Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 2 )

Pensions ( 19 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 4 )

Investments and Savings ( 25 )

Inheritance Planning ( 3 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 9 )

£200k - £500k ( 7 )

£100k - £200k ( 3 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

February, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Somerset

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

I required investment advice following sale of my business.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

PH took the time to explain how Paradigm Norton work, their philosophy and their investment approach. We felt that PH took the time to 'get to know us' and understand our circumstances and future plans. Details of the investment options were explained clearly and concisely. We were never made to feel awkward if we needed to cover the same ground on several occasions to help us fully understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too early to comment on this since our investments are medium / long term.

What could they have done better?

At this stage nothing comes to mind. We took time to discuss investing with three different companies and choose PN on the basis of the comments above and the time we were given to understand the options. We never felt as though we were being given the 'hard sell' which was the case with a competitor company.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bristol

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

Redundancy payment that could have caused large income tax charge without action to protect income from the higher rate.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul has dealt with the ongoing management of tax and investment issues.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I particularly liked his advise and monitoring of pension ceilings.

What could they have done better?

Am I qualified to any such assertion? I am pleased with how our interactions have gone so far and the outcomes.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

A good factfind and a good discussion about IHT liability.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Investing funds as an Attorney for my mother.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Helped develop a strategic plan to safeguard the money in such a way that it is still accessible when needed in the near future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, sound progress with a helpful annual review planning for the year ahead.

What could they have done better?

To date I have had all the support I need in a clear and accessible way.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

Advice regarding investments and financial planning.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Explaining options, listening carefully, advising on ethical products, regular updates and reviews.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Somerset

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

We were clients of an independent financial adviser who sold her business to Paul's firm. He has taken over from her and become our adviser.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul manages our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Six monthly reports wouldn't be useful

Review from verified client

November, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Wiltshire

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

I was looking for an advisor that could cater for all my needs under one roof, and someone with whom I could build a long term relationship.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul was great at assessing my diverse starting point, and planning a route to where I want to be. He picked up all my details quickly, and along with his team clearly explained all the options back to me. He listened to me, didn't make assumptions, and by the end of the first meeting it felt like I'd known him for years!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far I'm very happy with the outcomes. I wouldn't hesitate to entrust more aspects of my investments Paul in the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing important that I can think of. Although he needs to learn how to make a better cup of tea!

Review from verified client

January, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Change of financial advisor.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul has provided a balanced blend of an open mind and a steady hand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

A bit more regular contact.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Somerset

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

Very little returns on conventional savings accounts.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Picked the right investment bonds/trusts.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Uncertain due to the present political climate in UK & USA.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bristol

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

The need to manage my investments efficiently and at reasonable cost, backed up by a firm with all the knowledge that is needed to run investments in retirement.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul reviewed our investments to ensure they were on track and recommended adjustments to maintain direction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been a client of the firm Paul works at for 5 years and I am very happy with the outcome. it is in line with expectations.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing I can think of - it is important that the adviser and the support team in the firm have the relevant financial planning and investment management qualifications and experience - which they have.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berkshire

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

A complex of company pensions that needed consolidating.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Review and movement of pensions into a consolidated scheme.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mostly, happy with the resultant scheme, and the growth of that.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Carmarthenshire

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

upcoming retirement and wealth management.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

reconfigured our Isas.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothin. Trust is all that is needed

Review from verified client

December, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bristol

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

moving away from cash savings.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

initial telephone consultation sensible, concise advice tailored to my requests. good face to face contact superb team members who are very efficient at dealing with queries.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes. importantly ongoing advice and attention is always available.

What could they have done better?

Advice, speed of completion and contact are faultless. The written instructions on how to find Paradigm Norton should be updated in respect of bridge toll fees.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Help with managing savings and investments.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Regular review of savings strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Returns have been very limited over the last few years - due more to the economic situation so not really Paul's fault.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in Devon

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

Retirement planning.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Portfolio design and guidance. Reassurance and ready clear advice. Accessibility and approachable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet as investment made within last six months.

