Ben Burgess

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

The need to have someone advising on our investments.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

A constant source of support and guidance. We would be lost without him!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I had a pension lump sum that needed to be invested

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Taken the stress out of the issue for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

We inherited him from our old advisor,as he was retiring,he certainly was a good find.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Investing money,moving money around,keeping us informed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes defo

What could they have done better?

I really don’t know

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

Pension advice.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

as above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

I wanted savings advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He has assited in advising the best course to take to improve my savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Advice with savings and how best to invest for retirement

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben’s skill & knowledge has been invaluable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very pleased so far

What could they have done better?

Nothing to be honest Ben has managed to make a decent return on my investment in a tough market

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

He was originally my private bank manager, offering good advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Always upto date on monetary matters

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

To my knowledge, nothing

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

I felt I needed someone who would actively keep an eye on my Pensions and give me sound advice.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Bens knowledge of pensions and financial markets has helped me to make decisions in regards to my pensions and future retirement plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The past few years have been a difficult time for investors but I am beginning to see a healthy return on my savings.

What could they have done better?

I don't think there is anything more Ben could do for us at the moment.

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

Surplus funds in current account and need to plan for the future

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Funds have been invested in stocks and shares ISAs; advice given on best platform for portfolio; clear explanations given along the way; advice given on future needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite challenging economic climate

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ben Burgess helped you since your last review?

Brought me up to date with my investments. Handled a withdrawal request promptly.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ben Burgess helped you since your last review?

Advised on investments.

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

Pension Requirements and advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Recommendations with Financial investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In such troubled times (worldwide) the outcomes have been satisfactory, However we always want more.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to be honest

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

Advice on pensions and savings

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He has made very advantageous investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Initially I wanted advice regarding pensions and retirement planning.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has invested well on my behalf and managed the portfolio successfully to meet my requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The portfolio has been well managed enabling me to feel secure in retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing- I'm happy with Ben's advice and ths financial outcomes.

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

Long term investments

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Always gives me an easy understanding of the state of my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

We needed someone to give us advice on where to invest our money and how to make the pot grow over time. We also wanted to start preparing for retirement.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has helped us with investments, savings and pensions and made sure we are kept informed of where and what our money is doing in an easy to understand manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s not been an easy few years for the markets but we have been confident to follow Ben’s advice and our investments are making returns over time.

What could they have done better?

He has fulfilled everything we have asked of him and made himself available to us to answer questions.

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

We had money to invest

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

By advising us on how best to invest our money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It was slow to pick up with the markets but they finally seem to be recovering.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ben Burgess helped you since your last review?

Helped where necessary, kept us informed on specific issues when needed.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

We had a brief telephone conversation and it all went well.

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

I have needed a Financial Adviser since being made redundant over thirty years ago. Over those years some of the investments have not always performed well. Since Ben took charge, with my complete approval, I have felt more secure and the investments have performed well.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

By keeping my investments stable and productive. At each review, Ben answers my questions patiently and explains the financial outlook, which is reassuring.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, steady growth of funds with security.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Pension advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has given advice regarding all aspects of my investments. Everything is fully explained and there is never any pressure to act.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am more than happy with how my investments are progressing.

What could they have done better?

I am totally happy with Ben and CIFA

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Ben gave me a very friendly and professional overview of the services on offer and how I could reorganise my finances for a stable future growth.

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

After selling my business I invested unwisely and I felt I needed advice on my finances

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has given me sound advice and has managed my portfolio very well

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investment continues to give me good returns despite the uncertainty of the market in recent years

What could they have done better?

I am more than happy with everything that has been done

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

Better investment for my pension & ISA

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Good and thorough explanation of my finances. Great service. Ben is very approachable if I need to ask him anything about my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very happy with service

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

Requiring ongoing advice about Oensions and investments

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Very good advice, any changes to portfolio enacted speedily and availability for Ada hoc advice excellent

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Organising our investments

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Very easy to talk to, Has good advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Once widowed I sought financial advice. On moving to Cheltenham I met Ben & when he changed companies I chose to remain as his client & so changed companies with him

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He is easy to talk to & helps me to understand the nature of my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes

What could they have done better?

Perhaps encouraged me to be a little more adventurous in these difficult times

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

I wanted advice on the best way to make my money work for me.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He has looked at my circumstances and advised me, in language I understand, on the best way forward for me to attain a profit on my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

My previous adviser retired and sold his business to Cheltenham financial advisers.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He understands my attitude towards investing and advises me accordingly. I trust him to give me the best advice he can.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Difficult in the recent economic difficulties globally, but generally going in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

We started when we acquired our business an house.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has always been knoledgable and helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

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

Needed advice following the death of my mother in 1982

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He has continued the service previously provided by Christian .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are happy with the situation at present

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

Inheriting some finances

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Advised us peofessionally but left ultimate decision to us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, after moving money at Ben's suggestion

What could they have done better?

Advised earlier to move money

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

Combining pension pots

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Investing capital

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Help to profit from and safeguard my assets.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

To achieve the above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Within reason!

What could they have done better?

