Richard Thrower

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

waiting for Richard to confirm actual price and details of policy pay out

Review from verified client

February, 2019

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

We felt we needed advice about our savings and future planning.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

He is excellent. Has given us very good advice and really understands our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything at the moment that Richard could have done better for us. He has always given us excellent advice.

Review from verified client

May, 2018

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

I had a number of pensions that I was not able to access in the way that I would like.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard sat down with me and we went through a comprehensive financial review. Richard answered all my questions very knowledgeably and in a way that I would understand. Richard then produced a detailed report and a recommended investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!!.

What could they have done better?

To date, nothing that I can think of!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard was very helpful and informative ,no hard sell!! Need help with my pensions explained options and what’s needed all cost we’re explained

Review from verified client

January, 2018

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

Started claiming my professional pension in October 2016. I had lump sum from my pension and an inheritance from my father. Richard has been very helpful in putting my questions in context. In looking at my yearly income, investment of savings and the forecasting of projected needs and eventualities. The choices are then my own.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard has helped me make informed decisions for myself, and select levels of risk with which I have been comfortable. He guides, but does not force the issue at any point. He does not make inflated promises but, thus far, I have been very pleased with progress. He is very accessible and prompt in responding to communication. He explains more complicated concepts clearly I have not always heard complimentary things about Independent Financial Advisers. Richard is definitely an exception to this stereotype. David Rusted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Richards guidance has proved fruitful thus far. As my personal or external situation changes, I am confident that I have someone who will stand alongside me.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

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

Transfer of a final salary pension.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Final salary pension is a substational amount and you have to have the services of an FA to be able to look into transferring it. Richard has been excellent with his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, it has taken over a year with all the due diligence and reports run on the pension as it was. Lots of discussion around expenditure, amount of risk we wanted to take etc. This week we Richard introduced us to the investment director who will be handling the fund. Very informative meeting. We feel very confident moving forward. Big thanks also to the people behind the scenes that collate all the paperwork and chase people for info and always keep us informed. Highly recommend Richard Thrower.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

I had already spoken to 2 other IFAs. My need was for I needed advice in order to pursue taking a Transfer value from my Defined Benefit Pensions Scheme. I am Financial Services literate and have no desire for ongoing advice. Was quoted 1.5% of my fund value - a significant sum (maybe plus VAT) and this seemed excessive for my requirements. In the telephone conversation I was not convinced that my situation was being heard.

Richard's reply

Hi Keith. Thank you for your feedback and sorry I was unable to fulfil your requirements. As mentioned during our conversation, I work together with my clients planning both their current and future financial goals and aspirations. Unfortunately I do not complete transactional requests alone especially when dealing with the complexities of a DB transfer. Instead I prefer to build long term relationships in order to assist my clients throughout their lifetime. I do wish you the very best and hope you are able acheive your required financial transaction.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Very different to other two IFAs I met - wanted precise monetary details about everything on first meeting and so ended up being a longer meeting that I had expected (1hr 20mins and would have been longer had I not had another meeting booked). Different charging strategy which at first glance appears expensive.

Review from verified client

April, 2017

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

Initial advice.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not applicable.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard is personable and very knowledgable. He was able to allay my fears and demystify the jargon surrounding pensions to the point where I feel I have a better grasp on my options. I hope to continue working with Richard and would definitely recommend!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard is a knowledgeable and honest professional. I very much liked our discussion and I definitely recommend him for his excellent service.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

retirment.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

The advice and his attitude to the way he dealt with my question.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have only been a client for some six months but all has been well so far.

What could they have done better?

Upto now nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I was near my 75th birthday and had a small pension with an insurance company which required me to transfer or purchase an annuity before I was 75. I did not want an annuity and since I was moving house I did not have the time or expertise to research the transfer options. For tax reasons the cash option was unattractive.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard agreed to set up a SIPP and arrange a transfer of funds with a release of 25% cash and investment in a managed fund within a timeframe of less than two weeks.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Richard achieved the agreed objectives.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Needed assistance with a couple of pensions.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

I have only just started to use his services but they have been very good so far. Keeps me updated with ongoing issues. He is both very approachable and seems to know his stuff.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, happy with the service.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

We were origanlly looking for someone to help with all our finances.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard has been on hand to provide us with sound financial advise, reducing our tax liability and increasing our personal income in retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been working with Richard for more than 5 years and have found him helpful and always on hand to answer our questions. His regular reviews give us peace of mind.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We are very satisfied with Richard as our financial adviser.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Look for honest and comprehensive advice for my forthcoming retirement.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard went through all the options available to me in a clear and concise manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

His advice was excellent and not only met my expectations but exceeded them.

What could they have done better?

He could not have done anything better and I feel much more confident financially now going into my retirement.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

I was sick of juggling 4 pensions from different providers and not fully understanding how they were performing.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard took the time to explain (in a non-financial jargon) way what my options were. He also made me realise and re-order my priorities in terms of pensions and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We're working towards one pension account, which will actually grow! Looking forward to continually working with Richard.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

I wanted to transfer out of a small final salary pension scheme so that in a couple of years time I could take advantage of the recent changes in pensions legislation. One main issue was the tight time scale I had been given by my pension provider to transfer out.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Finding an IFA who was willing and able to help wasn't as straightforward as I'd hoped - especially finding one that didn't charge outrageous fees! Final salary scheme transfers seems to be an area that a lot of IFA's steer clear of, either due to lack of expertise or concerns about future comebacks. Richard quickly understood my specific requirements and after reviewing my circumstances was happy to recommend a way forward that suited my needs and was economically viable. I was apprehensive about being able to meet the tight deadline but Richard assured me that we would be OK ..... and we were, despite Christmas and New Year getting in the way. I have been very impressed with the way Richard has dealt with the whole process from start to finish. Everything was explained to me in detail and was all backed up with relevant documentation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with Richard's recommendations, documentation and subsequent online access provided. The transfer has just been effected and I'll be keeping a regular eye on the fund's progress.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. Richard has been professional and helpful throughout and what's more is a thoroughly good bloke.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

Advice for money and future.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Brilliant talking to him . Knew his stuff.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he was fab .. I will use him when ever I need too

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

I had recently lost my husband and was looking for help with my savings and investments.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

He was very kind and understanding and helped me make the right choice with my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Rather early to say at the moment but I am happy with my investments.

