Mark Holmes

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2024

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

How has Mark Holmes helped you since your last review?

With annual face-to-face visits and with professional advice which we know we can trust.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Some years ago I received an inheritance and needed advice on how best to invest the money for my future.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has consistently provided good advice taking into account my specific circumstances and attitude to growth versus risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Our pensions had got into a bit of a mess we didn't really know the best thing to do. A friend recommended Mark

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark started by explaining our situation regarding our pensions he made it very easy to understand how we should go forward. He also helped us go through what we wanted in the future and how to protect ourselves if the unexpected should happen. Mark has always been easy to talk to even if some of the questions we ask are a bit random.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are happy with the way things are going Mark is always available for good advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing Mark is always available for good advice

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

My wife and I needed advice regarding financial planning for retirement, balancing cash needs with portfolio investments at an appropriately level of risk and reward.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has successfully guided us towards medium-risk investment opportunities, within managed funds, at lower rates of management fees than our banks were offering. He regularly updates us regarding more tax-efficient possibilities for long term an IHT planning. Very friendly and helps overall.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are pleased with the strategies Mark has recommendations.

What could they have done better?

No improvements to suggest.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Mark was absolutely amazing! Once I gave him all the information he needed he was quick to act and explained everything to me in a way that I understood. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Brilliant person to deal with. Excellent skills and supportive.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Had pension investments in different companies and wanted to put them in one place with finiancial guidance. Retirement a few years off and wanted to be prepared financially.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

All my pension investment now in one place and ready to use on retirement, financial situation reviewed and in a good place .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Could not have been done better, very happy with what has been done.

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

I inherited money from my late wife and late father and the sale of a property in Spain

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He listened to what I wanted and used his considerable expertise to produce a detailed report and plan which meets my aims.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I was delighted with the advice and service I received.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Following the death of my husband I inherited a sum of money . I needed a financial advisor to help me invest this in a way that would provide long term benefits within a cautious portfolio.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has helped me by taking the trouble to get to know my financial circumstances , my family priorities and therefore my attitude to risk. He has shown a genuine interest in making sure he understands my requirements and puts my needs at the front of any advice given.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mark has been instrumental in ensuring my investment decisions have resulted in the outcome I was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

How to manage our investments more effectively.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

By creating income from our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

Took my NHS pension and needed advice on how to invest my lump sum

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

With investing and advising for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All good so far but with current climate, a bit worrying

What could they have done better?

Nothing, very happy with everything

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

In a few years will be coming up to retirement age and wanted to get personal pension and savings sorted for that time.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

On the information given to Mark he has advised and pointed me in the right direction where to invest for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, over and above expection.

What could they have done better?

Could not have done better.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I lost my partner nearly 8 yrs ago and was helped to sort out money for the future

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark helped me sort out what I expected from investments then advised

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

When I was retiring I needed professional advice on how best to use my private pension and savings.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark Holmes has given me first class advice from the first time we met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. I have been very pleased with the results even during Covid19 and Brexit.

What could they have done better?

I am totally satisfied.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Advice on lump sum investment for growth, life policy and pension review.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark carried out a detailed fact find and clearly explained the reasons behind his recommendations. He was patient with our questions and only put things in place once we were totally happy. He gave us a personal service, tailored to our specific needs and circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very happy with the outcome. Mark contacted us proactively in the aftermath of the COVID outbreak to check how we felt and he was able to allay any concerns we had . Our finances are in a much better position than they would have been had we not followed Mark’s advice. Mark is extremely professional and personable and we have no hesitation in recommend his services to others.

What could they have done better?

We are completely satisfied.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I inherited money and needed advice on how to make the most of it.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He took care of financial planning and gave me peace of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Impending retirement meant the need for planning and investing wisely to provide income and sufficient savings.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He provided clear analysis, recommendations and options all tailored to our circumstances. He worked collaboratively with us and did detailed research, including good admin, compliance and fee transparency. He liaised with pension providers and then actively checked on their investment strategies during the year, being in regular contact with the investment managers about changing strategy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

2020 was an exceptionally difficult year for planning finances. So far the results from Mark's advice and his recommended providers have been very good compared to many other indices, and the fees were worth the service.

What could they have done better?

Mark is very experienced, skilled and rigorous and trustworthy. I can't suggest anything additional he could have done (other than the impossible gift of foreseeing the future accurately...).

