Andy Ellis

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Realising and then, accepting that we needed sound advice to protect ourselves for the future, and to insulate our earnings against the volatility of banking interest rates.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

As a gay couple, we choose advisors, lawyers and professionals who deal with us with caution. Andy’s manner, and personality put us at ease immediately, and we felt he understood our need to protect each other, and our finances. The absence of children either as dependants or influencing factors, meant that we had a different set of requirements to most couples. Andy has proved to be capable and knowledgeable, and has given us sound advice at every turn.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. We are 63 and 60 respectively, and now all that advice is coming to the fore.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Being a business owner without a pension in place.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy guided me through the process and helped me make an informed choice regarding my pension. Andy has a friendly zero-pressure approach, and I'm very grateful for his support.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - my pension is now in place.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

My company appointed Andy Ellis to advise all our staff on their pensions. I retained Andy's services once I retired.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy has advised me on the value of my pension, the best and most tax effieicnt way to use my pension pot to allow me retire when I wanted and most recently the best and most tax efficient way to draw down some of that pot to may for essential house modifications.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Andy has delivered all the outcomes I wanted in a timely and tax efficient manner.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He is responsive, highly knowledgeable and has delivered all the outcomes we needed to the timescale we wanted.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

My husband initiated contact.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy had worked with my late husband for years and after his death we began working together. As someone who finds the world of finance quite overwhelming, Andy has helped me navigate the financial world in an easily digestible way and has been incredibly patient and understanding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Andy has always offered clear information/advice in an understandable form and a professional manner.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Having had a bad experience with our previous adviser I asked for recommendations - Andy was recommended by a friend. As business owners we wanted to ensure we were investing our money wisely - we recognised we needed help with this

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

In a professional, yet caring manner, Andy has helped us set up our finances not only for retirement but for events that might occur at any time both personally and for the business. He listened to what we required - which did change a few times once we had started thinking about the future seriously! Andy accommodated all our requests financially and we are very happy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far everything we wanted has happened and a little bit more! And the future is looking as we had hoped

What could they have done better?

So far we are happy with all aspects of Andy's service.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Money in hand following downsizing our home

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy gave us sound advise with our excess cash and helped us with investing it for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our investments have increased nicely over the past 9 years that Andy has been looking after them

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

My pensions and savings were very fragmented and some equity I had from selling a house was not performing and Andy came highly recommended for his clarity , honest approach and total integrity .

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

From the start of the process Andy has communicated with efficiency , skill and precision. He has explained everything in conscise detail and confirmed decsions we have made with follow up communication immediately. Nothing is too much trouble and he will always answer any questions I have quickly and with care. Meetings are always on time and his approach is one of relaxed professionalism.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy that now I have everything neat and tidy with reference points in place and although it is early in the process I am hopeful that the returns on my investments will be much improved. I know that he will be monitoring everything carefully and will report to me should anything require changing .

What could they have done better?

I can think of nothing that could have been improved

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Approaching retirement age and seeking advice on what to expect financially and how to achieve more from my money

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy is extremely patient and explained the options available in terms that I could understand. His emphasis is on lifestyle and what you would like to achieve. He then uses his financial knowledge and experience to guide you through what is possible and achievable through investment, saving and planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am a relatively new client, and as we know, the market is not currently at it’s best. All the more reason to feel comfortable with someone you can trust during these difficult times. I feel reassured by the time, thought and patience Andy has put in to our meetings.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of. Everything was explained to me all the way along. Andy also went out of his way to help me with the technical side of things when I was struggling.

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

We are starting to plan for our retirement and wanted to make sure we are on track. Also to get advise on investments and what to do with any spare cash.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy has advised us on our pensions and also a number of investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were very pleased with the advice and how Andy explained everything.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - perfect service.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

My Life Cover had crept up in price recently, so I thought I might as well get a financial adviser to look at it for me. He was recommended to me by my brother.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy talked me through a few options for my cover and made it easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was pleased with the outcome as I have slightly better cover for a slightly better net premium.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Buying a commercial property in a SIPP

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Helped and advised throughout the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Reaching 55 years of age, and looking for pensions review and cash draw-down.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Arranged cash draw-down reviewed various pension funds for optimum return, and arranged investment portfolio where appropriate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, good return in year 1.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I'm aware of.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

We are approaching 60 and wanted advice regarding pensions.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy has been an excellent adviser from the initial contact. He has been to our house twice and has kept in regular contact throughout. His advice has been easy to understand and thorough.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have definitely seen the outcome we were hoping for and more!

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Promotion at work causing me to earn more money and require advice around how best to invest this.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

He has provided guidance and support to ensure my income is invested in the correct way to benefit me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Andy was referred to me when I was seeking pension advice.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy was very thorough in gaining the information needed to set up the right pension product

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pension is still in it's early years but so far %increase is positive given the geopolitical landscapes.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

February, 2022

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

Setting up a SIPP from a transfer from a company pension

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Sorted compliance for the transfer and advised on and set up the SIPP

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not a lot

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

I needed someone new to look after my finances

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Fantastic service, helping me plan long term with my finances Andy gets to know you really well and is realistic about what you need on a personal level He’s happy to answer any and all questions so that you’re fully confident with what your money is doing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Andy

Andy is sincere, honest and trusted, he takes time to understand what you are looking for in life and works with you to make it a reality.

