Colin Campbell

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

I had a very useful introductory meeting with Colin which will result in me enagaging Colin to advise on my financial affairs I hope for years to come

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Excellent in every detail

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Was informed on the 12th March he would contact us - still waiting

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

I discovered that the services Colin provides are generally more extensive than I require, and thus more expensive than is reasonable under the circumstances. He has said he will investigate whether a more suitable charge can be agreed, and if so I may use his services.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I wanted to establish a personal pension to supplement my work's pension.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He researched the market to find the best pension supplier for my needs, and he did all the paperwork required to set the policy up. Further, he looked at my existing savings accounts and identified that my Investment ISA with the bank was underperforming. He set me up with a much more effective investment account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Upon retirement I had a lump sum to invest and wanted the very best advice. Innovate were recommended to me as independent from the banks and that seemed to me to be a good option - one I have never regretted.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He annually reviews my investment and carefully explains the ramifications of each. He answers all questions clearly and helpfully helping me to appreciated the wider financial context and how best to achieve my objectives for this lump sum.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have done well for the last few years with a slowing down period in the last year. Reasons for this have been explained to me and where changes were warranted I have agreed with all advice

What could they have done better?

I am given a clear appointment which is always kept. I receive excellent written portfolios annually which allows me to track and monitor investments. In addition if I am ever concerned about financial information which may impact upon my annual tax return those issues are helpfully dealt with over the telephone

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Leaving last employer and taking a break from work. Wanted advice related to that last pension and others I had.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He looked at all my pensions, and gave advice based on my risk appetite and financial situation. I kept two previous pensions and consolidated the last employer one into another pension with another provider, based on their performance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - things are simple, straightforward and performing well.

What could they have done better?

Not sure I can think of anything, he covered exactly what I was looking for, and also got in touch about an annual review which I appreciated as I hadn't thought about it!

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Wanting to invest my money more wisely and seeking support to amalgamate various pensions.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

By providing easy to understand advice and guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say but I am pleased that I chose to work with Innovate, they have been exceptionally professional in all aspects.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Recently retired so looking for advise

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin provided professional advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I have struggled at times to understand the jargon, coming from a non financial background.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Various different pensions schemes and savings needed putting in better order.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin analysed our various pensions and savings, discussed our aims and aspirations and presented options in a clear and readily understandable way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

General mid life tidy up of financial affairs

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Tidied everything up

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Well my car could have done with a good wash. Seriously, nothing at all.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Wasn’t sure what to do with pension fund

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He advised the best way handle my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

To help me put in place a solid financial plan for my retirement.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin advised on where money should be invested and a detailed plan for the future based on my attitude to risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have grown during the period Colin has been my advisor.

What could they have done better?

I can find no fault with Colin's advice. He is always well prepared for our update meetings and keeps me informed of the most beneficial way forward.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Colin NEVER contacted me despite several calls both outside the UK and once I was back in the country. I was not impressed with the person I called twice to try and get an appointment with him and had to repeat several main factors 3 times before he finally absorbed them. I finally gave up with Colin despite being the closest in proximity to the Edinburgh flat and went somewhere else. Colin and his staff are obviously to busy to bother with a wealthy retired person within a year of picking up his sizable pension but even as a Chartered Accountant prepared to listen to advice from him in his particular field of expertise.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Colin never contacted me despite a email from me trying to arrange an appointment, disappointed with his lack of any response

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Very professional and courteous

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

did not contact us at all

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Colin was very approachable. He clearly explained the services they could provide. He listened to what my immediate needs were and how they could be addressed taking into consideration my specific needs.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

I found Colin to be friendly and professional. As someone who has worked in financial services myself for many years, I was impressed by his knowledge of pensions which was the subject of my enquiry. Given my circumstances, he was happy to explain that there was nothing that he could for me for the moment but recommended that I seek further advice closer to retirement. We chatted for a good hour and at the end of it he refused to accept any fee for his time given that he could do nothing for me at present.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

I have not heard from this individual despite my request to speak with some one regarding a significant investment opportunity. I will speak with another financial service provider.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

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

I was looking for a new financial advisor as was unhapppy with company I was with.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin was very good at explaining all the details concerning switching pension plans from my existing provider. Very personable and felt confident that had found the right person/company to work with. I am self employed and my pension pot is not a huge amount, but felt he was someone that actually cared that my money is invested in the right places - giving peace of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days as just setting up new pension plan.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Small inherited lump sum to invest.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He understood our risk appetite, explained everything well and clearly and showed the options in a way it made it easy for us to choose.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

good communication and clear information, and the investments outperformed our expectation.

