founder - MD @ Goldsborough Wealth Previously Founder & Chairman @ Cowgills Wealth (Yorkshire)

Simon, provides a level of information and perspective that enables a client to have confidence to say

“Here is someone I can trust with a key project in my business.”

A thoughtful and insightful business partner who gets the job done well.

Mark Blackwell Chief Operating Officer @ CoreLogic Previously Managing Director @ Xit2/Decision Insight Information Group (formerly MDA)

I have known and worked with Simon over many years and he is a consummate professional.

Clear and unequivocal in his advice, he is quick to develop an understanding of exactly what is required and uses his strong network of contacts to its full effect.

I have no hesitation in recommending his services.

James Bailey Managing Director @ Julius Baer Previously MD @ Barclays Wealth

Simon uses a combination of strong interpersonal behaviours such as listening, persuading, influencing, communicating and character assessing along with a large network across the financial services industry at senior levels to deliver results.

Genuinely personable guy with a keen focus to get the job done.

Richard Dunn Partnership Banking Director @ Metro Bank Previously Commercial Director @ Arbuthnot Latham & Santander Private Banking

Simon provided a high level of service that I had not experienced before within the industry.

His attention to detail and the way in which he operates is first class and highly professional.

I felt that Simon understood me, my previous position and what I was looking for in my next role perfectly.

Importantly, I felt that he negotiated on my behalf without me having to seem aggressive on my package with a potential new employer.

I felt confident, through him, as to where these boundaries were.

Whilst on first impressions I can imagine myself in my new role for many years, I would only ever go directly to Simon in the future.

Matthew Hawkins Director [HNW & UHNW] @ Smith & Williamson Previously Financial Planning Director @ Rathbones

I find Simon to be very engaging, dependable and high in integrity.

Younion have been a valuable recruitment partner of ours for the last few years. They have a very people-centric approach that goes beyond just matching skills and experience to a job spec.

I know that when I interview a candidate, they will have already vetted as a suitable fit within our company and culture by a partner who knows us well.

Highly recommended.

Gary Lee Executive Director @ Astute Private Wealth Founding Director/Investment Committee Member @ Astute Investment Management

I found Simon supportive, professional and incredibly committed.

His integrity and approach stands out in a sector of mixed characters! I would recommend Simon without hesitation.

Nigel Hibbert Executive Director @ Quilter Cheviot Previously Director @ Deutsche Bank & Tilney

Simon is well connected in the Financial Services space and unlike many other recruitment companies, he proactively looks to create opportunities and introductions according to the type of role you are actually looking for.

I would strongly recommend Simon if you are looking for a new role or recruiting – and want a genuinely professional service.

Andrew Pennie Marketing Director @ Intelligent Pensions Previously Marketing Director @ Santander Private Banking

Simon retains an active interest in career and personal development, seeking out potential opportunities and ensuring realistic ambitions are set and met in the recruitment process.

As well as being thoroughly professional, he is very engaging and entertaining company.

Gerard Lane Chief Investment Officer @ Artorius Wealth (Global Multi-Family Office) Previously Head of Research @ PwC Private Client Wealth Management

Younion’s Reverse Search [™] process produced introductions to a number of firms and helped me secure an exciting new role.

Throughout the journey Simon was professional and helpful. He has a good understanding of the financial services industry and is diligent with his follow up.

He is a good ally to have in the recruitment marketplace.

Nigel Carter CEO @ Mars Capital Previously COO @ Coutts & Co., Programme Director @ Schroders

Very client-focused and always seeking to deliver real added value to customers.

They take time to properly understand customer needs and then work exceptionally hard to deliver in innovative ways.

Definitely stand out from the crowd.

Simon Holt Chair @ Vistage - MD/CEO Group Previously Managing Director @ Skipton Financial Services and G&E Wealth Management

Simon is an achiever – he is self driven, articulate and motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients and customers.

I had the joy of managing Simon in the early stages of his career and it is fantastic to see how his career has developed and the success he has achieved.

