Mark Beresford

Repeat review from verified client

October, 2021

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

How has Mark Beresford helped you since your last review?

The annual review of our investments to see where we stand.

Repeat review from verified client

October, 2020

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

How has Mark Beresford helped you since your last review?

Discussed and reviewed our attitude to risk and made suitable alternative arrangements for us.

Repeat review from verified client

September, 2020

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

How has Mark Beresford helped you since your last review?

Hopefully kept my investments under close review.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

When I was approaching retirement I needed a financial adviser to review my various pension funds.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

By advising on and setting up a number of annuities and arranging the investment of, and drawdown from, a fund formed from a scattering of other funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. From a confusing assortment of funds I now feel that my financial affairs are well organlsed and efficiently managed

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Mark's reply

Thankyou Jenny. Much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Unsure about the advice i had previously received

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Made clear and concise guidance going forwards enabling me to plan for the future more confidently

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes most definitely, and faster than i had anticipated

What could they have done better?

nothing

Mark's reply

Our pleasure Alan ! Thank you.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Our previous advisors were no longer providing a service at all and were going to concentrate on other things.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Good, sensible advise at better rates of return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days, but so far so good.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really that a clearer view, frustrated by Brexit, would not provide.At last, the voice of reaso

Mark's reply

Thank you for those kind words!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

For investment advice many years ago.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Keeping our investments running.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Maybe not but only due to political reasons.

What could they have done better?

Our investments were set up a long time ago so have no up to date suggestions.

Mark's reply

Thank you Ann.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

My husband wanted one

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark has taken care of all our financial affairs for many years & has never .et us down

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing he has always been very helpful

Mark's reply

I am most grateful that you took the time to review. Thank you!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I have lived in the USA for the past 30 years but I have some UK investments/insurance. My former financial adviser vanished in a puff of smoke, something I did not discover until over a year later. Things needed straightening out as I thought things had had been neglected

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark unscrambled the mess and gave me sound advice on the way ahead. He told me how much this would cost up front - and there were no added costs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am saving money and have the coverage I wanted to protect my US trust in the event of my death.

What could they have done better?

Mark did make a couple of suggestions but I did not see the relevance of these to the way my US affairs are constructed. Nevertheless, I am grateful that he did.

Mark's reply

Ha ha..my pleasure!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

Change in financial circumstances following career change and needed pension advice.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark provided salient and sound advice and options in a language easily understood.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, with regular updates

What could they have done better?

Kep doing what h is doing, which for my crcumstances.

Mark's reply

Paul, This is Sue who does all this marketing I have let mark know. Thanks Sue

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

Check on original advice provided 15 years ago by Mark

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Reviewed recommended no change

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing else

Mark's reply

Thanks Tony!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

i needed to start a personal pension

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

He was very thorough in working out my requirements and getiing me the product i required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

n\a

Mark's reply

Great review Jimmy! Thank you.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

Pensions advice

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark has been extremely helpful giving expert advise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Mark has given expert advise and I have can’t think of any criticism of his services.

Mark's reply

Thank you Richard, very kind!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I have 3 pensions and after meeting with Mark, he was then able to organise and explain in a sensible manner.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark was very helpful and explained all of the options, with figures and graphs to show the increases and decreases. He contacted the pension companies and I left everything for him to sort, with no problems.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the outcome was very beneficial to me.

What could they have done better?

I actally feel that I got all that I need and felt Mark was very proactive in getting the result's that we needed.

Mark's reply

Thank you Trevor!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I needed to consolidate my several pension arrangements in one place, Mark gave me a clear overall picture for the first time. This later enabled me to set up annuities and savings plans for the future. His service and speed to rise to any challenges i have given him has always been excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends or relatives who found them selves in need of good sound pension advice.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

As above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing i can think off.

Mark's reply

Thank you Nick, its a pleasure working with you!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

needed professional advice on investing in medium risk equities

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

professional assessment of risk appetite, sound advice on both pension and investment that reflected my ambition. Secured mortgage in unusual and challenging circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, positive return in challenging economic environment

Mark's reply

Great review! Thanks very much indeed!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

Career Change

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Help me look at my personal finances from a different perspective allowing me to step back and look at the bigger picture versus my ambitions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Freedom to make my money work for me

What could they have done better?

I wish I had spoken to Mark earlier in my life!

Mark's reply

Excellent review! we have the Time Machine standing by ha ha!

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

Having re - married we needed to review insurances, in particular my own, my pension provisions and long term planning.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

We set up an Insurance Policy , moved funds to be better performing in pensions and looked at draw down.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Despite the financial climate the pensions actually went up !

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Mark is results driven and clearly takes pride in giving absolute Best Advice for us.

Mark's reply

Thank you Sue!

Review from verified client

June, 2019

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

Help with pension and investments.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Has given me good advice for years on pensions and investments and had good returns on my money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Mark's reply

Thank you Julie!

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Change in career and wanting to secure a good longer term pension pot

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Provided various reviews, recommendations and on-going monitoring of the funds, making changes as our own circumstances changed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Broadly yes - the target growth has been within the target range.

What could they have done better?

eing a little more proactive when sorting out review meetings.B

Mark's reply

Thank you Alan. We would be more than happy to review more frequently if you would prefer that from the Annual Review and to this end you and Mark can discuss this in the up and coming meeting we have in the diary next week. regards Sue on Mark's behalf.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Retirement and a need to plan effectively for the future.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark provides sound advice without the 'flannel' I have come to expect in this industry. He started by asking lots of questions to understand our needs, plans for the future and aspirations. Once he was clear he understood, he then offered a range of options, helping us to make informed choices. It was al really very straightforward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have invested our lump sum to provide a yield regularly for holidays and other desires we have. the investments are doing nicely in a difficult market.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say. We both felt his approach was excellent and the outcome has been as we wanted.

