Mark MacLean

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

Advice re best vehicle for investment of long term savings

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Advising on lifetime financial planning and needs and advice re lifetime gifts to children

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Providing advice re overseas investment opportunities

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

A need to invest money to secure our long term financial future.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Creating a long term financial strategy that takes our current and future needs and desires into account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

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

I was approaching normal retirement age and wanted professional advice on when to retire and how to maximise benefits in retirement.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark provided advice on pension consolidation and which pensions to leave as they were. We also discussed when to retire and looked at income projections during retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have 2 months work remaining but the transfer of funds to the recommended pension provider has been seamlessly completed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind. Mark and his team have been understanding, courteous and professional throughout.

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

Moderate sum of money on sale of business

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Sensible advice and no extravagant claims re return on investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pretty much

What could they have done better?

Not much

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

Nearing retirement I was concerned that my knowledge of options and potential outcomes from pension savings was very limited. Mark was recommended by a personal friend and I have since then been impressed with his advice on financial planning and the outcome achieved.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has provided advice on financial matters for someone reaching retirement and I am very satisfied with the help and reassurance he has given.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the outcome has been very satisfactory, within the limits of investment opportunities during the period covered.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied that the results achieved are as good as could be expected.

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

Interested in assessing personal finances in order to make best use of funds.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

By giving clear and helpful advice on every occasion regarding pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

What could they have done better?

Cannot thing of anything that could be improved

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

To review my financial position in coming up to retirement.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He has given me a clear oversight of my financial position. He gives a clear and easy to understand explanation. Particularly useful meeting also with my accountant.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

How to invest for the future when I retired

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Recommendations have always been beneficial

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not sure he could have done

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

An unexpected inheritance

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has invested my money and always given me good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

As far as I am concerned Mark goes above and beyond.

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

Retirement planning

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Taking a structured approach with financial modelling to assess future financial security.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes to date. Enabled me to make changes to pension investments that better fit my future requirements

What could they have done better?

No specific points to raise.

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

Strategic view of financial future

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

By giving high quality advice supported by competent para planning support

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ys within what is in FA control

What could they have done better?

Execution. There is opportunity to ‘finesse’ speed of response on administrative matters to those clients who have exceedingly high ecoectations

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

Following my divorce I needed advice regarding pensions and retirement planning

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has helped me not only to understand my financial position but also what plans I will need to make so I can retire when I am wanting too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes at the moment everything is going well and to predictions

What could they have done better?

I do not think there's anything Mark and his team could have done any better for me.

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

To regulate income and expenditure to safeguard long term savings.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Advice provided has always resulted in long term safeguard of above.yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and in some cases better than expected.

What could they have done better?

Not sure they could have done any better.

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

Prior to my introduction to Mark my investments had been managed by one of the High Street banks. I was keen to find a more personalised service & Mark had been strongly recommended to me by my accountant who was familiar with his work & approach.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has taken time & care to understand my personal situation & long term aspirations. He and his colleagues are friendly and courteous, In my view they provide a highly professional service. Mark allows plenty of time for our meetings, giving me a clear idea of how my investments are performing within the wider global financial context. He is good at explaining difficult financial concepts in a clear & concise manner. When we discuss my long term needs he shows a real appreciation of the costs of long term care should the need arise. Mark has been my financial planner/adviser for the last nine years, during which time I have felt fully confident in his integrity & competence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, both in terms of my investment portfolio performance and in the field of short & long term financial planning.

What could they have done better?

I am well satisfied with the service provided by Mark & his team.

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

I sought financial advice from Mark following a divorce. I needed comprehensive assistance with pension and financial planning to ensure my future financial security.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark provided a thorough financial analysis and review, helping me navigate the complexities of my financial situation post-divorce. His diligent approach and attention to detail gave me confidence in the financial decisions we made. The risk analysis process, which we review annually, is explained in great detail, ensuring I am fully informed about my investment choices.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

While the investments didn’t perform as well as I initially hoped due to the impact of COVID and other environmental factors, Mark had clearly explained the risks involved, including the possibility of fluctuations. The investments are now recovering, and I am confident in the long-term strategy we’ve put in place.

What could they have done better?

Overall, I am very satisfied with the service provided. The only area for improvement could be more frequent updates during periods of significant market volatility. However, I appreciate that all documentation is securely stored on a doc safe server, providing peace of mind regarding the security of my financial information.

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

I am retired and recently received a substantial inheritance. I wanted to make sure that I used it wisely.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

From our first meeting, Mark has always been courteous, helpful and reassuring. He listened carefully to what I had to say and demonstrated that he understood my situation and aspirations. We have now put together a plan to ensure I am financially secure for the rest of my life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have still to execute the plan, but I am confident that it will get me to a place where I can enjoy a comfortable retirement without money worries and still leave an inheritance for my children.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the service I received.

