Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 8 )

Mortgages ( 2 )

Pensions ( 36 )

Equity Release ( 5 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 12 )

Auto Enrolment ( 1 )

Investments and Savings ( 34 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 4 )

Inheritance Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 13 )

£200k - £500k ( 12 )

£100k - £200k ( 5 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 2 )

( 1 )

Client reviews

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Excellent service. Offered suitable advice based on my current financial position. Wouldn't hesitate to go back to him if I needed any further advice.

Review from verified client

December, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Mike has been our Financial Adviser for over 25 years. When we first engaged with Mike we were about to start a family and needed to discuss financial protection i.e. life cover, critical illness protection and pensions.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Initially Mike advised us on life cover and critical illness protection and did a detailed review of our pension arrangements. He has reviewed our circumstances and advised us appropriately ever since i.e. for over 25 years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. We have always been comfortable with the level of financial protection we have had in place and what it has cost us. We are now 10 years from retirement and currently more than happy with the performance of our pension funds under Mike's management.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything more we would have wanted from the service Mike has provided. he has always given us excellent advice and been very open and honest with us.

Mike's reply

Thank You

Review from verified client

July, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Merseyside

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

long term planning for my own and families future prosperity

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

we discuss the objects of investing and he produces solutions to match my aims

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

definitely I have been a long term investor and am more than satisfied with the outcomes

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

I needed to focus on consolidating and extending my existing pension contribution and investment portfolio.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike, advised and helped me to setup a SIPP Pension arrangement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, with regular reviews of my risk appetite and Mike's guidance towards in-scope investment opportunities my pension pot has grown in-line with predictions.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

We contacted Mike as we were considering a review of our finances, approaching 50 and wanted to see how we could utilise the money in our business to boost our pension.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike came to see us and carried out a full review and evaluation of all our investments and various pensions that really helped us focus our minds on setting our short and long term saving goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have consolidated our pensions to a new provider that is better aligned with us and affords us the flexibility to top up our pensions via the business as and when we are able to do so.

What could they have done better?

Not much, managed the process well, chased up and resolved immediately when there appeared to be a delay in processing art the pension fund providers end.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Having quite a few pensions with different companies I needed to put them all under one pension company.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

He came up with a company that best suited my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything has gone smoothly so far and I am very pleased with the outcome.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Mike was recommended to me when I needed advice about a dormant pension fund.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has helped me with pensions, savings and insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The results have been much better than expected and I am extremely grateful to Mike for his help.

What could they have done better?

Mike could not have done anything better.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Our accountants advised

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

With our pensions, and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so yes.

What could they have done better?

Don't know really, we have just been happy with what he has done for us.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Manchester

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

We moved into the area and needed an advisor who could look after our existing pension and insurance situation as well as guiding us on future plans for contributions and changes in circumstance

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has helped to ensure that we have adequate insurance in place as well as guiding us in terms of new pension contributions, where they should be invested (relative to our risk profiles). He has also reviewed our existing policies and where appropriate suggested alternative investment options for them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, with any investment there are risks but he has provided sensible advice along the way. He has also not blindly suggested we reallocate existing investments, only those where there was a significant benefit to moving the investments.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

I wanted to purchase a commercial property using pension monies via a SIPP

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike introduced me to a local firm of Trustees to establish the SIPP and helped with the transfer of funds to facilitate the purchase

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The transaction went very smoothly

Review from verified client

April, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Manchester

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

We needed personal and company investment and pension advice.

