Chris Gray

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Very helpful guidance regarding our pensions and long term planning

Chris's reply

Thank you for your review, Robert. Retirement planning can be quite daunting but I'm pleased you came away with a good understanding of how I can help.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Financial review and pension planning

Chris's reply

Thanks for your review, Fiona, it's really appreciated.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

When it comes to getting advice on your money, what you want is an informed view and guidance via a relaxed conversation. That's what you get from a professional who understands their business and takes the time to understand you. That's Chris Gray.

Chris's reply

Austen, thanks for the glowing review - it's really appreciated. I think a relaxed environment to discuss life goals is really important; however I also know clients need to be confident in my knowledge and skills, and know I take their lives seriously. It's a fine balancing act and I'm pleased that approach worked for you.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Pension and future planning for retirement

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Good advice and help with our future retirement plans. Investing our money in the right places for the future plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

Chris's reply

John, thanks for the 5-star review. It's good to see you're getting the outcomes you were wanting.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Getting close to retirement

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Given me advice and guidance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Don't no

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to add a review - it's really appreciated.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Getting to an age where pension/ retirement are at the forefront our mind

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris has consolidated and helped us decide how to look after our current and crystallised funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very happy with the outcome at present

What could they have done better?

We don’t have any advice on how to do anything better. The service is already excellent.

Chris's reply

Thanks for your review, Hazel. I'm glad to see you're getting the outcome you hoped for.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

We met Chris for an introductory meeting mainly regarding inheritance tax. Chris gave us clear advice and explained some things that we had not considered before. As our finances \ properties are not straight forward it required some explaining and he was very attentive, and able to explain in lay mans terms options to move forward. We covered a lot of ground in our meeting, he was easy to talk to and very friendly. Looking forward to our next meeting.

Chris's reply

Thank you for that lovely review Paul and Alison. It was great to meet you both and I'm pleased you took a lot from the meeting. Inheritance tax can be extremely complicated so it's always good to hear clients say I've explained things clearly. Speak again soon - Chris

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

necessity

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris has transformed my financial position with calm clarity as i approach the end of my working life . He has helped get peace of mind and i feel totally in control of my options .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

very much so

What could they have done better?

nothing ,

Chris's reply

Thanks for the positive review, Robert. It's always good to know I've helped prepare for a well-deserved retirement.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris was very thorough and explained something I thought was quite complicated into something that was very simple to understand. He helped with any questions I had and also explained how I can get in contact touch in the future.

Chris's reply

Thanks for the really positive review, Louise. I look forward to working with you in future.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

My job

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Looked into retirement and talk me through the process on investments and a cash flow forecast

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so

What could they have done better?

Nothing was brilliant

Chris's reply

Thanks for that really positive review, Ali. I get lots of good feedback about cash flow forecasting so I'm pleased you liked it. We can easily update it at future reviews and see the progress against your goals.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Through our management buyout and wealth creation

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Steering us in the right direction without being pushy and understanding our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

nothing, Chris has been transparent with everything.

Chris's reply

Thanks for the really positive review, Kevin. I'm glad I'm helping to steer you in the right direction.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I have full confidence in using him for my financial advice needs.

Chris's reply

Thank you for your really positive first impression review, Jess. It was lovely to meet you and I look forward to helping you going forward.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

clear and precise. Chris made a quite complicated but massively important topic sound straight forward and didn't overcomplicate in the way he explained my various options. I will most defiantly be using Chris for my financial advise from now on.

Chris's reply

Thanks for leaving such a positive review, Barry. It's always nice to get feedback that I've made complicated areas feel straightforward as I try really hard to be jargon-free and explain things clearly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris gives highly professional advice which he communicates well. His manner is excellent and it's reassuring to know that you are in very safe hands.

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Philip. I'm pleased you feel reassured after our chat and that you felt the service I offer is of a high standard.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris made me feel very comfortable, explained the process clearly without me feeling under pressure.

Chris's reply

Hi Vicky, thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive review. I'm pleased you felt comfortable and that I explained things clearly. I look forward to seeing you again - Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Covered everything I needed

Chris's reply

Thanks for leaving a positive first impression. I'm pleased you found the meeting clear and look forward to helping you get things sorted.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Commenting on introductory meeting for pension finances review. Clear and affable. Answered all our questions. Gave clear instructions on the information needed for next steps. Cant comment on whole package yet -early days.

Chris's reply

Hi Jill, thanks for leaving such a positive review about our pensions meeting. I'm pleased you felt everything was clear and that I could answer your questions. I'm looking forward to helping you in future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Initial meeting with Chris for financial review Very professional and courteous will definitely follow up and happy to recommend Chris for financial planning and advice

Chris's reply

Mark, it was really nice to meet you on Friday and thanks for the 5-star first impression. I'm pleased that you felt the meeting went well and that you are nice and clear on how I can help you going forward - Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

very helpful , clear and concise information -did not try to sell any particular product just explained the options.. Given me some things to consider.

