Nicholas Platt

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

The wish to retire and the diagnosis of a serious medical condition.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

By analysing all of our finances, understanding our needs and goals and confirming that we could in fact retire and have sufficient money to fund a more than decent retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, as a direct result of the meetings and advice given, we have retired and are moving house.

What could they have done better?

It is early days in our financial relationship and thus far working with Henwood Court is the best thing we have ever done with our finances

Review from verified client

April, 2017

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

Regular changes in personal finances requiring expert input to develop options.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick encourages an holistic approach to personal finances which is incredibly beneficial to ensure all options are considered. This approach differs from most within the Industry who tend to focus on specific issues rather than the "bigger" picture.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Nick and his team have consistently looked at new and innovative solutions and frequently delivered several options to consider.

What could they have done better?

Nick and his team have always delivered suitable solutions for myself and family members.

Review from verified client

March, 2017

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

There we were, mid-50s, kids grown up, busy at work, and no thoughts of how to plan our lives and finances for the future. Nick and his team at Henwood Court were recommended to us so we decided to take stock and see if he could at least review our situation. Our previous dealings with banks and financial advice had been mixed, and Alison was, putting it mildly, sceptical about the outcome.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick asked to complete a wide ranging assessment of our current income, expenditure and savings – a major eye-opening exercise in itself. He then took a great deal of time, care, and effort to understand us as people. He really enabled us to think and question what we were doing and where we wanted to be, and over the last 2 years or so he and his colleagues have helped us see and plan a way forward. We’ve certainly had conversations we would never have with other financial advisers, and he has then facilitated the plans we’ve made in a capable and professional manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The level of care and service is exemplary from all the team, and we truly feel that our finances are in order for us and our wider family. This brings peace of mind, and we are very happily following Nick’s instructions to take more holiday!.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say that I cant think of a way in which Nick and his team could be more helpful or professional. The service level should be an example to all.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

Early retirement.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Gave me good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

I was made redundant and wanted advice on how best to consolidate several private pension schemes.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

I have worked with Nick and Henwood Court for over 10 years. They are very experienced and provide consistent reliable advice tailored to specific needs, and I can certainly recommend them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - Henwood Court has provided valuable advice and input in organising and growing not only my pension but also my investment portfolio.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Assistance with financial planning following redundancy.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nicholas provided the level of advice I needed and was very personable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Many years ago I had redundancy money to invest - the company Nick was with was employed as part of my package to support me.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

By guiding me through options and long term planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - so far so good.

What could they have done better?

Not sure really, I think it's all covered

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Change in job circumstances, starting our own business, inheritances, need to plan for the future with confidence.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Going to see Henwood Court is like going for counselling, and what we mean is it forces you to think about and prioritise what is important in your life - so many of us are too busy to do this. Henwood Court gives you the time and the opportunity to align your life's goals with your financial plan and clearly demonstrate and indeed encourage you to do what it is you would like to do. Henwood Court have acted as our trusted guide allowing us to plan with confidence into the future and have provided reassurance and security. Thank you.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we always leave Henwood Court with a renewed confidence in our financial future and with some very good tips about how to make the best of what we have and not have any regrets.

What could they have done better?

I would prefer less detailed advice, too much information, although required, can be overwhelming.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Post retirement to consider inheritance tax implications of my Estate, to set up Trusts for my children/future grandchildren & get on with living the rest of my life without worries.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

As an expert in financial & life planning, Nick spent several exploratory hours identifying my circumstances & particular issues for attention. He was then able to explain in simple terms the options/ solutions available depending on my own attitude to risks & my own(and my wife's) ambitions for twilight years. As a consequence, following implementation of our agreed plans we can focus on getting on with our lives enjoying golf,many holidays, entertainment, eating out with family &friends & looking forward to grandchildren knowing we have everything sorted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We first saw Nick 3/4 years ago since when we have had many holidays including, South America, China, regular visits to our apartment in the Algarve & we are trying to walk the South West coastal path in Devon/Cornwall with our dog Sky. We have also made provisions for future grandchildren & are delighted that we have our first on the way! Working with Nick has certainly brought all our hopes & aspirations to life-literally!.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing Nick could have done more. He gave us all the time we needed(& still does), his staff are all very helpful & friendly & he was never pushy. We always felt he & his team really did care about us & wanted us to fulfil our dreams. Ultimately, I too wanted someone I could totally trust to help direct my wife/children through the financial complexities of our Estate if & when something happens to me-Nick is that man.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Wanted to find the right person to provide advice and manage coordinated investments as a result of inheritance, trust fund, scattered investments, redundancy and retirement planning. We had approached other firms but Nick was the first adviser we felt confident to work with.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick took the time not only to understand our financial situation and goals but also to get to know us and understand our objectives for our life style and our family. He gave professional, personal advice which consolidated investments and led to establishing a portfolio of investments at our assessed risk profile. Despite the complexity of financial issues, Nick explained them in a clear, understandable way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We now have a well-managed portfolio. We have annual review meetings with Nick who is very comfortable to work with and inspires confidence and trust. Nick and the team are readily available if queries arise. We can easily view the portfolio online and receive regular information and newsletters from Henwood.