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike, provided a structure for my personal finances. He is effective and efficient, with an easy going friendly approach.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mike has helped me to develop a balanced investment portfolio.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Mike was very pleasant and professional. He explained everything.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

He contacted me very quickly to arrange a meeting which was just a few days later. He listened carefully to my circumstances and what I was trying to achieve. A few days later he provided a helpful summary of my requirements and his advice. He responded swiftly to a few further questions I had. Throughout Mike was friendly, helpful and explained things in a straightforward way.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

A thoroughly professional financial advisor who really listens to your circumstances and is clear about the services he can offer and the costs. I feel confident that he will offer good advice tailored to my situation. I would recommend him to anyone and hope to use his expertise to look after my pensions.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Good advice clear on objectives

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Good, frank discussion about the options

Review from verified client

March, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Meets us for regular reviews but also responds very promptly to ad hoc questions and requests. Takes time to fully explain matters and very good at explaining risk profiles and targeting investments appropriately. Very friendly and relaxed approach.

What could they have done better?

Very happy with service that Mike provides but have wondered if perhaps we could sometimes a slightly wider selection of investments and providers.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

We've had one meeting with Mike today and have scheduled another. We haven't agreed fees as yet, but he has made it clear that everything up to now is FOC and he'll tell us when he will start charging, and the basis of the fees before he goes any further

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is very good at fully explaining my current investment performance and at recomending why and when to make any changes. He promotes regular review meetings that keep me fully informed and up to date.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Regular contact, availability,fast response Clear communications Liaison with other financial adviser

What could they have done better?

2 investments not gone according to plan

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has a full understanding of our financial position and requirements. He has a good grasp of our present and future goals and we have a lot of confidence in his ability to competently manage our affairs. Mike has steered us well through the recent financial turmoil and we would recommend him to anybody needing full and long term financial advice.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Helpful and trustworthy

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Isle of Anglesey

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is very good at reviewing your financial health and is able to offer financial suggestions to improve your investments and offer a prediction by using a model for your financial future years into retirement.

What could they have done better?

Investors actually don't want to lose money and much is said about Risk and investing for the medium to long term. Financial advisors should, in my view, be able to discuss the down side more and have a clearer view of the world around which may help clients to form their own decisions about the investment future.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Having used the services of Mike for nearly 15 years, Mike has advised us on mortgages, insurance and pensions and always offers sound advice after weighing up numerous options. Mike explains his suggestions in easy to understand terms and nothing is too much trouble. We trust Mike implicitly with our financial affairs and would highly recommend his services.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has always prompted us to take part in an annual review, which is well researched and tailored to our requirements. When we first engaged Mike, he inherited a varied and poorly managed handful of ISAs, PEPs and Unit Trusts which he rationalised into a much more comprehensible package of investments. A a service family we move around a lot, currently being based in London, but Mike has always been prepared to travel to meet us for consultations, and continued to provide us with excellent advice, stretching from managing our investment portfolio to more recently giving pensions advice.

What could they have done better?

Compared with my previous experience of investment managers, I am not in a position to make recommendations on improvement, as his performance is a world apart from my previous experience.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Sussex

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is very approachable and provides clear recommendations based upon the information you provide and makes no attempt to pressure you proceed with any investment with which you do not feel comfortable. Any questions or queries raised are promptly answered.

What could they have done better?

I have thought hard but found no reason for criticism. There is no area in which I have found shortcoming.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Merseyside

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

I met Mike to see if Investing was the right choice for my present circumstance. Took time to explain things in plain English and provided examples of investing for me to take away. Puts you at ease and does not rush you into making a decision.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has looked after my interests along with my company and without doubt has been a great service to both me and my business.

What could they have done better?

Don't know!! Make me bigger profits!!

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has looked after us for seven years and in that time we have developed a good relationship with regular updates and feedback.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is responsive, accommodating, clear, patient and understands our needs even when we don't express them clearly. He helps us to work out what it is that we think we need. He builds long term relationships and has the expertise to offer advice and guidance as you progress through your "financial" lifecycle. He is a trusted confidante and it is reassuring to know that you can always pick up the phone and ask for his opinion. He "supports" you rather than "sells" to you.

What could they have done better?