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

During 2017/18 I decided to make the arrangements necessary for my wife and I to retire following my 65th birthday. The first step was to find an IFA and after shortlisting two, we chose Mark as someone who was an experienced advisor in the sector and with whom we could work. He quickly understood our financial and investment objectives. We particularly liked his down to earth approach.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

1.Transfer of my SIPP from a US based investment manager to James Hay Pension Trustees as part of centralising our investment management and affairs in the UK. 2. Established a pension plan for my wife. 3. Identified a suitably experienced and highly rated Discretionary Fund Manager which we appointed. 4. Advised on S32 Retirement Fund transfers relating to a previous employment role and identified an independent (of 3. above) discretionary pension fund manager to invest and manage these monies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

2020 has been an extraordinarily difficult year for any investment fund manager but due to Mark's excellent initial advice and his careful overseeing of our discretionary fund managers (-we have two to spread the risk) and the advised timing of the S32 transfers, our portfolio valuations are currently better than we could have hoped for in the circumstances.

What could they have done better?

We have no complaints at all. Mark keeps us well informed and is regularly in touch following significant events and emerging trends in the capital markets. We would have no hesitation in introducing Mark to our closest friends and other members of our family.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We have used Mark for investments and pensions advice for the last 3 years , and naturally turned to him for advice for re-investing some of our savings.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark discussed with my wife and I the financial objectives we had for the investment and revisited our financial position and assessed if our attitude to risk had changed since we had previously invested. When he had fully understood our position Mark sought out the best investment options for us, and provided us with a comprehensive report which he discussed with us over the phone (due to covid). Mark was happy to accommodate changes we requested and made the appropriate arrangements to initiate the investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very early days to say for a long term investments, however, the investments are looking positive.

What could they have done better?

The communication to us, the Client, from one particular investment company was poor and we had to contact Mark on two occasions for him to chase the investment company for them to contact us with information regarding the status and access to our investment. This is not ideal and if Mark is going to recommend this company to his clients, this aspect needs to be significantly improved.

Mark's reply

Thanks for your invaluable feedback. I too was disappointed and I raised the issue with the company involved. The feedback from them was as follows: 'I have just heard about the review left by Mr T and wanted to assure you that this has been raised at the highest level. We realise that it is absolutely pivotal that we deliver excellent service to your clients and the initial delays from the clients funding to when the welcome pack was issued is something that we will ensure does not happen again' Thanks again. Mark

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I received a significant payment on retirement that I needed to invest

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He helped my wife and I map out our financial goals and objectives for the next 20 years and developed an investment strategy to support this

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our life goals and financial goals are well aligned

What could they have done better?

Mark has continued to be proactive. The only area is perhaps to forward more information from investment managers on how their strategies are developing

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We were looking to achieve better performance from our portfolio, from a trusted adviser who was independent of any specific bank or investment company

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has reduced our costs, and has recommended investment options which are suited to our circumstances, and which have outperformed previous funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Mark is regularly in touch, friendly, and has given good advice underpinned with sound explanations.

What could they have done better?

No improvements to suggest.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We needed assistance and knew Mark Holmes over several years.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He helped us in all aspects of our financial planning to our complete satisfaction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Repeat review from verified client

March, 2020

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

How has Mark Holmes helped you since your last review?

With an update visit and continued support, including clear explanantions.

Review from verified client

March, 2020

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

He was assigned my investment portfolio when it was handled by Lloyds Private Banking with whom I was invested. He was the first person who took trouble to explain my financial investments to me.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He made me think about earnings and outgoings and planning for the future, particularly when I was retired and no longer earning a salary. He advised on when to take the state pension in order to improve earnings and to stop drawing down from investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes as he now manages my investment portfolio.

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2020

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

How has Mark Holmes helped you since your last review?

Following our last review Mark has followed up on actions arising out of the meeting. These included financial circumstances where Mark has suggested he unders further research on financial options to meet the best interests of our financial objectives. Mark always delivers timely information and advice in a clear and concise way which allows the client to make informed decisions. He is willing to answer our questions and always ensures that the information is clarified and that we understand the financial advice.

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2020

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

How has Mark Holmes helped you since your last review?

Yes

Review from verified client

January, 2020

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

I needed help with my finances in all the above areas.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

In this instance, he dealt with a problem that was highlighted by my accountant regarding capital gains, dealing with the bank and getting information that I would have found very difficult to get and resolving the problem. Overall he gives me peace of mind and very good service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Mark's reply

Happy to get this all sorted Nik.