Mark's reply

Hi Adrian, So pleased you are happy with our service , data protection prevents me from "Dhobying" your finances in public.. ha ha:-) Best Mark

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Looking for better than bank interest return from our sawing.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

5 Star rating given Mark divided very carefully our investment placed them in variety of funds with results of capital growth above bank rates.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we were very pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Mark's reply

Thank you !

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Review of my current financial position

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Looked at ways of optimising investments and reducing fees

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell!

Mark's reply

Hi Nick, Thank you for reviewing so far :-) Sue

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

My wife has a pension with assets over £100k which she wished to withdraw tax effectively, yet the pension provider only allowed a single withdrawal.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark understood the issue immediately, and having satisfied himself that we retained significant ongoing pension benefits, recommended that we move the funds to a flexible pension provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, this is an ongoing process as my wife has income from investments, so only wishes to withdraw funds up to the basic tax ratelimit.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We had two brief meetings and it was resolved.

Mark's reply

We appreciate your succinct description of the advice we have given you, it was indeed a pleasure to meet you both and we look forward to continuing our ongoing service to you!

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

The attitude of the previous, introduced by previous employers) became very much about them and not me.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Full review based on changing circumstances, recommendations I could challenge and have explained, rationalisation of portfolio and online portal for visibility.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than happy

What could they have done better?

He could give me the winning lottery numbers in advance!

Mark's reply

Ha ha! 1234567 is the winning number.... at some stage...

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Preparing for retirement.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark Beresford was an inspirational help with our complex family financial affairs.Ranging from resolving long term pension issues to dealing with investment bond advice and realisation. In addition was instrumental in steering us in the best direction with existing Trust and inheritance complications. I have no hesitation in recommending him as highly as possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of any need for improvement.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Death of my husband, needed expert advice on finances.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Mark has been my FA for 15 years and I've stayed with him because he understands how it all works, gives realistic advice and is thoroughly trustworthy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I wanted low risk investments for a steady but reliable outcome and Mark has provided this by spreading the risks over many companies and has chosen these companies well.

Mark's reply

Lovely to see you at our recent review, its always a pleasure Janet and we look forward to advising your over the next 15 plus years ! :-)

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

I needed to review my pension and Mark was recommended.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Reviewed my funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Already yes ! And more.

What could they have done better?

Sound advice indeed from which I’ve benefited already so, no.

Mark's reply

Thanks Peter, pleasure meeting you and I look forward to advising you again in the future!

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

having left the military after a full career and then transitioning into the civilian sector, I was in the position to make small investments and having met mark, he offered straightforward financial advice.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Having initially followed Mark on Linkedin, we subsequently met at a Chamber of Commerce function, which was the most productive element of the evening. Having recently left the forces and embarking on an employment path in the civilian market with all its subsequent pitfalls, Mark, proffered salutatory and relevant financial advice in a language that was easily comprehensible to someone who had little or no knowledge of how best to financially invest in the future. In the 4 years Mark has acted as my financial advisor, he continues to offer timely and pertinent advice with regular annual meetings to best assess how best to maximise my investments. Would not hesitate and in fact have to recommend him to both college's and friends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

my plan is on track as per original expectations

What could they have done better?

Mark, keeps me fully appraised on not only my plan, but also other products he thinks may be of interest. There isn't much more he would be able offer me. More than satisfied with the service provided.

Mark's reply

Thanks you for this review Paul. I am pleased that we are providing a service that you are happy with and that we speak to you in a language you find easier to understand. We look forward to providing you with the same service in the future. BZ

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

I had a bit of money that I wanted to invest

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

He went through my needs and expectations and suggested the best way he could help me invest and then implemented it with my approval

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less but Brexit is causing a problem!

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Long term client

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Reviews my finances each year

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Maybe a little more contact during the year

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

My mother passed away

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Reviews my pensions and insurances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes thank you.

Mark's reply

Thank you Sue.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Lost my mother

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

My Husband and I have been a clients for a year now and have found Mark to be not only a very knowledgable person but very easy to talk to and his advice is honest and forthcoming. Having had previous advisors who seemed more interested in what they earned I now see through the fees disclosure that Mark is a total professional and can be truly relied on to give best advice for you.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Very good.

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Not happy with previous company

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Good sound advice. Good return on investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Mark's reply

Thank you Steph!

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Not having enough knowledge of the intricacies of financial planning, we needed an adviser we could trust to help us plan for our retirement income

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

Great advice and excellent service. Not the cheapest but the service paid for itself many times over because their investment and pensions management gave far better returns than I was expecting. Highly recommended.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our pensions fund and savings investments have grown in value far more than we expected over the time we have been looked after by Mark.

What could they have done better?

I usually find something that could be improved but in this case I honestly can't think of anything Mark could do better.

Mark's reply

Thank you very much indeed Neville !

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

Re married.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

5 stars given

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

April, 2019

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

My new husband and I needed to review our pensions and investments together and were recommended to mark through a friend.

How has Mark Beresford helped you?

We reviewed our pensions, upgraded our Life Assurance and he gave invaluable advice on IHT.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Totally.

Mark's reply

Thank you!