Chris's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad you found our meeting helpful and that it gave you some extra points to consider. I often find that our Discovery Meetings prompt further questions after the event, so please let me know if I can help answer any other questions. Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Very good, pleasant and explained things very well

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased you felt things were explained well and I look forward to working with you in future - Chris

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Investing pension lump sum

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Good advice on options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Given the state of the world economy yes.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything

Chris's reply

Roger, thanks for leaving your review. I’m pleased you’ve been happy with the service over the three years I’ve looked after you, even though the wider economy has sometimes been unsettled as you point out. I hope that during this time you’ve felt reassured knowing that your investments are being well looked after and that I am always there to reach out to if needed. Many thanks, Chris.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I had just lost my husband of 60 years and had some bonds that if I surrendered would be a good profit or I wondered if I should keep them. Having worked at Forrester Boyd for a number of years but I had been retired 22 years and knew of their reputation. By taking notice of my needs

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Of taking notice of my needs that I wanted a safe place to reinvest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With only being a year ago do not know this yet.

What could they have done better?

I think as my investment being a small matter they did what was necessary.

Chris's reply

Thank you, Joan, for leaving a 5-star review. I know that after a bereavement, dealing with finances and investments can be very daunting so I’m glad you came to me for advice. Like we discussed, there can often be lots of complicated rules that most people simply aren’t aware of, so advice can genuinely pay for itself in cases like yours. As an adviser it’s really important that I listen to - and understand - what my clients want and need from me, so I’m pleased you felt I did this. Chris

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I had savings that were not earning any interest and was also looking for advice with regards to my pension.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris helped with investment advice to make the most of my savings potential and reviewed my pension arrangements, recommending better fund choices.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far the investments are going as expected.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Help with my personal pension

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Helped me sort out my retirement plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothingv

Chris's reply

Tim, thanks for leaving a positive review, it’s greatly appreciated. Retirement planning has always been one of my favourite areas to help clients; it can be one of the most complicated to understand but one of the most important to get right as we only usually retire once. I’m glad you’ve seen the outcome you were hoping for so far. Many thanks, Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris came highly recommended and I can see why. He was very helpful and explained everything in an easy to understand way. Covered everything I asked. An excellent first meeting

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Looking forward to our next meeting - Chris

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

Due to my husband passing away I needed help with my finances

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris helped me by sorting out my finances and helping me make better choices for now and my future years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

There was nothing Chris could have done any better for me, His help was very much needed and appreciated.

Chris's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad I was able to help at such a difficult time - Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Very knowledgeable and informative.

Chris's reply

Thank you, Ian, for taking the time to leave such a positive review and for asking me to advise you on your retirement planning. There are lots of independent financial advisers in the Grimsby / Scunthorpe area so it means a lot when someone chooses me over anyone else. We covered a lot of areas in our meeting, so it’s really good to know that you took a lot from it and, importantly, that you felt comfortable discussing your plans with me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris was very informative about products that suited my financial needs.

Chris's reply

Thanks for the review, Steve. Look forward to working with you in future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Thorough & knowledgeable, relaxed and very easy to understand. No hard sell, looking to build long term relationships with solid financial advice.

Chris's reply

Thanks for the really kind comments, Matt. Looking forward to helping you in future.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

Pension review

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Excellent advice and the right products

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Chris was fabulous and very knowledgeable

Chris's reply

Thank you for your 5-star review and for being such a lovely client - Chris

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

Consolidate pensions and advice about draw down or annuity.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Gone through all my options Discussed thoroughly and answered questions Gave me time to decide Could phone/text and he would get back to me asap

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately, I believe it’s been the best outcome that we could of got , by going safe with my investment because of markets constraints (Covid-19) I needed to go safe

What could they have done better?

Nothing They have listened to me and gone safe They advise You make the decision

Chris's reply

Thank you for taking the time to review - it's much appreciated.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

My husband had died and wanted advice on some bonds whether to cash them in or leave them. ( having worked at Forrester Boyd for a number of years myself)

How has Chris Gray helped you?

I have taken Chris's recommendation on to invest them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say as yet.

What could they have done better?

As this only happened recently I will await to see results.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

Looking forward to a retirement plan.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris has advised us with all of our retirement, financial and pension needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, from Chris, but not from our pension's bad year all round with the current climate. (Nothing Chris can do about this)

What could they have done better?

Nothing just the current climate.

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to review, it means a lot to hear you rate the advice and service so highly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris was very helpful and gave me a number of options to help solve my problems.

Chris's reply

Many thanks for the feedback and speak soon.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Very friendly, great advice, very helpful for both me and my husband, credit to the company

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

My husband passed away

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris has helped me immensely. As I didn’t have a clue where to start

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing Chris was great

Chris's reply

Thank you very much for such a nice review - I look forward to us working together in future.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

Needed to look generally at our pensions and specifically with a view to withdrawing some funds

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Looked at future worth and planning for retirement, transferred pensions to better option, arranged for withdrawal of some money from pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Chris's reply

Thank you for the kind comments - great to see you got the outcome you wanted.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I have been part of an MBO which has offered some pension opportunities.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Consolidate my existing pension funds and provided advice on future pension opportunities.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still in the process , but so far so good.