Review from verified client

June, 2019

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

Needed a complete review of our finances to make our money work better for us.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He listened to our needs and provided solutions making sure that we fully understood his recommendations and that we were happy with them. Mark was very knowledgable and thorough in his fact finding. We shopped around but felt Mark offered a more complete and individual service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s very early days yet but our portfolio has increased in value and we have already recouped the fees and more.

What could they have done better?

More than happy with Mark and the service he has given us.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Reviewing options with regard to deferred pensions - releasing tax free cash for a deposit to buy a house

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark helped me consider the various options, and considering all the options available

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes,

What could they have done better?

Very happy with the help and support Mark has provided

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

The sale of my business meant I had substantial funds to invest and protect with regards to IHT.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Spent time to understand my needs and aspirations and then put together a portfolio of advise, plans and actions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but yes.

What could they have done better?

The fact find report had some basic errors and some of the more complex investments took several go's to explain them properly.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Consideration of retirement, what to do with existing pension pot and how to invest

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Took all my pension pot details, looked at all the options and came back with very sound advise. Dealt with the movement of that money once decision made.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Now my pension pot invested in one place for when I need it. Also since not paying into that pot given more available cash to enjoy.

What could they have done better?

He could not have done anything better.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

My partner passing away

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Took time to explain things and invested well Also helped with my tax I feel very comfortable and understand better as Mark has explained well

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Approaching retirement

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has provided good strategies and plans for our needs, with integrity, transparency and excellent research and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in terms of being able to make decisions and investments. Their performance is too early to assess but the recommendations were excellent and we acted on them.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

The need to sort out my private pension and investments.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has helped in every possible way, always explaining things in terms that I can understand. He has been in regular contact and I have total trust in him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely. I could not have achieved the same result on my own.

What could they have done better?

From my point of view he has done a perfect job.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

I had a lump sum to invest after retirement and was deciding what options were open to minimize tax and maximize return.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He took time to understand my needs, assessed my financial situation, and then provided some options for discussion.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The decisions taken have a five year time horizon and need to be assessed over that timeframe.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

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

I had a large lump sum following retirement.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He took time to understand our financial goals, clarified our family priorities and then restructured our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early at this stage.

What could they have done better?

Mark made the process very simple. I could not improve his service.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

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

Having reached my retirement age, my wife and I were looking to invest for our future retirement and map out our financial planning to ensure our retirement was as secure as possible.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark has met with us several times to understand fully our financial position, what we are seeking from our retirement and our aspirations for the future for ourselves and our family. He helped provide us with advice and thoughts on what we might consider for our financial needs for the future and clearly explained and talked through the pros and cons of some of our thinking. Mark explains things thoroughly, in a way that can be readily understood by a layman and I found that his advice was always aimed at what was best for me and my family based on our financial objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mark has recently met my wife and I to review his report and recommendations for our financial planning. The outcome is well balanced and in my view clearly meets the current financial objectives we talked through with Mark. This has been achieved by Mark clearly getting to know and understand fully what we were trying to achieve. My wife and I are both pleased with the outcome and are currently in the process of putting the recommendations into action. Going forward he has offered his assistance should we have any concerns or questions before our next review meeting.

What could they have done better?

It’s very difficult to find any constructive suggestions. Mark was very professional, he provides a well thought through service in a very friendly and approachable way. Mark has a way of making the client feel at ease which lends itself to generating a relaxed atmosphere for discussions, and he is always more than willing to clarify points and answer client questions.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

Looking for help with investment and pensions.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He has steered us through the labyrinth of finding the best way to deal with our investments and pensions into the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With his help, we feel confident that we can hopefully maximise our limited resources in this constantly changing world.

What could they have done better?

Over the years he has consistently given us sensible, helpful advice which we have been happy to take.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

I have recently retired which coincided with my wife receiving an inheritance from a deceased relative.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark listened to our overall needs and prompted us with key questions to ensure we did not overlook any aspect of our present financial position. We liked his calm professional approach and both immediately took him. It was clear from the first meeting that he was highly experienced in his field.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Mark has guided us through a detailed process to assess our appetite for risk as part of an overall review of our asset position. He produced a very helpful and professional report containing his recommendations. As a result we have invested several hundred thousand pounds after selecting and appointing Mark's recommended discetionary fund manager. Mark also provided excellent inheritance tax advice regarding my SIPP and income tax advice related to my wife being able to invest annually in a pension scheme.

What could they have done better?