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

I was looking for a financial adviser that would provide the guidance necessary to consolidate a number of legacy pensions into one plan

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Reviewed all the legacy pensions and provided guidance on how to deal with each one of them. Considered the risk profile with me and identified a suitable investment plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The re-organisation of my pensions has worked out well and I feel as though I have some level of control. Andy provides the necessary support and guidance including reviewing any changes in tax that may affect my investment

What could they have done better?

The service met all of my expectations

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

I wanted to review my existing life cover.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

He researched the market to find the best solution which ended up being Relevant Life Cover which gave me a premium saving since it is paid through salary sacrifice through my business, it also saves the business with a lower NI bill. We were also able to increase the sum assured so was great advice all round.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Needed to make best use if pension investments and ensure we were financially secure in retirement.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Consolidated our pensions. Created a financial plan and forecast for retirement, ensured that life insurance was up to date.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Not his fault at all but there is still a surprising amount of paper work in this digital age. He was able to explain it and make it easy to deal with.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

Needed advise to work towards retirement and move old pensions

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Moved old pensions and now gives advice moving forward and yearly reviews

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely the pension has performed and will hopefully stay that way

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Andy fully explained everything I needed to know to help me make the choices what I wanted to do.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

upcoming retirement.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

set out my position and potential actions in a clear well-structured manner

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes - very much so

What could they have done better?

can't think of anything

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

After recently setting up a Communication consultancy I needed some help setting up my pension. In addition to this I was keen to update the family life and critical cover to make sure that we were covered.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy created a personal plan for both of us around our mortgage protection along with a pension plan for my business. The service that Andy provided was second to none and made sure that all our needs were met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have the correct level of cover for our life and critical illness protection. In addition to this the pension that was recommended is performing well and is providing a successful return

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Reached the age of 50 and felt it was time to grow up and take stock of my pension

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

He has reviewed my financial situation and put me on a plan to ensure I can retire at 60! I also feel very well insured

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to tell but I have every confidence in Andy's guidance and advice

What could they have done better?

n/a

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

I had set myself up self-employed so was seeking advice for pensions as well as all the relevant income protection I needed.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy was brilliant. He knew exactly what protection I needed and found the right cover for my budget monthly cost. He explained fantastically about the risk levels with the pensions and advised which was best for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Nearing retirement but had multiple pension pots.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

We looked at different options for retirement incomes. He gave professional independent advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, over the last five years the outcome has been better than expected.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of, has been an excellent advisor.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We needed help in organising our various pensions and investments/savings in readiness for retirement

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy helped us to consolidate and manage our investments and savings with a view to these being part of our income in retirement. He also advised on, and helped us to understand, the various options available to us when we reached retirement. Since we retired, Andy is advising us on the best way to use our investments and savings in order to fund the lifestyle we wanted to achieve. We have regular meetings with Andy and are kept up to date on how our investments/savings are performing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything that could have been done better

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Cash inheritance

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Encouraged me to consider what I want to achieve

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?

Needed to ensure an adequate income for retirement on a small pension and a fairly substantial capital amount.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Advised on suitable investment and projected forward to allow us to see what our circumstances might look like as we get older, enabling us to set a liveable budget to draw down on our investment as needed and still feel confident about future needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes.

What could they have done better?

Our original financial adviser retired and the one he passed us on to was awful. Andy was recommended by my business accountant and I am very pleased she made this suggestion.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Andy came very highly recommended by a close colleague of mine at the time. I was requiring retirement planning.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy helped me plan for my retirement and spread my investments. Andy has also sorted life insurance for myself and my wife.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far my investments are doing very well and i'm sure they will continue too with Andy's help.

What could they have done better?

Nothing has come to mind. Andy has exceeded expectations.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

To Manage my Pensions

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

He managers may Pension

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?

Retirement

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

He advised me on my options as well as managed the transfer of cash from my company pension scheme into a drawdown fund which has secured my future needs appropriately

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, he is very approachable and believable and understands the area extremely well

What could they have done better?

Nothing, i feel he is alway available if needed and so far has offered me the right advise for me

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Impending retirement.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Fully explained all my options and provided written suggestions to consider without any pressure. I found Andy to be friendly, approachable and helpful and have recommended him to friends and family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything really. Any subsequent queries have been speedily dealt with.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I received correspondence from one of my pension providers asking if i wished to transfer the money out of the scheme as they were offering an incentive for me to do so.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy came highly recommended and after carrying out a review of the scheme advised me against this. Andy also carried out a full financial review and demonstrated areas where we could make savings to some of our insurance policies with increased cover. Andy explained everything clearly giving us all the options available so we could make an informed decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we received a reduction in our insurance premiums and increased cover. Andy also carried out a full pension review and demonstrated how my pension would look when i decide to retire which gave me piece of mind that i would be financially secure in retirement.

What could they have done better?