What could they have done better?

nothing comes to mind

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

After over two weeks Colin Campbell has still not contacted me.

Colin's reply

Apologies Sonia, I seem to have missed your original enquiry when it came through. Please let me know if you still need assistance. Colin

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

I needed Pension and ISA advice.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Setting up well selected and perfectly risk balanced Pension and ISA plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

We wanted to set up a pension.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin helped us set up a pension plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

Pension needs.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Excellent up front advice and to date excellent on going portfolio management.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yex.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

I wanted advice on planning for my tetirement.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin was able to help me with consolidation of my pension pots and to help my plan my investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

I was approaching retirement.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He enabled me to ascertain and optimise my potential retirement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Very happy to date!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

No answer received

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

At the point of retirement and having a small amount of capital to invest we explored the possibility and benefits of support available through a financial adviser. We wanted to make the most of our capital and income given inflation and the low rate of interest available through our building society.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

We met to assess our financial position, consider our general income/expenditure requirements and what we would feel comfortable investing. We also looked at our attitude to risk in relation to an investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We meet on an annual basis to review and evaluate the performance of our investments. We also receive a 6 monthly update on the current position of our portfolio. Colin will write to suggest changes to our portfolio if funds are not performing as expected. We have seen good growth in the money we invested even during times when the market has been volatile.

What could they have done better?

Colin is always approachable and would expect us to contact him directly about any queries. Colin has been very professional and thorough in our dealings and although we are small investors he has treated us as equally valued clients.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

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

We retired 2 years ago and needed help to get the best out of a mix of private pensions and investments.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He was able to suggest a strategy for getting more income and shielding investments from inheritance liability.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to be certain but I am optimistic that our finances are on track.

What could they have done better?

I have no comment at this time

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Retirement advice.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He helped me to try and get the best return from my investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think it has been a fairly good outcome so far.

What could they have done better?

Never having had a Fancial Advisor before I have nothing to compare the help I have received to but have been very pleased so far with the help and advice I have received.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

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

I was approaching retirement and wanted to maximise my future income potential. Innovate was recommended to me by my solicitors Morisons.

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

He did a financial review in 2013 which provided me with current valuations of my pension plans and their potential future earning power. I got back in touch a year later when I required further advice concerning my pensions, with a view to realising a proportion of capital available in order to complete the purchase, if possible, of a property in Perthshire. Colin provided advice which enabled me to access tax free funds by transferring two pension pots with other providers to Standard Life. The taxfree funds have now been transferred to my account pending the house purchase becoming possible. He also provided updated valuations so that I am fully aware of what my income is likely to be when I retire later this year (probably).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now awaiting confirmation that the house purchase can go ahead.

What could they have done better?

Very happy with the advice and service I have had to date.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Good overall assessment and description of investment options Very good at explaining answers to one's questions in simple intelligible language. No question unanswered Excellent customer care, and very personable ( and provider of good coffee every time!) He suits us very well Doesn't intrude or harrass with sales pitch A very good communicator and very pleasant man who takes time to get to know his clients. He has enabled us to trust him ( to the extent that we would follow him )

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

We initially contacted Innovate relative to moving monies held by other organisations whose services and charges we were not too happy with. We also wished to take out an annuity with funds held in a Stakeholder Pension and, Innovate clearly beat every company we contacted relative to this particular matter. A better annuity was found due to having a disability and we were pleased with the final outcome. After discussing matters we decided to move funds which were held elsewhere and Mr Campbell gave us clear advice on what he considered to be the best deals for us. He also advised us we could contact him any time should we wish clarification of anything at all. Arrangements were put in hand by Mr Campbell to move the funds in question and everything went very smoothly. We have been "kept in the loop" if that is the right way to put it in relation to the funds he has transferred - maybe a bit much as we are a bit overwhelmed by the documents arriving from the company our money is with - better that though than not knowing how funds are performing. Am sure Mr Campbell will be more than capable of helping us get to grips with all this.

What could they have done better?

Details of the fees charged by the company Old Mutual would have been appreciated. We have been taken aback by this.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Since contacting Colin about 6 months ago we have structured my savings and investments of a retirement lump sum/savings/a rag bag of funds accumulated over time and some inherited shares. The meetings held with him have always been productive as he takes note of any issues I needed info on and explains the options available. He always follows up meetings with a summary of items discussed and what was agreed. Also he is easily contactable by phone or e-mail, getting back to me in a quite timely fashion. So after 6 months I am currently quite satisfied with my experience with Colin so far

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything at present

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin has always been open, approachable and has been thorough in his research and preparation for our reviews and changes we want to make with regard to our potential inheritance tax issues. Most importantly, he is an adviser who we trust and in whom we have confidence.