We have no substantial suggestions to make - Mark's advice and support has been excellent. I am tempted to say, in connection with some of our meetings, that they might have been structured differently so as to make them a little shorter. However, we had a lot to cover given our overall financial position and, presented with the choice between a short ineffective meeting and a longer session during which all the key issues were addressed, we would obviously choose the latter!

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

We were looking for long term investments in stocks and shares to balance our financial portfolio .

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark was professional throughout and kept us informed at every stage of the process. He is very thorough and has an eye for detail which is reflected in his written presentations . He provided excellent advice on Pension planning and we now feel we have a very balanced financial portfolio which very much reflects our desire for safe and secure investment .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We our very happy with the service provided by Mark and the documentation he provided in particular was detailed and clear in terms of our options and their short , medium and long terms projections , allowing us to make a clear, knowledgeable choice. We would certainly recommend Mark who is very personable , very approachable and provided expert advice which were tailored to our needs.

What could they have done better?

I welcome the fact that Mark has set up his own independent adviser service and will certainly continue to seek to his guidance and expertise .

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

We were left an inheritance from parents.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

He explained very clearly the options for us considering our lifestyle and future plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our investments at this current time are moving in the right direction to fulfill our goals.

What could they have done better?

A very difficult question as we feel Mark does all he can to guide and advise us. He has always given us the best advice for our future, he listens and understands us.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

I had an 'investment portfolio' with Lloyds private banking and Mark Holmes was the Private Banking and advice manager at that time, employed by Lloyds.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

We had meetings twice yearly to discuss management of the portfolio, my risk profile, management of my pensions and other related topics.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although of course when Mr. Holmes worked for Lloyds he was only able to recommend Lloyds products and other Lloyds-related investments.

What could they have done better?

Whilst Mr Holmes provided excellent advice within the constraints of the Lloyds 'umbrella' I always felt he was somewhat frustrated with the limitations of working with Lloyds and therefore restricted to their products. I welcome his move to that of an IFA.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

We were in need of financial planning for current circumstances and also our future needs including retirement planning. We had children at various stages of education, including University and my wife and I also had our own business and other interests that we were involved in. We therefore knew that advice would be invaluable in our future plans.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark advised us in uncomplicated terms of various options that would best suit our current needs, whilst also advising on a sensible approach to future planning. This involved assisting us in deciding what levels of risk we may or may not be prepared to take to acheive any potential returns. This enabled my wife and I to opt for different approaches too suit our attitudes to risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Whilst we are all hopeful of significant and better returns than what we receive we have to accept that we have and continue to be in a very difficult financial period. However Mark has always advised us to opt for a diverse portfolio and bearing this in mind we have achieved reasonable returns in all our investments. One product that we have specifically benefited from was an insurance policy that provided a significant sum to us when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. This eased the pressure on us during a very difficult and long period of treatment. This not only made us appreciate the value of Marks advice in this case but the importance of a advice for the future.

What could they have done better?

To be honest I am not sure what Mark could have done better for us. We probably could have done with meeting more often but this is more down to our availability rather than Marks lack of effort. He has however always responded quickly to us via mobile or email when we have queries

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

Seeking investment advice when approaching retirement, and after.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark provided advice on investments, balancing cash and shares portfolio, drawing down natural income from ISAs as part of tax strategy, setting up trusts for IHT planning, and other related areas of financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been more than satisfactory. Our portfolio has continued to grow, while ISAs income has enabled us to live the lifestyle we would wish, and to make gifts within the tax framework to our children and gra ndchildren.

What could they have done better?

I really cannot suggest any improvements. Mark has been proactive in contacting us, has responded by return to phone calls, and has given unbiased advice while has consistently proved beneficial.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

General financial review and retirement.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Reviewed financial health and suggested appropriate and pertinent actions in a focused and easy to understand way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

General financial review specifically focusing on retirement needs.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Reviewed our financial health and suggested pertinent and appropriate actions. He gave sound, relevant and practical advice in a direct, unambiguous, easy to understand way..

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind that Mark could have done better.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

I had a large amount of money receiving very low interest so I needed financial advice on how to increase returns on capital.

How has Mark Holmes helped you?

Mark gave sensible advice based on my attitude to risk. He also investigated how pensions savings could be moved to different plans in order to maximise growth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, savings have grown better than I ever expected. At the same time optimal use has been made of tax avoidance ISAs.

What could they have done better?

I do not have any idea what Mark could have better.