John Taylor

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Very clear on what he could do, although at this stage of my life I’m not yet ready for his services. We didn’t discuss costs and therefore I am unable to answer any ‘value for money’ questions. Would be pleased to engage his services at some point in the future.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

multiple pension pots, some really small and others deferred. Needed a clear way forward as a director of my own company.

How has John Taylor helped you?

Listened to me. took time to understand what I was looking for. Asked the right questions to establish affordability and my needs (and that of my family). John was really friendly and welcoming and has a relaxed and personable approach towards his clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To take all of the pressure off me, when it came to consolidating my pension pots into the best and most appropriate pension for me. To act on my behalf in an unbiased way. To get the best for me, for my future needs within my financial limit.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps explained the solution, in person (but appreciate that this has been hard under restrictive Covid circumstances) - The documentation was all available and readable, but sometimes people like me don't understand all of the terminology (or even basics)

John's reply

I really appreciate your lovely comments and agree face-to-face is always best at every stage, especially the 'Wealth Strategy Report'. However, I promise we'll get together after lockdown to run through your planning report to answer any questions in person.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

A huge change in my personal circumstances meant I needed to look at my finances, investments and pension planning.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John was extremely helpful assisting with all aspects of financial planning. Explaining things with transparency.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I can now access whatever details I would like at the touch of a button and more importantly they are all in one place. As well as pick up the phone to John and his team.

What could they have done better?

John seems to have his service down to a fine art as he's been doing it for so long. So to be quite honest, i couldn't fault anything.

John's reply

Thank you Susan, I appreciate your trust and confidence.

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wanting to sort my pensions out

How has John Taylor helped you?

John helped me understand and rationalise my position

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted to consolidate multiple pension schemes as I approached retirement. John did this without any issues.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John provided clear and understandable advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

What could they have done better?

I have known John for many years now, and can think of no constructive suggestions.

John's reply

Many thanks Bob...always a pleasure seeing you and Bev and glad you appreciate my great jokes!!

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed to consolidate mutiple peension schemes as i approached retirement

How has John Taylor helped you?

John explaned my options in a clear terms

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes.

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My Personal Pension Plan was not performing as well as it had been previously, and it was time to review and update it. I had met John Taylor previously and had used his services and found him to be knowledgeable, direct and straight forward. The advice I had previously obtained from him had proven to be correct and I knew he had a "Track Record" for excellent financial consultation.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John produced a Suitability Report which reviewed my existing Pension arrangements and provided a new Pension recommendation along with detailing the advantages, disadvantages and costs associated with the recommendations. The recommendations outweighed any disadvantages compared with my previous existing Pension arrangements and I subsequently followed Johns advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pension growth has been impressive and I am happy with the outcome, I have regular reviews of my pension and the Portal availability is very impressive as I can review myself daily should I wish to.

What could they have done better?

There is very little that John could have done better, as the level of documentation in the suitability report was impressive and well presented with out too much financial jargon. John is very adept at explaining financial advice in an understandable format.

John's reply

What a great review, I'm glad you're pleased Darren.

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Getting my financial affairs in order.

How has John Taylor helped you?

Long term saving advice and pension advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to see results as it’s a long term plan. Early indications are positive.

What could they have done better?

In fairness at this stage nothing. Always professional, very approachable and easy to contact.

John's reply

Welcome to the fold Mandy!!

Review from verified client

May, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We wanted àdditional funds for various projects and holidays by way of equity release.

How has John Taylor helped you?

We had dealt with him before and he asked what we wanted and why and then produced remortgage figures.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we got a further advance.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he covered everything over the phone and meeting with us.

John's reply

Very much appreciated Martin, thank you.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Professional strait forward advice

How has John Taylor helped you?

Checked the markets for the best rates

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

John's reply

You're a gentleman Ray, thank you.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Not knowing the facts and pitfalls.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John came to our house to find out what required, and then to find a deal that suited us. he came up with just the right deal for us. He also organised all relative paperwork, tour satisfaction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

I don't think the service John Taylor provided us could be improved on.

John's reply

Great to meet you Nobby.

Review from verified client

July, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

It was necessary to contact and adviser who is authorised by the Equity Release Council.

How has John Taylor helped you?

He discussed the various types of Equity Release available, although we had decided we required a loan which we could pay off all or part of it. He then produced the best available quote and dealt with the application paperwork for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we got an equity release which was sufficient for our needs and we were totally happy with his suggestion.

What could they have done better?

As far as my wife and I are concerned we were totally happy with John Taylor's help and guidance and can not think of anything else that needed to be done better.

Review from verified client

July, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We required specialist advice on equity release in order to pay off an existing interest only mortgage.

How has John Taylor helped you?

He understood our needs and fully explained our options including searching out the best value/lowest interest rate equity release plan. He kept an eye on the changing offers available in the market and was able to obtain a more competitive rate before we signed up to our Lifetime mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Recommendation was good and we now have reduced monthly outgoings; we have accepted that our children's inheritance will be reduced and they are fully supportive of our decision to use equity release. The financial details/implications have been fully discussed with them.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of any note. The only possible addition would have been a brief emailed weekly update of progress on the case.

John's reply

Thank you so much for the review and excellent idea to improve our service further with regular email updates directly to customers.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Coming to the end of an interest only mortgage which we did not want use our savings to clear.

How has John Taylor helped you?

He listened to what we were proposing and searched a number of providers to get us the best deal. He then went through all the aspects and explained all the relevant points. The most important thing he did for us was to listen, he proposed questions we had not thought of and helped us to make the choice which was good for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The documentation was very clear and we knew John was at the end of a telephone to answer any queries we had. The whole process was completed in around 3 weeks which was very quick compared to the estimates we had been given. We achieved our desired result.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to think of anything which could have been done better.

John's reply

I'm so pleased you're happy...it has been my privilege to deal with you.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Thanks to John Taylor's advise and guidance , our investment was straight forward.

How has John Taylor helped you?

He kept in touch with us all the time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have , we are very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

No John did everything for us.

John's reply

Thank you John, a pleasure to meet you both.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

An interest in equity release.

How has John Taylor helped you?

He was quite obviously experienced and gave relevant advice for our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes a successful outcome.

What could they have done better?

For us nothing better was needed.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were looking for someone to advise us about equity release on our property, we decided on doing some home improvements and thought this was the best way of raising funds.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John Taylor fully explained in a professional manner all aspects of equity release, he was very polite and helpful through out the whole process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were extremely satisfied with the equity release we received, because of John's hard work we can achieve what we set out to do.

What could they have done better?

Everything was explained exceedingly well, John couldn't of done a better job.

John's reply

it was a pleasure to meet you and your daughter and thank you for taking the time to provide a review for me. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were seeking to raise capital for various projects and were advised by a friend to contact John.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John discussed our needs and came up with proposals which suited us very well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have certainly seen the outcome we wanted and have been very happy with he result.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could have done any better to be honest, we are in the place we want to be and the "journey" has been painless, even enjoyable.

John's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Peter and my best wishes to you and the family.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Looking into the potential of equity release as a one possible option for generating funds .

How has John Taylor helped you?

Advised fully on all the pros and cons involved and then gave a considered recommendation best suited to my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Reviewing all options to resolve my current situation.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was coming up to retirement and I wanted to make sure I had enough money to live on once I retired and to consolidate all my savings and pensions. A friend recommended me to look for a financial adviser.

How has John Taylor helped you?

I found the best thing about John was he challenged my assumptions and helped me think about exactly what my needs and goals were and I found the detail that he went into when examining my current pensions and ISAs was very reassuring and helped me understand the pensions that I have and the things I needed to think about since I'm getting near to retirement. I found the documentation provided by John to be a little overwhelming at first but it's clear and John's attention to detail is the most encouraging thing and he was more than happy to discuss things with me until I felt happy and comfortable. The plans John laid out for me were very easy to understand and unlike in the past I felt like I was still in control all the way along. John is easy to talk to and whenever I've needed to talk to him he doesn't blind you with jargon he makes everything very easy to grasp and he sends me regular reports which are also easy to read and have all the details I could want.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I understand the pensions I have much better now and because of the plan I know what I can spend each year without using up my pension and ISAs too fast so I feel a very comfortable and not worried that I'm going to run out of money which I very much was before. I am definitely glad I got advice because I would have struggled otherwise. Having John there and having his advice has been absolutely invaluable.

What could they have done better?

The first big report that John did for me explaining everything about my pensions was pretty hard to take it all in to begin with but John took the time to go through things with me and help me understand it all, that was really the only time I ever felt uncomfortable though and John's patience with me more than made up for it.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted a thorough financial review for retirement and IHT planning.

How has John Taylor helped you?

A truly Professional team of Independent Financial Advisers, always with their clients' interests as first priority.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am still investing, growth has been good.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Review of Investment options in view of low returns with banking products and the volatility of the stock markets.

How has John Taylor helped you?

John presented a diverse range of options in a clear and concise manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I acted on Johns advice and achieved the outcomes I was looking for.

What could they have done better?

Cannot really think of anything I was not satisfied with.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were looking for a way to pay the remainder of our mortgage to enable husband Roger to retire

How has John Taylor helped you?

John attended a meeting in our home advising us of the best way to move forward. He was very helpful, professional and spoke in a language we could understand. He advised us to apply for a lifetime mortgage , helping us through all elements needed, we are now very near completion, no holdups, no problems and no headaches.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have are very near completion.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we could not have had a better adviser.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

Helpful advice received from outset with time given to explain and consider options available to client and answer questions arising. Follow up contact to completion of chosen solution good.

What could they have done better?

None

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

Very good explained every thing with us nothing

What could they have done better?

Nothing completely satisfied

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

It was for myself and my husband a lifesaver,John was as helpful as anyone could be . We had a lot of debt and saw no way out of it John explained all alternatives but was our hero when he explained Equity Release and what that could mean for us. We could not believe that we could get money released from our property to clear all our debts and more besides. It was a life changing result for us I have been able to retire from work and live comfortably now we have no debts.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

Excellent service. Very professional. Explained everything in detail. Could not have done anything better.

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

He outline all the advantages & disadvantages of the equity release. Told us all the costs for his and the insurers. Explained everything in detail from start to finish of our application, how long it would take from the start of the process to receiving the money into our account. He was efficient and polite.

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

I engaged John to improve the performance and to streamline my pension, investment and ISA accounts which were with a poorly performing platform company who were very reticent to give data. John has successfully arranged the transfers ( 450K + ) to a new provider and has performed this task very well in spite of the original providers being inefficient and slow.. The advice given, plus the detailed analysis behind it, has been explained well and John always responds to the frequent requests for explanations that I have made. A very satisfactory service has been given and I can recommend Johns company, The Whitehall Partnership. Alan Udy

What could they have done better?

No changes necessary

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

we found .John's advice clear concise and easy to understand,but above all,honest. .It is obvious John knows his subject inside out. and we would have no hesitation in using him in the future, or in recommending him to other people

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

I found John Taylor to be very professional

What could they have done better?

Nothing needs to be done better

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

I found John Taylor very professional and explained everything in detail

What could they have done better?

I do not feel that adviser needs to change the way he works, I felt able to ask questions during the time spent with him

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

John helped and advised regarding equity release and was very open, honest and approachable.

What could they have done better?

nothing he was excellant

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has John Taylor helped you?

John is very good at explaining in layman terms the ins and outs of equity release

What could they have done better?

John did exactly what he was asked to do for us and lead us through the procedure and secured the funds required by my parents

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has John Taylor helped you?

I really appreciate the way that John took the trouble to fully understand my personal situation and went out of his way to find the best solution for my needs and to explain the options clearly. He's helped me out of a difficult situation and given me much more peace of mind about my financial future.

What could they have done better?

I can't really fault John's service.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has John Taylor helped you?

We felt that John knew the subject very well, explained things patiently and clearly and gave us confidence in what we were doing. He never made us feel pressured or hurried and this was very important to us. He helped us to compare different approaches to equity release, made beneficial suggestions and helped guide us to a result we were very happy with.

What could they have done better?

We were very happy dealing with John throughout the process and struggle to suggest anything he could have done better.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

I found the best thing about John was he challenged my assumptions and helped me think about exactly what my needs and goals were and I found the detail that he went into when examining my current pensions and ISAs was very reassuring and helped me understand the pensions that I have and the things I needed to think about since I'm getting near to retirement. I found the documentation provided by John to be a little overwhelming at first but it's clear and John's attention to detail is the most encouraging thing and he was more than happy to discuss things with me until I felt happy and comfortable. The plans John laid out for me were very easy to understand and unlike in the past I felt like I was still in control all the way along. John is easy to talk to and whenever I've needed to talk to him he doesn't blind you with jargon he makes everything very easy to grasp and he sends me regular reports which are also easy to read and have all the details I could want.

