Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 5 )

Mortgages ( 4 )

Pensions ( 24 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 4 )

Investments and Savings ( 18 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 6 )

£200k - £500k ( 6 )

£100k - £200k ( 3 )

Up to £50k ( 11 )

£50k - 100k ( 4 )

Client reviews

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

We only had a brief phone conversation, and concluded that it would be more beneficial to speak to a lawyer regarding property trusts etc.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Lothian

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

I was looking to take early retirement.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

After doing my homework Ian fintuned my requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Ian's manner suited myself and was able to explain the process in plain english.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

I had funds to invest.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He explained how to get a better rate of interest even after yearly costs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , so far. I’ve been with him for just over a year.

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything as we had long conversations about what would suit me

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Since the laws changed and we no longer have to buy an annuity, especially not on a set date, I wanted to start paying into a pension again.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian advised me on how his company reviews the market and selects suitable pension companies. He also advised about the various options available for when I want to start drawing a pension. Ian also contacts me each year to arrange an annual review.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My pension fund is growing at a reasonable rate and has done so since I first transferred funds from my previous pension provider.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Renfrewshire

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

I had several money purchase pensions and required advice as to whether to consolidate the funds.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian obtained details of my various pensions and reviewed them and formulated advice and a strategy as to how to best invest the consolidated funds. He listened to my attitude to risk and chose the best investment options for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have achieved a consolidated investment portfolio, invested in a platform that recognises my attitude to risk.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

I had a pension through a group scheme offered by my workplace and I wanted to ensure it was being optimised. I also had another fund and wanted to explore whether they should be put together.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He ensured that I understood how my group pension was being managed, how to actively manage it; then advised me how to invest my pension once I left that workplace and was deciding what to do with my pension funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days but the fund has increased in value.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Looking for expertise in financial environment.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Excellent advice offered in regards pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but so far so good.

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything to put in this box. All round excellence is hard to fault.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Confident and sincere.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

OK

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

you are too early, only meeting tomorrow Wednesday 28/03/2018

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian came to our house for a meeting - very convenient he was honest, open and detailed in his responses Maybe more for people with higher net worth than us.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very helpful

Review from verified client

January, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Lothian

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

Taking early retirement.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ran through options on unbiased basis. Went through pros and the cons for staying with company pension, annuity and managed fund alternatives based on my risk and return preferences.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Transferred pension to be managed for family as a whole.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Had an initial meeting with Ian which went well and in the process of working on my pension fund.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Both my wife and I were very relaxed and found Ian very easy to relate to. His knowledge of the financial sector and his experience we believe will meet our needs and requirements to consolidate our investments and savings.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian had to rearrange meeting and organised for me to see Neil Grant on same day as original appointment. All done in good time.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Totally professional in his dealings with me

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Excellent manner and very professional

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very quick to respond and extremely helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very quick to respond and extremely helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very quick to respond and extremely helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very prompt in getting back to me, good discussion that has led me to book a full consultation

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian was perfectly nice to deal with but did not provide me with any tangible evidence to back his claim that he could achieve at least the same return I do on my portfolio. Only to find out his analysis of my portfolio would cost me £750, then £6000 to transfer and £3000+ on yearly management cost. I considered it is a bit hefty for "a blank cheque" or a jump in the unknowned.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian is very easy to talk to and he was very open about his firm's charges. He provided fair advice for my situation.

Review from verified client

March, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Decided to take early retirement and the Government stated that I had to take advice regarding pension because of the sum involved. This is when I contacted an independent financial advisor for advice.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Originally I was thinking of going down the annuity pension route, but after having discussions with Ian McKenzie it was apparent this was the wrong way to go based on my circumstances. I decided to take his advice regarding my pension requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Ian McKenzie has been very professional with his advice and presentations. I have no adverse comments to make regarding the service I have had to date.