What could they have done better?

He could not have done better for me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

He phoned me once, and is suppose to find some information for me from other specialist regarding my enquiries, but I have heard no more.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

I have only seen him once and he has not yet come back to me with either his suggestions nor information about his charges. When I met him he made a very good impression and listened to my needs

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard was extremely helpful. He provided answers to all my questions and correctly advised where a contact of his would be able to provide greater insight. I highly recommend Richard even if it was just fro a brief chat.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I was looking to review my long term investments as the performance was less than inspiring.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard gave clear and concise advice with options for consideration.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A year after following the new recommended strategy I am pleased with the results and happy that I bit the bullet and acted.

What could they have done better?

Richard responded quickly to answer questions in a thorough manner and when complications arose he stepped in to smooth the process.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I wanted to keep an eye on my investments and savings and explore my options.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Guided me every step of the way with procedures and obstacles along the way. Incredibly helpful and patient.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I'm very happy with Richard's work and would highly recommend him.

What could they have done better?

N/A. As far as I know, Richard was a fantastic financial adviser, very patient, transparent, approachable and trustworthy.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I was looking for assistance in reviewing my complete financial situation, specially my savings, investments and pensions. Richard was recommended to me by a friend.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard was able to provide comprehensive planning for me financially. He was very knowledgeable and made everything easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now feel much more confident that the preparation, planning and regular reviews we have together will allow me to retire a little earlier, and yet still allow me the financial capacity to do all the things that I have always wanted to do, both whilst I'm still working and after I retire.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I had spoken to previous IFA's before Richard, who seemed to go out of their way to make things confusing and were totally unhelpful. I have found Richard the complete opposite, friendly, happy to help and willing to go the extra mile. His service has been first class.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I originally had a portfolio with a bank that was not performing well and was receiving very little information as to why ie. no personal contact.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

I contacted Richard who I had previously met on another occasion and asked for his advice. During our meetings we found him to be considerate and very helpful explaining different types of investments in a straight forward way that would suite our personal requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Richard put into place a new investment portfolio for myself and my wife and continues to advise us on our finances on a regular basis in a most understanding and helpful way.

What could they have done better?

No comment at this stage for we find him to be profressional and helpful and would recommend his services to others.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I needed advice on making the most of my retirement lump sum and my State and Employment pensions.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

He provided up-to-date advice on how best to invest the money, taking in my wishes to consider high interest current accounts, savings accounts and ISAs. I wanted to ensure that I could have access to my money without any, or a minimun of, penalty charges.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have followed the advice given and am very pleased with the interest I am receiving.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could have done anything better to meet my needs. I was very pleased with the service provided.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Santander investment had gone down hill.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Pointed me in the right direction on sound and low risk investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Investment is going very nicely as forcast.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Retiring in next five years and seeking advice on income in retirement.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

I have a very busy schedule and needed someone to fit in with this and give me up to date information and advice to help me decide on what to do with my future pension. Richard fitted my expectations perfectly as he was very knowledgeable yet patient.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have weighed up all the options Richard provided and decided on going ahead with his advice.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say as he explained everything concisely without putting me under pressure.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Looking to make sound investments so needed advice of best way to do this.

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Gave good advice into where investments could be made with investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, to gain the expected amount it's still early days and is dependant on market strength.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

After selling my flat and having various savings accounts I was looking for general advice on what the best options were to manage my funds. Richard arranged a convenient meeting time for us to discuss this and not only helped with valuable investment advice but helped me further by explaining in clear details regarding my pension I have with my employer. I am extremely grateful to Richard for his advice and ensuring that I completely understood my financial position. I'm 36 and feel that this has been essential information where I can now take action to secure a better future financially! Furthermore I have spoken to a few friends and colleagues who are now also reviewing their options. Thanks Richard!

What could they have done better?

N/a

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Very efficient and everything was explained extremely well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing..... Explained everything perfectly.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

I have known Richard for some time and have always found him approachable and helpful. As a chartered accountant myself I know my way around the financial market quite well but Richard is always a phone call or a meeting away to provide that extra bit of proactive advice.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richards,advice has been invaluable we would thoroughly recommend him. His service is second to none.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

We consider Richard a friend who always listens to our personal financial situation and gives us sound advice.

What could they have done better?

In our opinion Richard is always top class.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Very personalised service. Richard will explain the best types of investment for you personally. Richard is very friendly and easy going. He explains things clearly and follows up queries. Richard is reliable, keeping appointments and being punctual.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard is just first class. Approachable, knowledgeable and helpful spring to mind. Just knows how best to look after his customers.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.................After you have met and sat down with the guy you know you are in safe hands as far as your investments are concerned.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Richard Thrower helped you?

Richard is a very personable chap who I have known for many years. He is always available and ready to talk, explaining things in simple terms. Being well qualified and knowing his subject he answers questions straight away he does not have to come back with an answer later.

What could they have done better?

Richard meets all my needs at present.