What could they have done better?

We have been made aware of the fees that our investments incur, but are not familiar with the commissions etc earned from our investments, hence the "ok" rating in the "value for money" section above.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Colin has an easy manner and takes you through the initial meeting well. He listened to what I had to say but did bring me back to the core of his discussion. When contacted regarding items I wished to be clarified he did reply thoroughly covering items

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin took the time to look at our overall finances , he was thorough when we enquired about critical illness and life cover and supplied detail and the different permutations available , Colin was patient (we changed our minds) and realised that our priority was life cover but he made us more aware of our overall financial position and we would not hesitate to seek his advice in the future.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

I first met up with Colin when as a Santander employee he took on the responsibility of managing my financial investment with Santander. From the outset his relaxed personality put me at ease as he thoroughly explored my background, my family and my hopes and expectations from my investment. When in 2011 he moved to become a Director of Financial Planning with Innovate Financial Services I was happy to take the opportunity to discuss how in this new environment my investment might be more profitably spread. I was persuaded that there could be wider opportunities for profitable investment while being mindful of the level of risk I was prepared to take with my investment so I moved my funds across in November 2011 and so far have not looked back. Since then all review meetings have been equally thorough looking at how individual companies within my portfolio have performed, how my attitude to risk has changed or not, whilst always bearing in mind that investment performance can go down as well as up. I have always been confident in Colin's professionalism and find him very easy to work with.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin is very affable and relates well to people. I have found him very accommodating and helpful with his advice.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin has looked after my investments for several years and I have been happy with the returns and the service provided through some very difficult years. I have faith in his ability to advise me and answer my questions in a way I can understand.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin quickly understood my requirements, goals and aspirations for pensions, insurance and investments. As a result, he was able to offer a comprehensive portfolio of products to suit my requirements. he was able to fully assess my attitude towards risk, and made appropriate recommendations based on these assessments. Since the initial consultancy, ongoing updates have been straightforward and without complexity.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Very informative, answers all questions to our satisfaction, always polite and professional. extremely satisfied with the service he provides

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

I have found Colin to be fully understanding of my needs & goals. He listens with intent, providing guidance from a very knowledgeable level. His advise is always constructive, and in my own best interests. He responds to requests very quickly. He is also affable and a good communicator.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin is well mannered, polite and professional, prompt to respond and on time when visiting us at home. He is patient and responds to our, sometimes searching questions, and will spend time to discuss the matter/s in hand.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Calm, professional, patient information and explanation of subject matter I found difficult. Practical assessment of attitude to risk. As a client I feel confident, safe and reassured that my finances are being managed.

What could they have done better?

I am fully satisfied by this professional service.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin is always easy to talk to and takes the time to explain documents and the investments to me in a way I can understand. Anything I have queried or asked about he has dealt with in a timeous manner. He is a very patient gentleman and doesn't make me feel afraid to ask questions.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

I have been very pleased with the overall service that Colin has provided, his approach is always friendly and personal with regular updates. He took the time to understand my financial position and future requirements and helped me to consolidate a number of different investments and pensions to my best advantage. Since moving my investments from a major bank they have consistently performed better and fully met my expectations.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

We have known Colin for several years now and have always found his advice to be excellent. He pays us regular visits and is always fully prepared in relation to our current investments and in relation to new ventures that we want to explore. He is extremely knowledgeable and presents suggestions in a measured way. He always has facts and figures to hand.

What could they have done better?

We really do not have any criticisms of Colin.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Very approachable. Explained risks involved.

What could they have done better?

Could have explained the fee/charges more in depth.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin communicates enough information for me to understand how my portfolio is performing and it,s probable expectations.

What could they have done better?

As I,m not into financial services, I trust Colin with my investments and have been happy with results so far.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Colin was very thorough in assessing my current financial situation, attitude to risk and my future needs, everything was carefully explained. He did a lot of work contacting the numerous providers of my ISAs and other investments to get valuations and then to transfer them to the the new investments that he recommended.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

Listens to our financial requirements and advises us appropriately.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Colin Campbell helped you?

I have known Colin for 9 years and I trust him implicitly with my investments. Always willing to discuss even the most mundane of issues you have, he has dealt with my ineptitude in understanding the world of investments with extreme patience, total honesty and complete discretion. My investments have been affected by the downturn in the financial sector since 2008, but Colin's regular advice and updates have reassured me that I had made the right choice and my portfolio is now looking extremely healthy

What could they have done better?

I genuinely can not think of anything Colin could do better.