Review from verified client

March, 2017

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in East Lothian

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

My personal financial circumstances allowed me to finally start a pension.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian was great in explaining through my various options. He did this in a very simple way that I was able to understand which allowed me to make a positive and confident decision. Ian was particularly good at very quickly responding to any questions that I had. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the service that I've so far received.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Fife

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

As a new ltd company we required a pension advisor, so we choose innovate.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

ian checked my pension pot that at the time was with AON, after the valuation and guided by Ian, I decided to sign up with innovate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, I can check my pension on line and I can see its rising which is fantastic to see.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Wanted to retire early.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian explained the options available to me to enable me to decide on the best way to allow me to draw my pension early.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am set to retire at the end of March and Ian has arranged the appropriate movement of funds and the pension solution is in place.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Good first session. Easy to talk to. Feel confident about quality of advice I'll end up with. Expensive but probably not more than should expect for IF A.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

ok

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Sought financial advice post redundancy and inheritance.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian had a clear understanding of our requirements and gave advice that was easily understood.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ian's continued advice has proved to be beneficial in that the funds recommended are performing well.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

My husband and I needed help setting up a private pension and life insurances.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian explained everything to us and set up what we asked for. He is very friendly, easy to get in touch with and doesn't mind answering lots of questions. I would recommend his services.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

A very pleasant and knowledgable man. Fully understood our mindset with regard to financial planning for our lifestyle. Gave us some good advice. No pressure from him to buy products.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Very good meeting with Ian that covered all the possible aspects of our financial planning.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Having separated from my husband and wanted to know about certain things before I completed them.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He assisted me with the forms and put me at ease.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am happy with the advice I have been given & I now see a way forward. He was very helpful and I would happily use him again if I needed to.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

I have had a range of pensions and changes in my work circumstances led me to getting them 'sorted out'.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He reviewed all of the pensions I hold and recommended possible paths forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As a result of Ian's advice, I now have a single consolidated fund which is reducing confusion and planned to get the benefit I'd like to have. Very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Ian was very flexible and responsive to what I needed. Very happy with his services.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

I had a lump sum to invest in a pension.

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He helped me set up a new pension and explained why my paid up pension could be better invested.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have a few more years before I am due to retire. I only invested in the new pension a few months ago but am confident with the advice Ian gave me regarding the new pension and the changes made to my paid up pension.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Good advice given and very helpful

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Service professional. Considered our present and future financial commitments and plans and offered a series of proposals for us to consider and select from.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Explains in plain language in a friendly and easy manner that the non expert can easily understand

What could they have done better?

Don't change

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

We've arranged a meeting to discuss my needs. He replied promptly and was flexible about a meeting - I work full time. He is coming to my home which is good for me. Impressed so far :)

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Professional and covered everything

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Lothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He examines all the possibilities for the financial planning necessary for my rather specialised case – I reached my seventies when I started thinking seriously about my future after a slightly unconventional professional life (which is still continuing), mainly self-employed and freelance. Like many freelance writer-journalists I hadn't seriously considered that a time would come when I should have something laid by for retirement since, as with many in my profession, it didn't occur to me that I'd ever stop as long as I was able to string a few words together. I can imagine this unconventional situation might have taken some advisers aback but Ian McKenzie has brought some semblance of order to my rather slaphappy approach and I feel confident that he can be turned to in whatever my unpredictable career pattern might hold.

What could they have done better?

My main uncertainty I'm afraid reflects on me rather than him. I'd be glad if he remembered that I am totally impractical in financial matters and I'd be glad if he spelt things out in words of one syllableÂ… I think he forgets that arts journalists who have spent most of their career writing about theatre, opera and classical music need to have financial practicalities explained very patiently and very clearly!

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lanarkshire

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian spent a great deal of time with me, conducted a thorough investigation into my circumstances and made a key recommendation which I opted for. He also provided me with a great deal of 'food for thought', particularly in terms of future financial planning and I was extremely impressed with his diligence and professionalism. He took time to answer my questions and explained matters in such a down to earth fashion that I was quickly able to grasp them. I am delighted with the level of help and advice afforded by Ian and would not hesitate to recommend him.