What could they have done better?

We are very pleased with the excellent, personal service and cannot suggest anything that could be done better.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

I held monies in several different accounts and wanted to bring them together in a medium to long term investment plan to maximise the amount available for my retirement.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick is excellent on advising about investments and gave me clear, sound, sensible advice that was easy to understand. We agreed on the best investment portfolio taking into account my risk tolerance and financial need. I have regular reviews on my portfolio and annual update meetings. Nick and his team are always available to offer help and advice and they keep me up to date on current financial developments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the outcome. I am financially secure with sufficient income to fund my retirement.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that Nick and his team could do better

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Approaching retirement, I wanted an adviser whom I could trust and who would help to ensure that our finances were managed sensibly and responsibly over the long term.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

I have known Nick for many years, first as a commercial client and more recently as a personal client and have watched Henwood Court grow from a small start-up operation to a well-established and truly professional Financial Advisor. I can honestly say that, since entrusting our financial planning and investment needs to Henwood Court, we have had no concerns whatsoever and have felt fully confident that our affairs would be efficiently and successfully managed. They have always exhibited a high degree of expertise and professionalism, backed by the latest technology and a firm commitment to providing the very best customer service. Nick and his whole team have always been a pleasure to deal with and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Comfortable in retirement. Yes, definitely, my high expectations of Nick Platt and Henwood Court have been fully justified.

What could they have done better?

Honestly can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Impending early retirement/redundancy. Referred by company to Nick.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Helped us to see and understand the big, long-term picture and place investments where most appropriate in line with our risk profile. The annual update meeting has allowed us to make decisions on expenditure etc with confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

10 years into retirement and we are still enjoying the lifestyle of our choice.

What could they have done better?

It is difficult to suggest improvements as Nick has met all of our requirements and has been able to translate what is a complicated subject into a format we can understand and act upon.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Early retirement.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Helped review objectives agree strategy and set up platform.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing. Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

I retired early at 56 yrs following redundancy and needed to establish a strategy for my finances to ensure I could retire with peace of mind knowing that my wife and I had sound investments with good growth prospects. I also needed to mitigate possible inheritance tax liabilities for our children and deal with an inheritance received by my wife from a relative in the most tax efficient manner, again with growth prospects.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick took a lot of time to understand our financial situation as well as getting to know us and our close family on a more personal level. I had a career in finance but would have never devised the sound strategy that Nick constructed for our longer term investments as well as financing our ongoing desired lifestyle. I realised that Nick's plan for us made a lot of sense and we were happy to trust him absolutely with our investments and financial strategy. After 5 years of experience my wife and I can say that out trust was well founded.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the 5 years of our dealings with Nick our financial needs and priorities have inevitably changed, however our annual progress meetings with Nick have addressed these and our financial strategy has been amended accordingly and with great efficiency on the part of Nick and his team. Regarding our longer term investments, we have been pleased with the growth achieved and Nick has been very pro-active in re-balancing these in accordance with our stated risk tolerances. He is also quick to re-assure during periods of turbulence in the various markets.

What could they have done better?

Honestly can't make any suggestions, everything has been absolutely fine to date.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Following redundancy we felt that we needed professional advice to plan our financial affairs which were becoming too complicated for us to manage by ourselves.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick has been a terrific help in assisting us to think clearly about our financial affairs, future plans and investment goals and priorities. This has been achieved by having an initial thorough financial review, discussion about what is important to us and receiving relevant advice tailored to our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We now have annual reviews with Nick and his team and feel that we receive professional, relevant financial advice which enables us to keep our plans up to date and on track. We have definitely seen the outcome we were hoping for.

What could they have done better?