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

I needed expert advice on the provision of retirement income in view of the fact that I am planning to fully retire in the near future. I decided to go to Mark as I had previously dealt with him some 15 years ago.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has explained clearly the options that are available and the benefits and downside between the different scenarios.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The project is ongoing but so far I am very pleased with the progress to date.

What could they have done better?

I really do not know.

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

A lack of knowledge about finance and investments

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

By offering professional, helpful and efficient advice at all times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes taking into account the current financial difficulties

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

I got divorced and needed to invest my money from the sale of the house. I needed an income as I only worked part time, but also to boost my state pension when the time came. He found invest

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He found investments suitable to my needs & which were ethical. Kept me informed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mostly. Investment can be an up & down situation, I have done well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Needed advice re lifetime finance

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Investment planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Concernre recent performance of portfolio

What could they have done better?

Nothing specifically

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

A wish to transfer a failing final salary scheme membership prior to government safety nets in the 1990s.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Pension fund investments, cash flow forecasting, risk management, retirement fund provision etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have continued working with Mark for 25 years.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, it was essential for me that I had someone I could develop a relationship with and trust, and Mark satisfied this. I had no cause to wish to go elsewhere.

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

Retirement

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He has taken the worry out of my Retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

We found ourselves with a sum of money to manage

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Sound and realistic advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less bearing in mind market forces.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of

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

Was in process of a divorce, and needed advice regarding pension split

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He liased with both existing providers, and ensured they had transferred the correct sum of money. (Which in one case they hadn’t). Arranged for a new pension provider and dealt with all the necessary paperwork.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say, pension only transferred in latter part of 2023

What could they have done better?

I think Mark did an excellent job of giving me updated and explaining the complexities of pension transfers.

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

Approaching retirement and maturity of pension arrangements

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has considered our personal circumstances and made recommendations based on those to maximise the financial security, based on our prefernces

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the outcome has been very reassuring

What could they have done better?

I do not have of any concerns over this

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

My advisor didn't seem to be doing their job.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Shown me how to make the best use of my money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

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

I needed a professional to take over, deal with the paperwork and give advice.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

By giving advice in a clear way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

As my wife and I were planning ahead to our retirement we required the help of a Financial Adviser, we were introduced to Mark and he has advised us since 2016

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

We have always found that Mark has been available to discuss any financial issues or concerns we may have had and has promptly responded with his advice and suggestions to resolve these issues. We have had regular six monthly meetings, where we have had the opportunity to discuss our investments and their performance in detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Since using Mark as our adviser, we have seen a number of crises that have affected the world economy (Brexit, Covid, Russia/Ukraine war) and through all these Mark has always discussed with us his recommendations for any changes to our investments, which would ultimately benefit our overall Portfolio.

What could they have done better?

Despite the Economic difficulties we have all faced in the past few years I think Mark has done very well in managing our investments through these difficult times. We feel confident that Mark will keep a close eye on our Portfolio and would always make suggestions to make changes should they be necessary.

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

Knowing very little about pension income and investments

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He has given us professional advice that has proved to be most beneficial over the years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

A new adviser was wished for with my changed circumstances

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He and his team analysed my circumstances and gave good advice on possible changes and further recommendations. This was done in an easy to understand format.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Possibly within a shorter time frame.

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

Family inheritance and widowhood.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Sensible advice and overview of my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

To make the best use of my money to invest

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Advise on where best to invest and also pension advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No - value of money has deteriorated over the years

What could they have done better?

I am not sure, the growth in my investment is very disappointing, however I appreciate that this is not within Mark’s control

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

Advice on pensions

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Thoughtful planning for future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

We needed financial guidance

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He has given help that we did not expect

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are progressing

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

We have been with HLS for many years and since Mark has taken over managing our account, we have been very pleased with his style and advice.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has provided excellent guidance and clarity when required. We like his expertise, style and communication. We are confident in Mark's support and understanding of our situation and plans, enabling us to be pleased with where are finances are heading as we enter retirement in the next couple of years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Always hard to be fully satisfied as there are always lots going on in the world that impacts results but we are confident we are well placed based on the guidance we have received.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add here as we are pleased with the service we get.