What could they have done better?

I cant think of any single aspect of Ian's performance which could be improved upon. A joy to work with!

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Explained the different options for pension fully

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Professional

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Fife

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian didn't 'hard' sell which for me is a positive. I didn't feel pressured into making any decisions until I felt it was right for me. Ian responds to my queries in a timely manner and has to date provided responses that helped me understand anything I was unsure of. I felt part of a larger circle in that I trust the company has my best interests at heart.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps a little more detail in the initial stages would have been good. I am sure I would still have had questions but maybe not so many had I had more detail (although I'm not sure what that detail could have been, just a sense that something was missing for me in the initial stages).

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian is very helpful and keen to assist in dealing with my questions concerning my pension planning and mortgage advice. His responses were quickly achieved in helping me to proceed with my choices.

What could they have done better?

Obviously,Financial Advisers depend on their own sources for information and decisions. Because of the plethora of administration required by certain bodies and recent complexities caused in the world of banking, delays occur in reaching decisions for us clients. Important decisions take too long to be reached but I know that Ian endeavoured to push this to conclusion as quickly as he was allowed, despite the current difficulties in this field.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian was very help throughout setting up my pension. He is easy to talk to and responded to my questions in an efficient manner, which was great. Ian's advice was presented clearly and professionally, which made the whole process quick and easy.

What could they have done better?

I was happy with the service and wouldn't change anything.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Didn't get to the main topic comprehensively ie company pension fund. Got the feeling we ran out of time

Review from verified client

May, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

I have been a client of Ian's for over a decade and in that period have always found him to be very helpful, approachable and a down to earth guy with whom you can trust to source the best advice/offers that are available on the market. Ian has great knowledge and always goes the extra yard for his clients, I have recommended him to many friends/colleagues who have always appreciated his sound advice.

What could they have done better?

I would say nothing, he is very good and is a credit to his industry.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian is very friendly and make you feel at ease from the moment you meet him. Very knowledgeable and trustworthy.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Lothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

He advised and detailed exactly what I asked him to do and made alterations to my savings and pensions when I have asked him to do so.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Kept meetings on time and concluded within a short period

What could they have done better?

Nothing that springs to mind for the products I required

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Fife

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian puts you at ease friendly at the same time proffesional He is able to take you through your finances in a way that is understandable and very clear He gives very good advice without being pushy I would highly recommend him

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything he could do better as in my case the service I recieved was to a high standard

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian is an approachable and knowledgeable advisor who calls a spade a spade, which I feel is key to the development of a business relationship. I would have no hesitation in using Ian again.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

I used an large IFA before and looked for a second opinion. I felt I was just a number within this company. Having gone through this exercise, I decided to use Ian's services. His knowledge was excellent and switched funds for me according to my risk. He spent time looking at my plans for my investment. Felt really at ease with him and felt I was getting a very good personal service.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

It is less than a year since Ian advised us, so on the "Value For Money" rating it is perhaps a little early, never the less we are delighted with the way our investments have appreciated.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind on what he could do better. We appreciate his honesty with no pressure to sell.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian, my advisor speaks to my wife and me more as a friend than as a customer which I thinks puts us more at ease and makes any meeting we have feel more relaxed, he also appears to have an excellent knowledge about any products he advises on.

What could they have done better?

On one occasion I was advised that if I transferred a bond I had with another financial advisor to my current advisor that he could arrange for the charges to be reduced within the bond. This unfortunately was not the case and I was a bit disappointed , therefore I think matters like this should be checked out thoroughly first. However, I was going to transfer the bond anyway.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian provides excellent advice and support.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Peeblesshire

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Good straightfoward sensible advice and review delivered compehensively and comprehensibly.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Ian McKenzie helped you?

Ian took the time to listen to my requirements and provided a detailed plan that would work for me. At no time did I feel pressured. He made it very simple for me as I have been overwhelmed by ' banker' speak in the past and in the past most of what was said was over my head!