Chris's reply

Thanks for the positive review - looking forward to working with you in future.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I've had a financial adviser for many years and think it's very worthwhile to continue to have expert advice, information and help.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Regularly reviewed and overseen our financial arrangements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Within the obvious fluctuations and challenges of global markets.

What could they have done better?

I've been satisfied with the help and service they've provided.

Chris's reply

Thanks for taking the time to write a review and for your positive comments - Chris

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Excellent approach with a good understanding of our needs. Demonstrated good knowledge in his field

Chris's reply

Thank you for the positive review, I look forward to working with you in future - Chris

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Professional advice for investment and pension purposes

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Excellent tailored advice on the most suitable investments for my personal circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Retirement

How has Chris Gray helped you?

He helped me to format the best plan for my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes he was excellent

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Money held in bank accounts not keeping up with inflation

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Invested money in funds according to my risk profile

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Recommendation

How has Chris Gray helped you?

A lot .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I am a pensioner in her seventies and had a small but substantial amount of money set aside for myself and three children to be able to either save or dip into if necessary.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris is always at the end of the phone if I need him. Gives me sensible advice and cares about protecting my investments as much as possible. It is nice to have such a pleasant person to deal with my finances .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes even through these turbulent times my investments have felt as secure as one could expect.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Wished to transfer a Pension Fund that allowed further contributions and withdrawals.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Provided advice and set up the new Pension Fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, works as required.

What could they have done better?

No.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

We were approaching retirement and had made a number of provisions ourselves without being very sure that what we had done was right, it had been more a "something is better than nothing approach".

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris reviewed all the steps we had already taken and explained their strengths and some areas where there were opportunities for improvement. Chris is very approachable, very patient when we don't fully understand everything straight away and good at simplifying the information and steering clear of the jargon, this gives us more confidence in the financial plan we now have in place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We haven't fully seen the outcome we were hoping for yet because of the unprecedented events outside of Chris's control that have currently had a negative impact on some of our investments. Chris has still been able to reassure us that despite some setbacks there have been gains in other areas and the plan is still sound and fit for our purposes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Aggregation of a number of Pension Funds into a single Pension Fund able to provide lump sum and drawdown provision.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris has provided advice on financial planning with yearly updates, liaising with Pension provider to update drawdown amounts. Has also provided advice on wife's Pension Fund transfer to allow further investment and drawdown.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Both our Pension Funds are meeting our current requirements.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

closing in on retirement and need to be put on a sound financial footing

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris came highly recommended and explained what would be the best plans for my situation and advise on the best way forward for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

with the financial markets as they are, and other influencing factors going on in the world, its too early to look at the bigger picture

What could they have done better?

nobody has a crystal ball, sound advise will last the test of time.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Following a bereavement I needed to ensure myself and my children were financially protected. As the interest rates in banks were at almost zero I needed to grow my income to ensure we were protected in the future to maintain our standard of living.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

He visited me at home and understood our needs and was able to take the burden away from me at a time when I couldn’t think straight.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I don’t know yet as it’s a difficult economic climate. I’m confident that he is at the end of the phone to help me review my finances in an ever changing climate

What could they have done better?

Maybe with interest rates rising and a changing economy, contact me to check my every day accounts are working for me not just the money invested. However he is at the end of the phone and it only took a message to arrange an appointment. I’m not sure if that is part of the service but it’s nice to know he is available when I have queries.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

A windfall meant that we had an opportunity to reassess our financial plans with regards to mortgage, savings and pensions.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris carried out a full review of our financial situation and presented all the options in a clear an concise manner. This included advice on changing pension funds to better maximise returns, setting up an investment account and ISA to make better use of savings and finally advice on whether to pay off mortgage or not.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Whilst it is too soon to fully comment we are in a more secure financial position now thanks to Chris' advice and he certainly surpassed our expectations with regards to the whole process of seeking, getting and making use of proper financial advice.

What could they have done better?

I do not think there is anything Chris could have done better.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

MBO through our company

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Sorting through my financials and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In process

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I HAD SEVERAL PENSIONS WHICH NEEDED SORTING TO THE BEST SOLUTION

How has Chris Gray helped you?

AMALGAMATED 3 OF MY PENSIONS INTO ONE RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Pension lump sum

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Focus on purpose of investment. Change yo ethical and lower risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

My husband and myself retired from work within a couple of months of each other

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Chris advised on the best way to continue with our standard of life during retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, up to now everything is going well, despite the current cost of living increases

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Pensions, choices available for me.

How has Chris Gray helped you?

Helped set up drawdown pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing