Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 3 )

Mortgages ( 3 )

Pensions ( 17 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 6 )

Investments and Savings ( 17 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 2 )

Inheritance Planning ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 4 )

Financial Planning ( 2 )

Financial Mentoring ( 1 )

Financial Coaching ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 2 )

£200k - £500k ( 3 )

£100k - £200k ( 2 )

£50k - 100k ( 4 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Coming up to retirement and we needed advice on our existing pensions and investments

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa has taken time to understand our situation and our financial goals as we head into our retirement years. Her advice and knowledge has been invaluable to us and helped to put together a plan/s to achieve our goals and aspirations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - certainly have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Vanessa's reply

Thanks so much for your kind review

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

The need for proactive advice to build a reasonable pension pot by retirement.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

By arranging regular meetings with me to discuss how my investments were performing and review the progress towards achieving my required retiement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am very pleased with the service I have received.

Vanessa's reply

Thank you so much for your kind review

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Midlands

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

I was looking to draw down the tax free lump sum from my pension to pay off my mortgage.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa provided sound and sensible advice explaining the process in plain English. I was given clear advice on the pros and cons of my decision and the draw down process and transfer of other funds went seamlessly. Vanessa easily demonstrates her knowledge of the pensions market. I have been receiving ongoing advice for a number of years and not only does Vanessa advise me as a client but takes an interest in me as an individual and my current family circumstances pending retirement. Our annual reviews are always productive and a good opportunity to catch up.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pension draw down went smoothly and I will continue to take advice from Vanessa in advance of retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

Vanessa's reply

Thanks so much Yvonne for your kind review

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Buckinghamshire

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

Money left in trust for children

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Provided advice, keeps regular contact and updates and answers queries comprehensively.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

we will know when the time comes to cash in! Investment not as good as had hoped, but financial climate is very tumultous at the minute, and this is long term investment, hoping it picks up, Vanessa has been great keeping us informed.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

I needed to set up a pension scheme in my limited company, however I had also used Vanessa in the past in relation to life insurance.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She explained my options and helped guide me to a decision about the best choice for me. She has also been very proactive about reviewing things and keeping in touch.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything was set up very smoothly and I'm very happy with both the product and the support provided.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, even our dog loves her!

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

Looking for an investment and saving advice

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She has provided invaluable advice related to financial planning to both myself and members of my family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Vanessa has been fantastic!

Vanessa's reply

Thank you so much for your review

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Kent

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

To maximise business income

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Yes she is brilliant. Her advice is honest, helpful and measured.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Vanessa's reply

Thank you so much for your lovely review

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Advice on investments and savings.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Clear and concise advice and took the time to know the individual.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note.

Vanessa's reply

Thank you very much Gavin

Review from verified client

December, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

To set up a pension and savings

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa has been brilliant and has provided a first class service. Always on hand to ask questions and get advice and explain things really clearly and calmly. I would highly recommend Vanessa's services

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Vanessa's reply

Thank you very much for such a kind review.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Not happy with current pension provider.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Moved from Scottish Widows who I had been with for over 20 years - Vanessa was extremely thorough and helpful. She walked me through and explained everything in detail and at my pace. She answered questions and even went back over areas I was unsure of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes -100% on the right track now.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Wiltshire

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

Initially when I was going through a divorce in 2013.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa and I meet annually to review where things are 'at'. She is always great and checking in making sure I know what I need to know. I trust her advice and depnd on her expertise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Possibly too early to say but I have confidence in Vanessa's advice and the actions she takes o my behalf.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Needed advice where to invest money from my pension

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa advised me of the options available, whether high or low risks involved

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes very satisfied

What could they have done better?

Don't feel they could have better

Review from verified client

February, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Midlands

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

I have been a client of Prosser Knowles for a number of years now and Vanessa Coates has been looking after and advising me on my investments for most of that time.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Today was my annual review of my investments and Vanessa helped by advising me on what was possible with my company pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Midlands

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

A need to ensure our various pension schemes we’re working as hard as they could and ensuring adequate insurances are in place in order to protect our family

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa delivered fully comprehensive advice along with a series of options, scenario plans and opportunities to vary our decisions based on our comfort level around risks

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northamptonshire

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

We needed to set ip a trust.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She advised on every step of the process to setting up a trust.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing! She is brilliant, fully understands our families predicament, Is calm yet very efficient and professional.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Worcestershire

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

My pension was frozen and needed advice

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She gave me the best advice on how to invest it for a favourable return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, it has increased well every year!,

What could they have done better?

She has always explained everything well to me and hopefully this will continue in the future.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Long term planning for a relative.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Advised on asset allocation and arranging care expenses.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The process had made things easier to manage and has now expanded into personal arrangements on the back of the positive outcome.

What could they have done better?

Possibly a broader range of fund management selection.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Initially for help and guidance with my pension.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Annual reviews carried out on time every year, easy to book an appointment. Very friendly and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pleased with the level of service and advice received from Vanessa.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Shropshire

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

I required advice in terms of investment planning

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She helped formulate a financial plan to help us achieve our financial goals. She has acted in a professional manner and is an excellent listener and profound sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes advice has achieved the objectives we were hoping for.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault Vanessa. She has been kind, supportive and provided great help to us.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Review of pension and investments

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Reviewed all our finances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Happy so far

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

Didn't already have one.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa helped me to formulate a plan for investing in my future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - a steady increase to my investment.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of areas to improve.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

I was unsure how to deal with my forthcoming pension pot

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

She gave good clear advice, always on time, which I felt could trust

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Obviously the market has been in some turmoil in a way no-one could have foreseen recently, but the advice she has given me, including the risk profile I was willing to take on, has been consistently good and fair.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

I initially sought financial advise during my divorce as I was keen to ensure I made sound financial decisions based on my savings and investments.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa has helped me with my personal portfolio in the context of my Ltd Company and some recent inheritance monies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Vanessa does obviously not control the economy but her help and guidance has been invaluable.

What could they have done better?

I have total trust in Vanessa. I greatly value her support and advice and the empathetic way in which she works. There is nothing that she could do more of or better.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Worcestershire

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

I found myself with increased earnings and savings and required advice about how best to invest my money and secure a better pension.

How has Vanessa Coates helped you?

Vanessa considered my financial and personal positions and comprehensively guided me through the options specifically suited to me, being completely realistic about what could be achieved and expertly managing my expectations. She helped me to invest my funds wisely and at the appropriate risk level, ensuring that I felt comfortable with the decisions made. Vanessa also assisted me with advice about critical illness insurance and re-mortgaging my home.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Obviously, any investment comes with a certain amount of risk and nothing can be guaranteed; while my investments were doing very well, world events have detrimentally affected all savings and investments. However, generally speaking, the outcome achieved so far has reflected expectations and I am satisfied that the right choices have been made with funds occasionally moved to achieve a better return where Vanessa felt it appropriate.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot think of anything that Vanessa could have done better. She always makes me feel as though she is doing her best for me personally.