John Surgenor

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

John has been truly excellent at navigating me through pensions and allowances. I’m very happy with his skills and knowledge, thank you John!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Very helpful, knowledgeable in his field and quick to respond

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

What can I say… John has led me through the financial jungle that was so alien and frightening to me. His innovative, no nonsense ( no B S ! ) approach is refreshing and understandable. I wish I had known about him years ago…. Never too late, as they say !

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

In our complex and unpredictable world it is often difficult to navigate a path that is both rationally right for one’s circumstances and simultaneously emotionally supportive and affirming. John is that beacon. He is calm; humorous; realistic and knowledgeable. Goes above and beyond the call of duty and always remembers how important it is to deliver on the needs and wants of his client whilst ensuring his advice is highly appropriate and current.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Inheritance

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John helped us to set up a trust account and to then invest the remainder of our inheritance. He also referred us to a tax accountant who oversaw the inheritance process. John had worked tirelessly to help us to get our finances in order including setting up ISA’s and other tax advantages. He has helped with our pensions which has enabled me to have an income when retired.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

John has successfully set up our pensions in one pot. He has given us financial security for the future and given us the confidence that we will be provided for, for the rest of our lives.

What could they have done better?

Unfortunately we started our journey with John just before the financial difficulties seen from Brexit and the pandemic and therefore we have not seen the growth that was expected

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Inheritance

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Has advised us through what was a very a difficult period on how to best invest our inheritance for the future along with combining all my various pensions. I feel confident in the advise given for my future financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our relationship is ongoing with reviews throughout the year but with all finances in a position that i am comfortable with.

What could they have done better?

If only the finial markets could have been more stable over the last 5 years to allow investments to have grown better.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

My husband died and needed finances sorted out plus future planning

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Completely succeeded in best possible outcome for my future life

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

I was concerned my pension pots were insufficient to see me through full retirement, I had continued working past my normal retirement age of 65 years.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He advised me on amalgamating two pots into another where the management charges are less, also advised on keeping certain investments separate where there were efficiencies to be had, and drew up a financial plan that helped dispel my concerns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, no more stress from working, I am now fully retired and enjoying it.

What could they have done better?

I am not aware of anything that could be improved. He and his team seem committed to provide an excellent service.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

I had just got divorced after a 30-year marriage

How has John Surgenor helped you?

I needed someone I could trust to help me plan my financial future alone

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I trust John's judgement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

Retirement planning

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Consolidation and optimising savings and pension investments based on a thorough review of retirement goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell on returns, but all savings and pension investments are aligned to our needs

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I was not happy with the financial advise from my previous adviser.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He has really helped me and my family plan for our future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, John and his team have been brilliant

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I was not happy with the advise from my previous advisor and John was highly recommended to me.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John has helped me understand my finances much better especially my inheritance planning and pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%

What could they have done better?

Nothing John and his partners have been brilliant

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

I had money to invest and also I needed an income from my investments.John has

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John has arranged and planned good investments for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My last Financial Advisor retired .

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Helped generally on my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very Satisfied.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was about to inherit a fairly large sum of money from my late father's estate and this coincided with my imminent state retirement age. There was uncertainty over what I was entitled to as I worked abroad for most of my working life and my NI record was incomplete. Additionally, my company pension was based offshore and I needed the specialist advice I felt only a Chartered financial planner could offer. John has put together a comprehensive plan which allows me the retirement I want.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John was able to advise that by using some of my inheritance I could improve my NI record and boost my state pension considerably for a fairly modest cost.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It was honestly better than I could have anticipated.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to see that anything could be done better as I am in a much better position than I expected to be.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

We had previously been given very poor advice by a leading Pensions and Investment Company and needed to find someone we could trust.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He explained everything in layman terms and always taking the time to ensure that I understood. I never felt pressured and John always checked that I was comfortable with his advice before asking me to sign anything.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and I am extremely happy with John remaining as my chosen adviser. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending his services.

What could they have done better?

I cannot answer this question as I have never found any part of his financial advice process lacking. Far from it. He is totally professional, reliable and above all, trustworthy.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Selling family business and planning for retirement so in need of sound advice.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John helped by setting up a tailored plan to show our income and probable needs in the coming years. As John is very experienced in financial planning, he helped us to think ahead and the plan gives us confidence that we are able to spread our income well into the future years of our retirement and cover our commitments and necessities.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am happy with all aspects of the service.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was unhappy with the service of my previous advisors

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Quickly and efficiently sorted out the existing issues

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My accountant referred me to John.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He spent a lot of time discussing various options and then produced a financial plan. This has given my wife and me clarity as to our retirement plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes -.