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

Having bacome disillusioned with the firm I was with before I needed to find one i could trust

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Growth in investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

They have always been helpful

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

Existing advisor exited and recommended Mark

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Restructuring my investments and organising a DFM to handle pension investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Accelerate speed of responses to inquiries that are routine admin/follow up

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

Recently divorced and need to make sure my pension and funds would work for me for my retirement

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Always there with answers, explanations and solutions. He understands what I am looking for, for my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

On the whole I have yes, especially in these tricky financial times

What could they have done better?

Nothing more than they are already doing

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

To guide me through when I reach retirement

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Advised and drove me in the right direction

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A 100% service

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

How has Mark MacLean helped you since your last review?

In much the same way as before by giving clear and appropriate advice.

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

How has Mark MacLean helped you since your last review?

Mark is always available with help.

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

Needed financial advice re investment portfolio and long term financial planning

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Preparing and regularly updating a whole life financial plan and managing our investment portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Provided simpler access to HL client portal Doubtless nothing more than my aversion to internet technology!

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

Following displacement from my job role, my leaving company recommended consulting a financial adviser to discuss my company pension. My father recommended his financial adviser to assist in this advice.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has assisted me with deciding on whether to leave my pension pots with their original providers or move individual pension pots to a better serving provider, recommended a solicitor for a will and given advice on investing a gift from a relative.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has not been a full year since decisions have been actioned but under difficult economic conditions am confident in the decision making.

What could they have done better?

The only irritation was the length of time to transfer certain pensions but this was more to do with pension providers and regulations.

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

I asked him to review my pensions with a view to retirement in the next 5-9 years

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

He has reinvested my pensions with the aim of getting an improved income on retirement and provided me with projections that make me optimistic I can afford to retire before I reach state pension zge

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I will need to wait until I retire

What could they have done better?

We had a number of meetings all bar one were in person. Face to face meeting are my preferred way of meeting but difficult to schedule as I work full time so a higher proportion of remote meetings would have been helpful.

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

Moderate sum of money from sale of business

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Has given sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Hard to say given the market turmoil over the past 14years but mostly the performance has been well in line with the markets

What could they have done better?

I think it unlikely.

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

Pensions and finance

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Expert advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

There is no better service then what I receive already

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

To understand my pensions more

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has advised me in the right direction of all my concerns with my Pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Approaching retirement with several personal and company pensions to consolidate

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has provided and continues to provide excellent advice. He has managed my investments with care, diligence, expertise, commitment and total professionalism which has ensured that my investments have shown better stability and growth than I had expected.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been fortunate to have Mark's as my financial adviser for several years, throughout which his advice and management have provided year on year financial results in excess of my expectations. He has managed my investments throughout the recent pandemic and current economic crisis with skill and perception.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, the service and advice I have received from Mark and his team has been excellent throughout.

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

As I approached retirement age I started to think more about sorting out our finances for the future. Mark had helped me with my company pension so I made an appointment for my wife and I to meet with Mark to discuss all of our finances for the future.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark spent some time with us to find out more about our needs and requirements before putting together some proposals. These were presented to us at a further meeting and we were very impressed with them and we decided to work with Mark as our Financial Advisor and Planner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have been very pleased with the outcome. Mark has always provided us with regular updates on our Portfolio and has always given us sound advice and recommendations on any changes he has suggested to our Portfolio. He will provide information and reasons for any changes he suggests and will allow us time to discuss these with him before they are actioned. We find him to be very professional in all that he does and we are very confident to continue to work with Mark for the future.

What could they have done better?

It is difficult to say whether Mark could have done anything better. We have seen growth during the time we have worked with Mark and also times that have been more difficult, but Mark keeps us updated regularly and is always available should we need to discuss any aspects of our financial planning.

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

Divorce

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Guided me through the confusing process of a Pension Sharing Order

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Na

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

Receiving a large cash lump sum from a divorce settlement.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Explained regarding any tax payable. My options for investing. Helped with financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet as divorce not finalised and pension sharing order not activated.

What could they have done better?

At this present moment nothing as still waiting for funds to be released.

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

How has Mark MacLean helped you since your last review?

Since retiring from running my own business Mark Maclean has supported my wife and I on making the best use of our pensions and savings.

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

Being on my own I had no idea how to deal with my finances for retirement.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark works hard to provide me with safe financial advice. Everything clearly explained so that I can enjoy my retirement knowing that my investments will continue to grow as Mark has done all the hard work to make this happen.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been more than happy with the outcome so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing instantly come to mind.

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

As I have got older, have appreciated that you need to plan your finances for the future.

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Mark has advised about and managed my savings in line with my wishes and has given me confidence that my affairs are in capable hands.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, I have been very satisfied with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Do not have the skills and experience to deal with investing

How has Mark MacLean helped you?

Maintained capital value

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes given the market conditions

What could they have done better?

Doubtful