John Ainsworth Chief Operating Officer @ Atos Business Transformation Services Previously Head of Operations @ Lloyds Banking Group

Simon has incredible knowledge of his area of expertise and the people working in it.

He also demonstrated a quick and sensitive understanding of what we needed as well as recognising the importance of what we were offering as an employer. These facets were combined into excellent service, a strong target list and a successful outcome.

Always our first port of call!

Alaric Gordon Management Consultant @ The IronMarket Group Previously COO @ Saltus Partners LLP & CEO @ Mercater Money Management

Having worked with Simon again over the past few months, I would certainly recommend his services to anyone seeking professional recruitment within the financial services industry.

I have found Simon to be diligent and thorough whilst at the same time a very personable character.

I will definitely continue to use Simon on future projects.

Steven Midgley Operations Manager & Partnership Executive @ SJP Previously Head of Sales Strategy & Operations @ Tilney/Towry – MD of FP @ Ashcourt Rowan

I first worked with Simon over 10 years ago and he has consistently demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the market place and has been invaluable in fulfilling our recruitment needs over the years.”

Philip Okell Founder & CEO @ Mosaic Money Management Previously CIO @ Tilney & Co / Deutsche Bank PWM

I am extremely grateful to Simon for his support and guidance at a time when I was looking for a new role.

He has excellent knowledge of the industry and is well connected.

Furthermore, when he says he will do something, he does – and quickly.

I would strongly recommend his services.

Rollo Wilson Key Account Director @ Curtis Banks Group plc Previously Key Accounts @ Suffolk Life

Simon is very personable and has an easy going confident nature which instils trust.

He has a deep understanding of the industry and is very well connected with the major employers in the marketplace.

I have very much enjoyed working with him and would be very comfortable recommending him to colleagues.

David Wynn Principal - Fiduciary Management & Investment Consulting @ Mercer Previously Investment Consultant @ RSM Tenon

Well-connected, well-informed, commercially savvy and persistent/proactive in finding the best people.

I still continue to benefit from the introductions (individual and commercial) made to me over the years.

Headhunting professionals who ‘get it’ – then, get on with it!

Karl Hughes Chairman @ Brandon Hill Capital Management Previously CEO @ HB Markets plc

I briefly worked with Simon many years ago but my main contact with him has been over the last few years at Younion.

Simon is a trusted friend and associate and is one of the first people I would go to if I really needed to think through a challenge – this is because I know that Simon has that unique ability to think laterally, he is a truly original thinker and innovator and this is a quality I really value.

Simon is a gifted recruiter and an experienced business leader who should be very proud of all he has achieved to date – I expect to see him continue to grow his business and see Younion thrive in the future.

Mark Williams "Mr LinkedIn" - Business Strategist & Online Networking Trainer @ ETN Training Previously MD @ RK Group [colleague]

Before I started speaking to Simon my experience with other recruiters was patchy to say the least. However I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of service he provided.

Although my particular circumstances were different from his normal mandate, he was always contactable and offered invaluable advice.

Eventually I was able to successfully attain a position and Simon was an integral part of that.

Jamie Mornington Managing Director @ Barclays Wealth & Investment

I have no hesitation recommending Simon.

Very experienced, well thought through approach and very personable.

Phil Brewis Partner & Business Development Director @ Vestra Wealth LLP Previously Key Account Director @ Axa Wealth International

I have used Younion’s recruitment services for some years.

The team’s network of contacts is as impressive their encyclopaedic knowledge of the private client sector.

Younion only delivers the highest quality candidates – and they’re not afraid to put me on the track when I stray…

Paul Stallard Chief Examiner - Strategic Management & Innovation in Banking @ The London Institute of Banking & Finance Global Consultant, Lecturer & Training Consultant in Corporate, Retail & Open Banking, Fintechs & Wealth Management

Younion clearly know what they’re talking about and really are ‘specialists’ in the private client services sector – with a deep and broad understanding of the world we work in.

They’ve added real value by asking thought provoking and interesting questions, helping us identify the precise qualities that we require from future recruits and how best to achieve our over-riding commercial objectives in the long term.

Ross Hyett Managing Partner @ PFP Wealth Management

Up to date and very well connected in the Financial Services and Wealth Management sectors – and across a wide range of firms.

On a personal level, Simon provided me with two perfectly matched introductions, resulting in two great opportunities, 14 years apart.

What more can be asked?!

David Gurr Founding Director @ Diminimis Previously MD: Head of Intermediaries @ Tilney & Deutsche Bank PWM

I had heard and read of Simon’s reputation so asked for his guidance in helping me find a niche position that utilised a specialist skill set.

Simon did not disappoint.

Within a short period after an insightful one-to-one meeting, he had arranged introductions to a select group of Wealth Managers and Asset Managers.

The quality and fit of all were first class and all meetings were highly informative and productive – and I now have a role in a leading organisation that enables me to utilise all of my skill sets.

If you are looking for someone with outstanding listening and presentation skills then it will be extremely difficult to find anyone who matches his ability, experience and professionalism.

Simon is the best in his class.

Philip Ostle Head of Professional Practice Development @ Brooks Macdonald Previously Head of Financial Planning @ Irwin Mitchell

A more focused recruitment specialist would be hard to find as Simon provides a first class bespoke service to his clients, pulling out all the stops to find the right opportunity.

He is exceptionally well connected, knows the market and who is looking for what.

He is able to deliver a quality of service and expertise that is second to none, and if you are looking for a new role, Simon is just the man to look after you, keeping you informed every step of the way!

Ron Wallace CEO - BD Strategy Consultancy - Retired Previously Business Development Director @ Butterfield Private Bank

Simon is exceptionally well informed and works with the utmost discretion and integrity

Without hesitation I would recommend talking to Simon with any thoughts for an informed impartial steer on possibilities in confidence.

Andrew Cracknell Managing Director @ Tourmalet Associates Previously Head of Intermediaries @ Frontier and Sarasin & Partners

Simon is one of the most professional and knowledgeable recruiters I have come across.

His expertise in financial services is as impressive as his ability to create meaningful opportunities – and see them through to delivery of the desired result. The help and support given to me has been tremendous.

I cannot recommend Simon and his team enough.

Sarah Collinson Business Development Director @ AllClear Previously National BDM @ Hiscox FSP & Strategies BDM @ Telegraph Media Group

Simon is a consummate professional and takes a genuine involvement in ensuring the right result for both employer and employee. I would recommend without hesitation.

Michael Egan Specialist in PI, COP, ClinNeg, Personal Injury Trusts & compensation awards

Simon is a true professional, going the extra mile where others might be tempted to adopt a ‘me too’ mentality.

He takes time to genuinely understand the needs of his clients and offers well considered advice where appropriate.

He is supportive and communicative; I’ve no hesitation in recommending his work to existing clients and future prospects alike.

James Cole Managing Director @ Talis IFA Also Chair of PFS - Regional Committee

Simon is a rare breed in the search industry; full 360 service provider with a real depth and breadth of knowledge, which he applies with rigour to get his clients the results they need, quickly and accurately.

His long standing client relationships over many years stand testament to this and his values are the same as ours.

Whenever a client requires expertise in a legal, property or banking assignment, Simon is our sole contact as a JV assignment partner.

Ed Brown Director @ CES Consulting International Headhunter

I worked with Simon for over 2 Years when he was General Manager and Director of RPS Group (IRL).

Simon demonstrated very good leadership skills and had a natural aptitude for problem solving.

His client facing side was second to none and he always acted in a genuine, sincere way.

I would certainly put my faith in his abilities and those of Younion under his leadership.

Declan Clarke Managing Director @ ISS Technical Services Previously Group Finance Direrctor @ RPS (Ireland) Group [colleague]