We receive an absolutely superb service from Nick and his team. There is nothing we can think of that could be done better.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

redundancy, inheritance.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

financial modelling of current investments to understand what we can spend and what we should save.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I understand how much I have to work to maintain my current lifestyle.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am very satisfied

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

I had numerous small investments in stocks and shares, ISAs, cash ISAs etc. and I was not managing them. I thought that some financial help was necessary to assist me in doing the right thing to see me into retirement.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

He has helped consolidate my many bits and pieces into a manageable portfolio which is aligned to my preferred risk profile. I have annual financial reviews where my circumstances are discussed and reviewed. During the course of the year they have also assisted me when I have required financial assistance on an ad hoc basis.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now retired and feel my finances are in good hands particularly during this turbulent period in the global financial markets. I can access and review my portfolio on line, with alerts for agreed changes to my portfolio - this cuts down on paper and one can see exactly what is going on and when.

What could they have done better?

As this is the only Financial Advisor I have had in this capacity I am unable to make a comparison. However, I have found Nick Platt to have integrity, approachability and honesty. There is nothing I would wish to change at present.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Redundancy.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Advice on all aspects of forward financial life planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With Nick's help, we are, financially, living life as we would have hoped.

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Planning for retirement & investments.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

In chatting with Nick I very quickly built a strong confidence & trust in him as a true professional who put my needs at the forefront of his advise. The discussion was personal to me and my needs and his competence in his subject was second to none. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Nick & his great team.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The advise was the right solution for me & the investment strategy is in place.

What could they have done better?

I absolutely feel that Nick and the team did all that they needed to to ensure I got the best advise and thoroughly understood the decisions we took.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Leaving s corporate job to become self employed.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

By getting together a financial plan to support life goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it is 5 years since I met Nick and now have a much better handle on my finances and able to plan for the future.

What could they have done better?

I can't think anything. Very happy with the service

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

I wanted qualified, expert, empathic and friendly advice from a company rather than an individual with regular meetings and contact to ensure that my affairs were being managed to optimal effect. This was not something I had either the time, inclination or the expertise to carry out myself.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Nick is a great pleasure to work with. Like many business people I struggle to make time for important things like my financial future but Henwood Court takes the pain out of all that! Their approach is always tailored to my individual and changing needs - it's never 'one size fits all' - and as a result I have great confidence that I stand a chance of meeting my lifestyle goals and ambitions with their good advice and guidance. We review regularly and Nick always ensures I pay the right amount of attention to this very important matter and is happy to assist and advise however small the issue.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been very pleased with the quality of the relationship and the service I have received, not only from Nick himself but also from his wider team. We are progressing very well with our plan and I have been delighted with the choices and options I have been able to consider as a result of Nick's input and analysis.

What could they have done better?

I always feed back to Nick directly as he regularly seeks ideas and suggestions for improvement. The main areas would be in the language and terminology of the financial world which is sometimes quite opaque...but there's a limit to what Nick can do to influence that. I like brevity and simplicity and have seen good progress in terms of achieveing this while still giving me the right quality of information.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Dissatisfied with previous firm of advisors.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Advice on pensions, life assurance, savings etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, outcomes have been achieved.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything that could be improved upon. First rate service all round

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

After being made redundant in 2003.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Initially he advised me on financial planning post redundancy and whilst I decided on my future plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I currently run my own consultancy business and work part time. Not sure I was hoping for an outcome, but I am very comfortable where I am now.

What could they have done better?

I have always been happy with the services of Nicholas. Being happy with his services means I have not looked for things to be done better but he asks for my feedback which helps him understand my expectations and develop his service offering to me.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

I needed to look sensibly at retirement planning and ensuring that my family will be Ok when I depart this world!.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

I have known of Henwood Court for a few years, and switched from my previous Financial Adviser to Henwood Court in 2009. They did a great job in advising me and I look forward to working with them for years to come.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything looking positive.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

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

Several years ago I was made redundant and sought assistance at that time. My wife and I have remained loyal customers ever since.

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

Henwood Court has provided excellent financial advice, forward planning and goals tailored for our requirements for the last decade. They are always professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My wife and I are now retired and Henwood Court is assisting us with our retirement planning and yes, we have certainly achieved the outcome we were hooping for.

What could they have done better?

It is hard to conceive that Henwood Court could have done better.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

How has Nicholas Platt helped you?

I hate pensions. Finance is not my no. 1 interest in life. And I really hate being sold to. Henwood Court are different. They actually help me to think though life's key priorities and milestones and provide tailored sensible, relatively jargon-free advice on how best to make appropriate provision. Thank you.