What could they have done better?

Happy with advice and service.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was unhappy with my previous adviser. I did not feel he always listened to me.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John responded to my queries, question in good time. Listened to me and gave me advice on what was best for me from what I as looking for. Helped in sorting out my pension requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. At these strange time, I want to feel that my finances are been looked after.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

To look after my future

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Always there either on the phone, text or email. Very understanding and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed financial and investment advice

How has John Surgenor helped you?

By building trust and confidence in a range of financial plans which made sense to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

We are ex pat's living in Cyprus. We initially had some very poor advice which resulted in us losing money from a large well known International Pensions company. We were very nervous of trying to find another source, so we contacted John for help.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John was able to advise us as he is a Chartered Adviser. He immediately grasped our problems and set about rectifying them. Some of our investments had high charges but also penalties for early exit, so he advised us to wait until we could transfer without penalties which we did. We are now in lower charge investments and seeing better returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and we are delighted. We finally have peace of mind that our investments are being properly managed and we have an adviser that we trust implicitly. Priceless!

What could they have done better?

In our view, nothing. Everyone connected with Barrington Hamilton is a credit to the company.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

Wanted to deal with IFA - was with restricted advisor. John came highly recommend by a good friend.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He has given a great review and helped me understand my portfolio, with ideas for long term planning. John is very good at explaining difficult concepts in the vernacular.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more.

What could they have done better?

Cant see any areas.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

John responded incredibly quickly to my contact through VouchedFor. The pre-meet process was thorough with a discovery questionnaire, information about fees etc. John listened closely, asked pertinent questions and we felt he really understood what we were wanting to achieve. We came out of the initial consultation with ideas for next steps we could take ourselves, plus a route map if we wanted to take up John's services. A very positive experience.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

We had been with a long term financial adviser who retired. He sold his business to a concern who in turn sold themselves to a large investment company. They were totally unresponsive. We have therefore been extremely lucky to have been pointed in John's direction as some one who could guide us in protecting our savings.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He conducted a very careful review of all our savings, paying especial attention to our stated unwillingness to take much risk. He pointed out that some of our investment was not consistent with this view. He has been very careful to suggest rather than to pressurise, and quite ready to accept an alternative view on occasion. He has done a lot of work for us in a short space of time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes, certainly.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

We contacted John is 2014 for investment advice after receiving an inheritance and also to discuss pensions and the possibility of my husband retiring early.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John helped formulate a future plan for us, regarding the best way to invest and he explained how to boost our pensions, so early retirement was achievable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes most definitely, as my husband has been able to retire at 58!

What could they have done better?

Nothing, John has provided helpful, friendly, expert and informative advice over the past 6 years.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Early retirement planning

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Through careful modelling of our income & expenditure, John was able to provide a detailed breakdown of our future financial position. Thus, I was able to apply for early retirement with confidence that it was totally affordable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - my saving and investments have been well organised and should provide us financial security going forward into retirement.

What could they have done better?

I would have liked to have seen John liaise with my pension administrators more directly, rather than having me act as a 'intermediary'

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I wanted to know if I could afford to retire in the next 5 years?

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John did a detailed assessment of my pensions and savings together with a comprehensive income and expenditure cash flow analysis for the next 30 years which clearly illustrated my financial position. John also helped me understand my future tax position and how we could organise my income as tax efficiently as possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes John has organised my saving and investments to help me retire comfortably and securely. I feel I have a much better understanding of what I need to do and am much more in control of my future financial stability.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - John provided a first class service and is fully supporting me to maximise the value from my pensions and savings ar a very reasonable advice cost - excellent value for money.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

I originally contacted John to help and assist in the building of a robust financial plan that would take myself and my wife up to and beyond retirement

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John's approach is to skilfully breakdown the complexities of the financial world by simply focusing on the things that you want to achieve and that are going to make your life/retirement sustainable and fulfilling. A lot of time is spent asking questions (even challenging ones) in order to elicit information not only about expenditure and budgets but also about our aspirations and the concerns/worries we had. A no time during our initial meetings were we ever pushed towards a product or service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so . This is very much about a two way relationship - John's advice and support is only as good as the information you provide. We now have a proper structure to assess our ongoing financial needs which works hand in glove with our retirement plans. John is always at hand to answer any queries either over the phone or in person when schedule permits