What could they have done better?

The first big report that John did for me explaining everything about my pensions was pretty hard to take it all in to begin with but John took the time to go through things with me and help me understand it all, that was really the only time I ever felt uncomfortable though and John's patience with me more than made up for it.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

I run a large company and needed someone who I could trust and get along with. I despise sales people, so it was important for me to deal with a business professional who could handle my investments. Their service is outstanding and John has demonstrated he understands business with some clever ways to protect the money I have worked hard for. I can't recommend this company highly enough.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

Mr Taylor had several meetings with me wherein he took the time to thoroughly understand my financial situation and requirements for the future. He did not criticise Plans/Quotes etc I had received from other FPAs, but demonstrated in a straight forward style what he could offer me which was matched to my specific requirements.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything Mr Taylor could do better. He demonstrated a genuine interest in me, explained things in terms i could understand, was polite and friendly at all times and his administration systems and paperwork provided at different stages are all excellently presented.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

John has advised me on my personal finances for many years and has always provided sound, reasoned, and objective advice that has stood me and my family in good stead for the future. I have complete confidence in both John and the Whitehall Partnership generally, to the point that I recommended him to my fellow Directors when setting up our firms company pension scheme. The scheme is now established and running smoothly and several employees are also seeking Johns advice on their personal finances as well. John's humorous nature is also a breath of fresh air when dealing with fairly dry issues such as pensions!

What could they have done better?

Meet for a beer more often!

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

John is always only a phone call or an email away and is easily accessible if there is any information or help I need. He gives me confidence in looking after my financial future and I know he has my best interest at heart. Honesty is a quality which is hard to find in the finance industry but so far so good ,so keep up the good work. Pete Jukes West Mids

What could they have done better?

No suggestions. All seems good.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

Having been recommended to Whitehall Partnership by a Solicitor handling a small Trust Fund, I and my fellow Trustees have found this organization to be frist class. Always keen to please and prompt response to any enquiry or question posed. Clearly well equipped to offer sound financial advice or source specialist expertise. I should be pleased to recommend John Taylor and Whitehall Partnership is included in any beauty parade when seeking help in financial planning and adminsitration.

What could they have done better?

The quarterly reports are difficult to understand without instruction and explanation but this can be easily addressed but shouldn't be automatically assumed. Whilst fees charged are very reasonable it isn't always entirely clear what amounts are being charged for different aspects of work performed.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

I have relied on John for financial support and planning for both my personal family finances and for my company pension planning,and have always found him honest and truthful.........and you cant say that about many financially based concerns these days! Would thoroughly recommend him and Whitehall to anyone thats looking for excellent financial advice. Now thats done,is the cheque in the post? Malc

What could they have done better?

Make the cheque bigger!!

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

Whitehall Partnership have provided a detailed financial assessment of our financial requirements, present and future, and provide the confidence that we are receiving the level of service and expertise necessary to achieve our financial aims. We consider that we receive a personal service and never feel that we are just another client.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

John is always available when you need him and I have every confidence in him and his advice.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

How has John Taylor helped you?

I have know John for many years. I have been very grateful for the professional advice and guidance given during the years, as without this I would have been lost. He understands my concerns over risk completely and takes time to explain and act accordingly. John is very approachable and understanding even in the most difficult circumstances, having been bereaved a number of years ago. I would trust John to handle all aspects of my financial planning with my best interests at heart.

What could they have done better?

I have no comparison to make so nothing as far as I am concerned.

Review from verified client

September, 2012

How has John Taylor helped you?

Very clear advice easy to understand advice and communication. Good pension performance. Have recommended John to other contacts and the feedback has always been favourable.

Review from verified client

September, 2012

How has John Taylor helped you?

A truly Professional team of Independent Financial Advisers, always with their clients' interests as first priority.

Review from verified client

September, 2012

How has John Taylor helped you?

They take the time and trouble to fully understand the client's needs and to apply intelligent solutions at reasonable cost. Quarterly reports and ongoing communication is very informative and user-friendly.