Christopher Brown

Brantwood Financial Planning Ltd

Reviewed for

Pensions ( 11 )

Investments and Savings ( 21 )

Inheritance Planning ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 8 )

£200k - £500k ( 2 )

£100k - £200k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

My old adviser lived too far away and was retiring.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

He reviewed my portfolio and checked my risk level and then made suggestions of how to change various things which would simplify and improve my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have been completely satisfied.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Brought biscuits perhaps?

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Need for advising on a suitable personal pension plan

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris reviewed my personal circumstances and then based on this researched the market and advised on a suitable pension plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pension fund that Chris set up for me has exceeded my expectations. It is strongly aligned to my risk strategy, has an optimum charging structure and is performing stronger than my expectation

What could they have done better?

Chris could not have done anything better. A very professional personal service

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

I unexpectedly received a substantial amount of money and had no experience of dealing with this. A solicitor with my best interests at heart recommended Chris' firm.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

He asked a number of questions, making sure he really understood my situation, before giving any advice. It has continued to feel like joint decisions - advice not direction - based on discussion of my (changing) situation which is my contribution; and knowledge of the current state of the financial markets which is definitely Chris's contribution.!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am not anxious about my financial affairs as his advice over some fifteen years has taken good care of them. I know he will make the wisest decision under the circumstances, as and when things change, and always keep me informed as necessary.

What could they have done better?

I think he holds the fine balance between taking a personal interest and giving professional advice. I don't think this could be improved.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Lack of knowledge of financial affairs

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

He made sound investments on my behalf and I have confidence in him

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Other than wave a magic wand over the economy he has been prudent and successful on our behalf

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

After my husband died, I felt the need for someone to manage my money and decided to continue with the same FA that he had engaged.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Christopher Brown took over my portfolio when my original FA retired, and I quickly realised that he was someone that I could trust and who would have my best interests at heart.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I have seen a steady, cautious growth in my investments in spite of market fluctuations over the years, and have been pleased with the income it has generated.

What could they have done better?

No - I have been completely satisfied with his work. He gives me regular updates and explains everything clearly and patiently. I have every confidence in his ability.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I was administering a complex family will and opted to go to a firm already used and trusted by my family.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

He worked with me throughout the unravelling of the intricacies of the will. His patience, knowledge, listening skills, attention to detail and reliability were impressive.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, to the extent that I decided to choose Christopher Brown henceforward as my permanent IFA. His combination of professionalism and warm friendliness, the personal touch, is ideal. I have had no reason to regret my choice of IFA since that decision was taken and have now been a client for eleven years.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say that even in retrospect there were no deficiencies.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

We were not happy with the advice we were receiving from our previous financial adviser and felt that the time was right to change to a new adviser. This was fifteen years ago.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris made appropriate recommendations o us from the start and has made sure that everything has remained on track with regular meetings and telephone calls. He has become a good friend as well as our adviser.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have been very pleased with the advice we have received from Chris and the returns we have seen.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

We were dissatisfied with the advice on investments offered by our bank as these were limited to their own investment products. We felt that an independent financial advisor would have access to a wider spectrum of potential investments.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Christopher Brown met with us and undertook a detailed analysis of our investment requirements based on a review of our assets and discussions regarding our aspirations, lifestyle, family, financial and business commitments. He has visited us annually on a regular basis to review the performance of the investments he proposed, to review any changes in our lifestyle and circumstances foreseen or otherwise that might impact upon our investment strategy and to propose any changes or refinement in strategy that would be beneficial. Christopher has always made himself available to provide advice and to answer any questions or concerns that we have raised during the 15 years that he has been our financial advisor, his response in this respect has been prompt, courteous and helpful and not necessarily restricted to normal office hours. Where necessary Christopher has liaised with our accountant to ensure that taxation issues are dealt with correctly, and has monitored the performance of our investments on a regular basis.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Accepting that our long term investments would inevitable by affected by market forces and unforeseen global influences beyond our control we have been very satisfied with the returns generated over the 15 year period and despite the uncertainty resulting from Brexit and more recently Covid 19 our investments have not suffered as significantly as we had feared. We have every confidence that Christopher will continue to provide sound advice and review the impact of these international issues as they develop.

What could they have done better?

We have been more than satisfied with the services that Christopher has provided and can offer no suggestions with regard to any improvements.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

As I did not have the time to keep an oversight of my spread of ISA, Bond & Pension investments I looked for a financial adviser who would set up a plan to consolidate all my investments and then keep me advised on the consolidated portfolio’s activities.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris organised the consolidation of four/five separate ISA & Pension funds into investment fund managed portfolios for ISA & Sipp Funds and into which could be added annual ISA allowances and monthly pension contributions, which had competitive managed fund charges, and which I knew would be under consistent regular review to ensure that the charges were competitive within the known market place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Up to the recent unforeseeable devaluations (Coronavirus), the portfolios for the ISA & Sipp funds have shown consistent investment fund value growth without incurring undue risk.

What could they have done better?

Based on performances over the last fifteen years of my relationship with Chris Brown I currently cannot think of anything that could have been done better.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kirkcudbrightshire

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

My father has used Chris' services for many years and been extremely happy with him. He recommended that I use Chris for help to organise my personal pension and investments.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris is very supportive and always on hand to answer any questions, no matter how small or seemingly silly. If he doesn't have an answer to hand he will search it out and be back intouch very quickly. He will also answer financial questions on subjects outside my pension and investments. I also receive updates every three months which are very informative.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with all that Chris has done for me re my pension and investments. I have seen a very health rise in their value.

What could they have done better?