What could they have done better?

So far so good as still early days in relationship. However the advice and guidance has been easily understood and rational.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Wiltshire

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

Our earnings now exceed the level at which we can look after our own finances, particularly in regard to retirement planning and equity investment. We needed professional advice to ensure the best returns and protections.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul gave us a clear explanation of our retirement planning needs and fully understood our joint attitude to risk. His advice was well pitched for our current level of knowledge and his attitude was reassuring but informal. He is very approachable and likeable. He made the paperwork aspect of the advice very easy. Paul fully assimilated all the information we gave him in our meetings and considered that information alongside the figures we gave in the forms so that he had a more accurate picture of our ongoing situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but we are happy with the ongoing service we are receiving and confident that Paul will keep an eye on our finances as needed.

What could they have done better?

The only hassle was filling in the very long form on our current finances. It was not at all easy to complete, particularly in terms of estimating monthly expenditure. However, we recognise it was a necessary process.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Planning of finances and IHT.

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul was very helpful. He first established what I was looking for and got a very clear picture of the requirement. He then gave some excellent advice and guidance, clearly explaining each option.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly. Very sound advice.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, Paul could not have done a better job. Exceptional service from a clearly well informed and professional individual.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul took over my account from an adviser for whom I had worked and who had advised me for nearly 11 years. The few dealings I have had with Paul have been a most pleasant experience. He has given me comprehensive advice and recently dealt with a matter for me in hours. I was expecting days!

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Avon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul has been helpful and supportive, and provided clear advice and recommendations. He has maintained regular contact, and has always provided advice in our best interests. He has made every effort to understand our personal circumstances, and has been both approachable and professional.

What could they have done better?

We have been satisfied with Paul's commitment and professionalism, and would have little to suggest as an improvement.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

We feel that Paul is an excellent adviser. He is sensitive to our changing circumstances and responds accordingly with good sound investment advice in keeping with our requirements. We have been happy to recommend him to friends.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Avon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul understood my situation (recent widowhood) and helped me formulate my goals and attitude to risk. His recommendations were delivered via a comprehensive report together with full details of charges for advice given. At no time did I feel pressured into making decisions and had ample time for discussion with family. Paul always acted in a professional manner, he is easy to talk to and is always happy to explain matters as often as required.

What could they have done better?

It is difficult to make any suggestions for improvement.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Dorset

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

I originally used David Jones Financial Services which was taken over by Paradigm Norton. Paul Is the financial adviser to my Discretionary Trust.He is very knowledgeable in managing the financial affairs with the Trust's investments. He is a very helpful person .

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the help Paul has given

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul provides a friendly and professional service with clear reports on agreed actions.

What could they have done better?

The advice generally seems to be to maintain existing investments in portfolios which are performing reasonably compared with other investments. It would be helpful to consider and review alternative options, including some that are more adventurous, even if after consideration it was decided not to pursue these.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Understands our requirements, and has a plan in place to achieve these. Regular reviews to ensure we are on track. Always available to clarify any queries we may have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Shows a detailed and detail understanding of one's client needs and understanding.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hertfordshire

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul is advising my wife and I on all aspects of our financial future including my pension investments. His advice on pensions has been invaluable. He is always available to give advice on any questions that may arise. Although we have annual meetings with Paul, we also receive additional information from him as and when there are changes in pensions and investment legislation.

What could they have done better?

At this stage I cannot identify any areas that Paul could improve on.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Avon

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul has a really good understanding of our goals and gives us confidence in achieving them

What could they have done better?

No issues really

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Wiltshire

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Regular 6 monthly reviews, availability at any time for advice, clarity of advice, understanding of our needs & aspirations and personal finances, sound and beneficial investment decisions.

What could they have done better?

After two and a half years, nothing really comes to mind.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

How has Paul Hardinges helped you?

Paul is a high-quality advisor. Taking time to understand your situation and financial goals, and providing a pragmatic and flexible approach

What could they have done better?

Fee comparisons to other equivalent or competing services