Continue to maintain the progress achieved.0

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

Early retirement , investment and pension planning for both me and my wife.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Clear explanations on all aspects of financial planning. Providing easy access to experts in all relevant disciplines. Reassuringly accessible should questions arise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pretty much, yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

I was looking to earn more from my pension pot

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has suggested ways to help me earn more

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don’t know

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

Looking for pension and investment advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben’s reinvested my pension fund and set up an ISA

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Pension fund and ISA both growing

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Ben’s very knowledgable and personable

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ben Burgess helped you since your last review?

Ben has continued to give us great advice, keeping in touch with our circumstances over the years, and being constructive and specific with his recommendations. Having Ben's support gives us peace of mind and enables us to plan ahead.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Very profesional, friendly and easy to understand. Looking forward to working together.

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

Planning for retirement in 2018

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Took over our pension portfolio from a previous IFA (retired), and facilitated appropriate changes to the pension plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Can't say as there is no direct comparison.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps a little more benchmarking of our plan against market competitors, or against alternative investment strategies.

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

Approaching pension age and the need to consolidate two pensions that recently have been preforming poorly. Additional funds will be invested later this year.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

No obligation consultation and the subsequent producing of a plan. Followed by comprehensive advice/explanation and setting up an RIA.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ben understood my financial planning requirements and acted accordingly, the funds are now in an RIA and performing very well in the relatively short period that has elapsed. I have already recommended Cheltenham IFA to a friend who is in the process of moving his pension to them.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I had received considerable life assurance income at the time of retirement, together with other income received as a result of family bereavement. I/we did not need to receive any income from the funds invested (or at least very little).

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

We receive a visit from Ben once each year in October. He provides a brief review of the investments - how they have performed, the current state of the financial market and above all the assurance that the sums are invested appropriately - not for the highest returns, but ethically beneficial.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Difficult to answer this question because the last few years have witnessed a very turbulent market. The value of investments went down three years or so ago (in line with my expectations), but have recovered somewhat.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

I'm approaching retirement and wanted good advice

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

I've got a number of pensions from previous employers, some with unusual terms. Ben had been invaluable in explaining and advising on these.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Could have been more reactive during COVID

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

Pensions and investment.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Advice on where best to access cash and assist with required form fillings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

All was fine

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

I had an existing personal pension and was being given some advice by the provider that I didn't trust. I needed an expert that I could trust to understand my complex needs and help setup and transfer to a new pension as a matter of urgency.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben very quickly understood my predicament and the complexities that needed to be avoided. He advised on a new provider that would meet my needs and worked doggedly to help transfer funds from two other pensions into the new scheme. He also helped me setup a new ISA and transfer the funds with similar tenacity. Throughout the process Ben has remained extremely easy to contact and has been a great communicator.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes. I couldn’t be happier with the assistance and service that Ben has provided. I’m extremely grateful to have found him and my new provider is everything I was looking, and it’s cheaper than my old provider.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, it really has been a very efficient and professional service and Ben exceeded my expectations of an IFA.

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

My finances were scattered about with different providers and I wanted advice on how to make them more streamlined

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He created a portfolio for me, so all my investments are in the same place, so is much easier to manage and keep track of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although I don't think anyone could predict the current Global economy.

What could they have done better?

Possibly a quick catch up chat every six months?

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

Many years ago, we had money to invest. Used Cotswold Financial Services.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has explaned how the market has been, and advised on the best way to invest for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were hoping for a steady growth in our investments, but due to global circumstances it has not been that good.

What could they have done better?

The answer to that I do not know.

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

I transferred from another firm to Cheltenham IFA

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Ben has been very supportive since I have been with Cheltenham IFA, and I have better understanding of how my pension is being invested.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Since my transfer I have since a significant improvement in my pension and I am very pleased with the outcome so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at present

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

We had a private financial adviser who retired and recommended Ben

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He has listened to what we want to do with our money in retirement and helped us to try and achieve this

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As much as is possible in this financial climate

What could they have done better?

Could not have done anything more in this financial climate

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Ben has been invaluable in supporting me with my final salary pension scheme. He answers emails late into the evening and on weekends. I feel he has made the process very smooth and I look forward to our continued working relationship.

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

Business transferred to your company

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Sound advice, friendly attitude

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Largely yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I didn’t have enough money to buy a house to rent, but needed to invest what I had. And I didn’t want to do it myself!

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He’s given me a clear picture of how well the money invested has done, and done it in a professional way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, given that I’m not inclined to high-risk investments.

What could they have done better?

With my aversion to high risk, very little. Investing money is currently not bringing high returns.

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

Investment advice needed

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Yes clear information and a better direction for our savings now we are working with ben

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

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

Reaching retirement.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

He explained clearly what would be the best options financially for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not exactly, but I understand the reasons why and it is a 5 year plan.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

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

Looking to retire.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Realised our pension pots and helped with investing to give best return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely- yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Retirement

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Answering questions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I had a few pensions in various places and wanted to know what was best it terms of how they were performing.

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Very good advice in what to leave where they were and what to reinvest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen far more than I thought possible.

What could they have done better?

I honestly don’t know of anything.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Very friendly & helpful service, providing a wide range of advice.

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

Sold a property

How has Ben Burgess helped you?

Reliable and trustworthy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The financial climate has been difficult but not as bad as it could have been. Yes as I hoped for.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I can see