I genuinely don't believe that there is anything that Mike could do to improve the service to us.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Merseyside

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike made sure that he fully understood my individual financial requirements at the outset of our relationship, so that over the years his advice has always been geared to this end. He invariably delivers on his promises, but if he can't through circumstances beyond his control, he will always communicate to explain why. Mike is easy to talk to, makes things easy to understand and always acts with the highest integrity. I have no hesitation therefore in highly recommending him and his organisation.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Looks at our savings and pension provisions and gives us regular updates on their value. Advises on how to invest savings and also advised on where best to release funds when we need cash to help out relatives. Makes us aware of savings opportunities that we wouldn't know about. We have now retired and Mike is advising us on how to use our funds for our retirement in a tax efficient manner.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Michael is always willing to discuss our financial objectives and gives us worthwhile advice. He is very approachable, friendly courteous and also professional.

What could they have done better?

We are very satisfied with his services and would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has been excellent in advise and service given. He & his staff are always available for any urgent help or advise.

What could they have done better?

One or two of my investments haven't been very rewarding financially, but overall he has been very good.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

a

What could they have done better?

a

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Gives good advice, various options on investments he explains clearly, & does not push you into making decisions on any products he puts forward. Understands on what risk your prepared to take & finds investments that suit your risk attitude.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is clear and concise about how funds have performed, and his suggestions for changing funds have proven to be the right advice.

What could they have done better?

I am more than happy with the service received

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

What does our advisor do well? So far everything!

What could they have done better?

If I ever come across something that could be better, rest assured I will say so. But right now, I can't think if anything.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Avon

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is very focused on my pension investments, thorough and excellent comms.

What could they have done better?

I would have no real constructive comments to air, given my satisfaction of the levels and comprehensive service he provides for me.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike Is very pro active and always giving much needed solid advice. He has always been able to answer all my queries promptly and efficiently and his technical know ledge is excellent always backed up by his keen staff.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Very approachable, dependable and honest

What could they have done better?

I have had no issues in the time I have been dealing with Mike.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is very pleasant and personable, he explains everything in language that's undestandable and thoroughly investigates your needs before making sensible suggestions of all options available to utilise within your decision of risk catagory.. He is happy to visit you on home ground or you can visit him at his office. He is prompt and the office staff were equally pleasant. Any advice on our investments has so far been positive and we are happy with the way he has invested our money. He communicates regularly with any changes that may affect your investment and equally is always easy to contact and prompt to reply should you have any queries. For us, Mike has been an outstanding advisor and a thoroughly nice person to deal with.

What could they have done better?

So far, I honestly can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike listens very well and then taylors a plan to suit your needs. He has expertise in all area's of financial planning from life insurance to pensions and even helped my company with our private medical insurance. His years of experience really tell when you spend time with Mike and he puts you at ease when planning for the future.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

proactive and positive approach

What could they have done better?

wider range of investments

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike has been fantastic with my husband I ,very patient willing to got over matters more than once so that fully understand our investments etc,with Mike we have been able to have money to work with based on the investments he set up 6 years ago, we have recently discussed equity release with him and his team, after careful consideration it transpired that it wasn't right for us at this time, should we need to look into this in the future we know where to get the advice, plus the girls make a really good cup of tea!

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is a friendly and intelligent man who understands our requirements at our stage of life. Any questions we have put to him he has responded quickly with relevant answers. His recommendations have been good, and have taken into account what we require from our investments. We have regular review meetings where we re-assess the situation , and where necessary Mike makes recommendations.

What could they have done better?

From our point of view we have been well served by Mike, and it is not clear how we could criticise the service we have received.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

Mike is excellent at explaining the details

Review from verified client

January, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Conwy

How has Mike Clarke helped you?

We have used the services of Mike and his organisation for a number of years and found them to be outstanding. In terms of quality of advice and efficiency they far out performed our previous advisors and we would both commend their service and recommend them to others. Our requests for information are always dealt with promptly and Mike goes beyond what is required to ensure we have sufficient information to make balanced decisions in areas where we may not have sufficient knowledge or expertise.

What could they have done better?

Frankly, the service given is of such a high standard it would be difficult to offer any constructive criticism.