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I had an old pension scheme fund that I wanted to look at transferring and investing for future growth.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

He arranged for the whole end to end pension transfer, from dealing with the old scheme trustees (who were a nightmare to deal with) to making investment recommendations for my new scheme.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

At the time short of physically going to the trustees and lighting a rocket under them, I don't think there was anything else John could have done. They were just very poor and very slow.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

My husband was retiring and we needed help with his pension arrangements.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Organising our pensions, settingnup an annuity. Putting balance of pensions into a Fund. and generally being there for advice since 2009. also after my husband did in 2019 John has advised me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not as far as I am concerned.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I was being advised by a national restricted advice firm and got to the point where I did not trust their advice and what they were telling me about my investments

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John worked with us methodically, building trust which is very important to us. He gave us the confidence that he would tell us the unvarnished truth at all times about our investments and our actual financial position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, it was better! As our relationship grew John has helped us with our plans for retirement including the preparation of a detailed current and future cash flow analysis which gives us great confidence that we are on the right track!

What could they have done better?

I can’t really think of anything. I’m trying, but I can’t!

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Lack of relationship/contact with existing financial adviser.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Our pensions were in a state of inertia and we were confused as to how to move forward. John gave us a completely new perspective on how to approach our retirement savings. This has given us the confidence to take meaningful steps towards our targets, which we previously feared were unattainable. We received clear, straightforward advice with a simple solution.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We have a workable plan for our retirement savings and the annual reviews really help us keep on track.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We feel extremely confident in John's advice and would highly recommend him.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I was looking to transfer my final salary pension into an arrangement that offered greater flexibility.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John provided expert advice based on my circumstances and aspirations for retirement planning. He explained in detail the advantages and disadvantages on moving my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. John regularly reviews with me my plans for the future and have my circumstances changed that could potentially affect my retirement plans.

What could they have done better?

John has been absolutely first class and I have 100% trust in the advice he is giving based on my individual circumstances.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

After going through a divorce, I needed help with pension transfers from my former husband.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

Before my divorce was finalised, my solicitor asked John to simplify a very long and complicated actuarial report, which he did. I then asked John to help and advice with my divorce settlement which involved the transfer of pensions from my ex husband to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. I could not have asked for more and John continues to advise me.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I cannot fault anything John has done for me.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I needed advice regarding my existing pension benefits and this led me to realising that I needed help across all my finances.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John created a lifetime financial plan for me, which helped to show me what my financial future could look like. He made it very easy to understand and also made what can be a dry subject, Interesting!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have! This is a comprehensive plan for my future and I look forward to reviewing it on an annual basis with John.

What could they have done better?

I was very happy with John’s support, so I’m unable to think of anything that could be improved upon.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

My father is a long term resident in a nursing home and is self-funding from the proceeds of the sale of the family home. As his attorney I wanted to know if he could receive a guaranteed income to ensure his money does not run out.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John recommended that we purchase a care annuity, which would provide a monthly income paid directly to the nursing home, for the rest of dad’s life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our family now has complete peace of mind that dad will be cared for where he is happy for the rest of his life.

What could they have done better?

John’s advice was invaluable to us.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

We contacted John to help us with financial planning when we retired and to advise us on the best way to invest our savings for the long term.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John encouraged us to consider what we wanted to do and when - holidays, replacement cars, home improvements and to look at our regular monthly income and expenditure to achieve these things.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have complete clarity on our financial position and feel that our savings are working well for us

What could they have done better?

John provided us with an excellent personalised advise with no ‘hard sell’ and we would recommend his services without hesitation.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I had taken voluntary redundancy and needed advice on my options with regard to the redundancy payout and my pension.

How has John Surgenor helped you?

John was able to demonstrate that rather than having to immediately find new employment, I could, with careful planning either retire immediately or at least only work part time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It was actually better than I had expected. I was able to start doing some voluntary work which was important to me and I now do one day a week as a volunteer countryside ranger. This interest in the great outdoors also got me thinking about buying a small piece of woodland and John was able to show me a way of achieving this.

What could they have done better?

I have been able to do not only the things I wanted to following redundancy, but more than i would have thought possible. For that reason I would really struggle to imagine what John could have done better.

John's reply

Thanks Chris.