First class advice, unable to suggest how Andy could have done anything better.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I needed some advice following a dramatic increase in income and family responsibility

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy gave me some great advice regarding ongoing investments and also in providing appropriate life insurance and critical illness cover

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Great increases in portfolio value and also peace of mind with cover for me and my family

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

It was essential that I took professional financial advice for my retirement options and perceived income needs I had pensions becoming available to me, some ongoing income and all the complexities of what, how, when, if, how much etc. It is a big subject.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy conducted a detailed review of my financial status, which includes listening to my asperations and concerns for future financial security. That resulted in a clear presentation of the options available to me. He was very keen to ensure I understood every aspect, complexity and importantly the pro's and cons of the options available. This took Andy's time, (and patience), phone calls and meetings at my home until I was confident in the plan we finally put together and importantly until Andy was sure that I had a full and clear understanding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am confident that my needs were and are being met in all aspects of the proposals put forward, the investment plan agreed for long term financial security and via the regular reviews.

What could they have done better?

Frankly it is hard to think of any detail we could have covered differently or better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Andy

I have known Andy for several year now and is a fantastic professional. He explains all elements of the prducts very clearly and accurately. I don't have any hesitation in recommending Andy's services.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Just needed to sort them out as had changed job roles

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Quick appointment and was very knowledgeable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not at all

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

We were introduced to Andy, through our accountant, who suggested that it would be beneficial speaking to him about our retirement plans, now that our business is in a position to make provision for our retirement.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy took the time to understand our current circumstances and our plans to transition into retirement, with the next 10 years. His recommendations were aligned to our longer term plans. We now make pension contributions through our business, in addition to the business paying for our life cover, which has subsequently reduced our our tax bill, whilst saving for our future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely! I’ve always found pensions and retirement rather confusing. However, we now feel that we’re on track and have a better understanding of retirement plans as Andy has taken the stress and worry away.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

My husbands retirement and my taking voluntary redundancy .

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Firstly he thoroughly went through all our income and expenditure. We then discussed future planning, and all aspects of investments and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and we have really valued Andy’s advice, care and attention.

What could they have done better?

No. We have always been very pleased with his work for us .

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I had savings which I knew I could be making more of and investing somehow but didn't know how best to go about it.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy provided advice on how to invest my savings and maximise them. He also then did all the admin and application on my behalf. Whenever I needed to change a few details further down the line, Andy has done so swiftly and kept me well informed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I've made additional savings thanks to my investment and been able to access the savings whenever I've needed to.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Ahead of retirement from full time work in 2011 I needed to plan for the investment of my pension lump sum. I needed inheritance planning advice & needed to ensure my Wife's & my life assurance was at the appropriate levels. I had worked 40 years for an insurance company, so until my retirement I had no call for this level of services from an IFA, as I did from 2011.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Thoroughly researched and practical advice. He demonstrated his commitment to his profession by studying over a good number of years to increase his level of qualification, which in turn gave me confidence in his expertise. He keeps in regular contact, with periodic formal reviews, at least annually. He ensured our savings were invested to our total satisfaction by establishing our needs & he continues to do so.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We particularly like his long term commitment to establishing & meeting our requirements. This in turn created a long-term, sustainable professional relationship, where we experience no shocks, in line with the levels of risk we were prepared to maintain

What could they have done better?

There are no areas I can highlight to suggest improvement. Andy is highly committed, he has bags of integrity & he has without exception given us valuable advice in those areas of his expertise where we've needed them.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

We wanted understand better our options regarding growing our savings and taking advantage of tax free income.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy explained in a clear and considered manner our options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, yes.

What could they have done better?

Andy has met and exceeded all of our expectations & therefore I don’t have any suggestions

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Planning for retirement

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Set up pensions. Reported on existing investments & helped to organise & focus our finances for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have recently retired & Andy has organised pensions & investments, maximising our income using our tax allowance to achieve the best income & savings. Despite the recent pandemic & financial downturn, our losses have been lower than expected. The communication throughout the situation has been second to none.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything Andy could have gone better. He has been reliable & in communication throughout. He is always professional but friendly too. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Retirement planning

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy gave good, clear advice after listening to what we wanted/hoped to achieve. He provided historic evidence of how various products/investment companies performed and gave good advice and acted promptly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite the recent market turmoil, we are, on the whole pleased with the growth achieved. Obviously some investments did better than others but that is to be expected

What could they have done better?

I’m not sure how he could have done better. He listened, he advised well, he acted promptly and was always available. He was also helpful in other ways probably not usually associated with IFA’s.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I was referred to Andy by a family friend who currently receives financial advice from him. I had a number old pensions, with previous employers. I was keen to understand how these arrangements could be used in retirement and also to establish if I could afford to retired, as planned.

How has Andy Ellis helped you?

Andy took the time to find out about us both, our family, interests and hobbies and our future plans in retirement. Andy explained, in detail, how our different pensions worked and through the use of cash flow software, demonstrated how they could be used in the future, to fund our desired lifestyle.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Through consolidating some of our pensions, we now have simplified approach to pension/retirement planning. Andy identified a small income shortfall in retirement and recommended that I increase my pension contribution accordingly. We now have more clarity and undertanding on our financial future and specifically our retirement.