Austyn Smith

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Austyn

no reply

Austyn's reply

I apologize for any inconvenience caused. In April 2014 I had resigned from Austyn James Consulting, and was placed on garden leave. I was therefore unable to attend to your needs in the normal manner at the time you called.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Austyn

Never contacted me at all

Austyn's reply

I apologize for any inconvenience caused. In April 2014 I had resigned from Austyn James Consulting, and was placed on garden leave. I was therefore unable to attend to your needs in the normal manner at the time you called.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Austyn

I never received a reply from Austyn.

Austyn's reply

I apologize for any inconvenience caused. In April 2014 I had resigned from Austyn James Consulting, and was placed on garden leave. I was therefore unable to attend to your needs in the normal manner at the time you called.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Austyn

I had already met 2 advisers and decided not to meet with a third.

Austyn's reply

I apologize for any inconvenience caused. In April 2014 I had resigned from Austyn James Consulting, and was placed on garden leave. I was therefore unable to attend to your needs in the normal manner at the time you called.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Austyn has provided good financial advice for my wife and myself for many years and is now my son's financial advisor as well. He appreciates and understands what we are aiming for as we approach retirement. We always find Austyn and his staff very friendly, efficient and understanding.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Explains things in very easy to understand language. Understands my attitude to risk. Comes up with suggestions and proposals but does not pressure me to accept them.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Austyn provides a personalised service, with half-yearly face to face meetings to understand my needs and review any changes in circumstances. In between times, he follows my investments and regularly sends advice to make slight changes to the portfolio in order to safeguard the value of my investments. I feel confident that he is actively managing my finances, underpinned by sound financial knowledge. Also he is exceptionally good at building a genuine relationship: This combination of skills and qualities I have not found in other financial advisors.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Initially gave me excellent advice about my annuity and pension rights which resulted in a better than expected pension. Since then has understood the financial needs of myself and my husband and advised us accordingly with very satisfactory results. His staff are unfailingly pleasant and efficient and he serves delicious coffee!

What could they have done better?

We would like an update of our financial position soon.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Our investments have always performed well under Austyn's guidance. We appreciate the prompt service given by efficient and friendly support staff. Austyn himself is highly professional, he keeps up to date with developments in finance, and appears to be well thought of by other IFAs. He keeps us well informed via his occasional newsletters.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything to put here. We are entirely satisfied with the service Austyn gives.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Sorted out my finances after my husband died. Advises me on future investments. Explains clearly what is the best action to take.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Austyn always has time to discuss our financial situation. He obtained an improved pension from our insurers and he continues to invest wisely in my wifes' pension plan. In addition, he continues to provede good and friendly advice to several of our clients.

What could they have done better?

I really don't know

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

I have been pleased with everything Austyn does but I don't know what he earns from my account so I cannot rate this !!

What could they have done better?

I used to get (quarterly?) statements showing the various funds perfomance now I only get them at the annual review. More frequent would be good.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

My advisor listens to any queries I may have and explains his answers clearly . He has looked after my monies and invested well for me so that I am financially secure. He and all his staff are kind and approachable and friendly

What could they have done better?

Not sure that he could do better.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Very aware of what I want to achieve, provides regular advice which is both valuable and relevant. Personal service is the hallmark of Austyn James Consulting.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say but an exchange of views with other clients might be useful. Perhaps a User Group could be established.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

You feel you are in a proper financial relationship with a very personal service and very regular contact and reviews.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

We moved to Austyn, as we felt on first meeting with him that he had a different way of thinking, compared to other advisors. He fully appreciated what we were aiming for, particularly relative to our age and circumstances. It is extremely important for us to have regular contact with Austyn, to ensure we know where we are going in the future,, and his personal service is second to none. We find it easy to understand his recommendations, and his charges are also easy to follow. A great move joining Austyn.

What could they have done better?

Quite honestly, I cannot think of anything he could do to improve his service for us.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

It has been a fantastic experience for me having Austyn as my advisor. In the beginning my finances were a mess and he has sorted everything out - takes care of my investments - keeps in contact regarding changes - always available for catch up meetings - has brilliant back up staff - and has managed to make me some money.

What could they have done better?

I would have absolutely have no hesitation in recommending Austyn. In my view I am completely satisfied with the service he provides - there is nothing that either he or his team could do better!

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

I have been with Austyn for the last seven years and in that time I have been fortunate to benefit from his wide spectrum of professional knowledge. This served me well in the early days as I watched ALL my investments increase well beyond the best bank saving rates or property rises. Perhaps the best example of the quality of the advice that Austyn gave me was in the very difficult 'financial crisis' of the last 4 years. Austyn helped me not to panic and provided a very clear direction to navigate what were very 'choppy waters'. As a result, my portfolio made more gains than losses before accelerating to the healthy financial position I enjoy today.

What could they have done better?

Seriously, I am so appreciative of the quality of the service I receive from Austyn and his excellent team that I have no constructive advice for improvement.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Austyn Smith looks after most of my investments and my pension. I have complete trust in him and have never had cause to doubt his advise.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Keeps advise on my investments up to date, and suggests moves to get the best from my investments.

What could they have done better?

At the moment there is nothing that springs to mind, he does every thing I need.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

Austyn gives me confidence that the advice I receive is the best possible for my circumstances, which are changing over time. Above all, Auystn takes the time to listen carefully to my requirements before proposing strategies which are flexible and tax efficient.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

In the course of regular discussion my aims and attitude to risk were explored, together with what was important to me at that time. I found it easy to communicate during these discussions. There are also regular opportunities to complete straightforward, structured forms to indicate the areas I wish to explore at the next meeting. Recommendations are given clearly and always followed up with ample literature, comparing performance with alternatives. Requests are dealt with promptly and efficiently by the appropriate member of the team, with appropriate consultation. Charges have been explained clearly. I am very pleased with the performance of my investments during risky times.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Austyn Smith helped you?

I have the highest regard for Austyn Smith. Over the past three years he and his team have shown complete dedication to understanding our needs and recommending solutions that meet the brief set. The solutions are tax efficient and executed at reasonable cost.