I don't believe there is anything Chris could have improved upon as he provides an excellent service. I'm in no doubt if I thought there was an improvement he could make, that he would do his best to fulfill it.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Chris Brown was initially engaged by my father about 10 years ago when he was looking for alternative advice concerning his pensions and investments. Over time I became involved in the meetings as estate planning coupled with these became more relevant

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Initially Chris's advice concerned the structure of the specific investment vehicles. Subsequent regular ongoing monitoring of performance with regular meetings was useful to track progress and discuss any relevant issues. Unfortunately estate planning became a vital part of this and Chris's advice immediately before, and in the aftermath of the death of my Father has proved invaluable to my Mother and myself. Chris has been a vital part of the planning and management our family's financial affairs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the long term, fund performance and investment returns have been much improved following Chris's involvement and advice In the shorter term since my Father's death, Chris's help and advice has assisted us greatly in the restructuring and management of our financial affairs

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

I inherited some money from my grandmother and needed reliable advice as to where I should invest it as I had no knowledge of the investment market.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris took time to travel to meet with me. He went through a risk questionnaire to gauge the levels of risk I was prepared to take. He asked lots of questions to get an overall picture of my financial situation and went away to look into the best options for me. He has continued to provide advice on a regular basis and is always quick to respond to any queries that I might have. He has gone above and beyond to assist me in all aspects of my financial life when I was unable to do so myself. During this uncertain time of Coronavirus Chris has been able to explain the implications on investment and reassured me that he was available to discuss concerns at any time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have increased at rates I am more than happy with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Chris has always gone above and beyond!

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Nearly 20 years ago I had some spare capital as the children had left home so I used a financial adviser who I knew but he retired after about 2 years. He recommended Chris Brown. This was the best move that I made, and we have used his services to this day

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

I wanted a portfolio that gave me a good return on my capital so over the last 18 years this has worked in my favour. The last few years as I retired with his help a more cautious approach was taken and still showing a very good return

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have seen a year on year increase which has increased my capital substantially even taking inflation into account. Chris explained that the stock market is not a forgone conclusion for making money so I was advised as to how my total capital should be shared out without tying it all up.

What could they have done better?

Looking forward as with all investments I believe I have had very good returns equal to the risk I was willing to take. Looking back with hind sight we would all be millionaires many times over

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I received an inheritance

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

He asked me what I wanted/expected from my investments and then talked me through my options. At all stages he has advised me the adherent risks and advantages with complete honesty and in a way I could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, due to the fact he has always looked after my investments personally and knows exactly what risks I am prepared to take.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

I had been managing my investments and pension for sometime myself. The value of my investments and pension got to a point where I felt they were to much for me to continue looking after myself and I needed professional advice.

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Having contacted and met a few financial advisers, I chose Chris. Chris was (and is) very professional and down to earth. He is also very easy to get on with. He spent time with me to fully understand my requirements and to make recommendations accordingly. We meet twice a year to review my requirements and to make amendments as and when appropriate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have been very pleased with the returns I have seen on my investments and pension, the advice I have received and the planning that we have in place. I look forward to our meetings and always find them very helpful and reassuring.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

April, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris has been my family's Financial Adviser for over 17 years. I have come to value his advice immensely. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Chris.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. My family and myself have been delighted with the service Chris has provided us.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christopher

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christopher

Chris's approach at our first meeting was professional and down to earth, infact very "Yorkshire".

Review from verified client

March, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

My portfolio was passed over to Chris when my previous financial advisor retired. I was obviously cautious when this migration happened as, although I had met Chris through my previous advisor, I had no knowledge of his experience and skills as a financial advisor. I need not have been worried - nearly 10 years after Chris took over my investments I am pleased to say that I could not be happier with the service I am receiving.

What could they have done better?

I do not believe there is anything that could be improved of a technical or professional nature.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorks

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Since taking over as my Financial Adviser in 2005, the service I have received from Chris and Brantwood Financial Planning has been faultless. He has taken time to understand my objectives and needs and has recommended the most appropriate solutions. It is clear that Chris and his colleagues are 100% committed to their clients and I couldnÂ’t be more satisfied.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris has been providing myself and my family with financial advice for nearly ten years now. His technical knowledge is excellent and he is very easy to get on with. We have formal reviews twice a year with interim ad hoc meetings undertaken if appropriate. Chris also works closely with my Accountant and Solicitor to ensure that my overall financial requirements are met. I would be more than happy to recommend Chris.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

I highly recommend Chris as he has provides reliable, independent advice for my family, together we are confident our investment strategy is right for us as he provides regular performance updates and reviews our risk appetite on a regular basis. He's personable in his approach and keeps us fully informed.

What could they have done better?

It would be difficult at present to identify any shortcomings in the advice we are receiving.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Christopher has given me good advice, understanding my financial needs and my attitude to risk. His advice is given in a professional and friendly manner with everything explained clearly. I have always felt that he has time to listen and to explain anything that I don't understand. I would have no hesitation in recommending his professional services.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

I have used Chris's expertise for a number of years. Apart from his advice which I value highly he always makes prompt replies to any of my questions, even when he is on holiday. I usually e-mail Chris and can usually get on a reply within hours or even minutes. We meet at regular intervals either at my house or his office usually to suit my timetable. My trust in him is such that he is also dealing with my son's and grandson's pensions. It may just be his friendly manner but I like to think that we have become friends over the years.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the arrangement as it stands

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris has a very easy going manner and his advise is delivered so that I have been able to understand the finer points of the discussion. Initially he streamlined the investments I had by selling off the under performing ones and re-directing the money I get valuations very quickly following any request. The risk factor has been adjusted over the years to suit my situation I have had a very professional service and I have no intention of changing

Review from verified client

February, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

How has Christopher Brown helped you?

Chris is able to explain provide complex financial advice in a way that is easy to understand. I have been delighted with the quality of advice I have received over the years and would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and his company.