James Bowers

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

To manage some of my lump sum on retirement and invest other moneys

How has James Bowers helped you?

Invested well for me and explained clearly all my options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely in all areas.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Approaching retirement

How has James Bowers helped you?

Thorough analysis and advice, excellent communication and personable approach

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES! Very excellent

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Long-term financial planning

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has provided expert advice and has made several complex situations much easier to understand and then plan for. He is always knowledgeable, warm, approachable, professional and patient.

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?

Try getting advice from banks is very frustrating, everything is online. Having an advisor who is knowledgeable and extremely helpful is a no brainer.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James always gives the best advise, he’s a very knowledgable gentleman, very trustworthy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Just keep doing what they are doing, always looking after the customers interest.

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

A need to ensure that my investments are working efficiently to support my family into the future.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James reviewed my existing portfolio, learnt about my attitude to risk and explained the options available to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing particularly.

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

Retirement initially

How has James Bowers helped you?

Financial planning for our futures

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything that could have been done any better

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

I needed advice on how to take early retirement by optimising use of several private pension schemes.

How has James Bowers helped you?

I was provided with a number of options for investments to provide retirement income. I was guided in making a good decision which fitted my needs and with which I was comfortable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly, and I am pleased with the ongoing reviews and advice I receive.

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

Been a client of an advisor for many years

How has James Bowers helped you?

Gave me good and clear advice when I asked and also provides me regular updates

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I believe I have received the best possible service

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

made it very clear about investing

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

Pensions and legacy planning.

How has James Bowers helped you?

His knowledge and understanding his clients needs help him give good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All going in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

Nothing everything we have asked for we have received.

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

Financial growth

How has James Bowers helped you?

James helped me explore possible options for my future financial stability

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have clarity on my plans leading to my future retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I had several work pensions and wanted to consolidate them all.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has helped me see what returns I can get by moving my work funds annually rather than leave them

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My goal was to hope to retire by 55 if I continued to invest in my pension. I am now planning to go at 52 as there is enough money.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

After buying our business some years ago James took over from our existing advisor.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has been extremely helpful with investments and pension planning. He explains everything very carefully and clearly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really could have been better

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

We were looking for a competent financial adviser to help us to make the best use of our cash and investments.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James advised us on the investments we held at the time we first met with him, and has helped us to make further investments. James also helped us to put funds in trust for our children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

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

Critical health issues and approaching retirement along with the need for IHT planning.

How has James Bowers helped you?

Regular contact and easily availability, rapid response to adapt to changing circumstances for example deciding to move to a different part of the country.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I needed someone who had experience of, and could manage both private and business finances.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James understood my level of investment experience perfectly and provided a tailored, focused proposal that met my needs exactly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, excellent communication at every stage.

What could they have done better?

I was happy with every aspect and didn’t need anything done any differently.

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

I have been with Sovereign for a number of years and have had different advisers, all of whom have been very helpful.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has helped me to understand the minutiae of pension and finance planning that has eluded me in the past.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been very pleased with the reframing of my investments

What could they have done better?

In the last 18 months very little really, very happy with the results.

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

James came highly recommended when I took over my own business.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has helped me to invest money in the correct places to earn maximum returns. He has also helped me immensely with planning for my retirement

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?

An assortment of schemes that were decreasing in value annually

How has James Bowers helped you?

By consolidating my schemes and making my money work for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Required advice on reviewing and sorting my pensions and savings for long term financial planning and simplify my various savings accounts

How has James Bowers helped you?

Simplified my pension and saving plans to provide easy access when and if required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Too early to judge the performance of the new plans.

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

For advice

How has James Bowers helped you?

Set up stocks and shares isa

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not relevant

What could they have done better?

No to sure

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

I was disappointed with the slow growth of my investments with my previous IFA. I am hoping for a better return on the future.

How has James Bowers helped you?

He has explained my options very patiently and has responded promptly to all my messages.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Far too early to comment.

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints so far.

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

Considering early retirement and wanted expert confirmation that we were in a position to take this.

How has James Bowers helped you?

Confirmed that not only were our figures correct and we were able to retire but has helped us to make the most of our money and advised when best to take individual Pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he has done everything he said he would when he said he would and has kept us advised of progress as well as always being available to answer any queries.

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

I needed to understand my current pensions and what I needed to retire

How has James Bowers helped you?

Made clear our current situation and what the plan is going forwards

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Looking at consolidating pensions and better understanding the approach to retirement.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James had been very transparent and honest in his approach and recommendations and providing visibility of the future and projected retirement years

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?

Pension planning reasons

How has James Bowers helped you?

Sound financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Everything was good, the experience couldn't have been better

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

Surplus funds

How has James Bowers helped you?

by helping me reach my outcome

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Setting up an ISA

How has James Bowers helped you?

Yes, helped me to save in a tax efficient manner

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, happy with growth of my funds

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

I own a business and wanted advice on a pension for myself and investments for my children.

How has James Bowers helped you?

I feel much more relaxed knowing I have a pension in place and will have access to great advice when the time comes, along with knowing we have savings in place for our boys when they grow up for things such as cars, deposits etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I contribute regularly and feel confident for the future.

What could they have done better?

James holds regular reviews with me and if I have any questions or need and guidance at any time he's wlways available to help. Nothing to change or do better.

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

I needed some help sorting out my finances and planning for retirement.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has empowered me to make good financial decisions and plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I feel prepared and back in control of my finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, James was honest and helpful throughout.

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

Wanting to ensure I have enough funds for retirement

How has James Bowers helped you?

James provided advice on the best way to save tax efficiently for my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - fund is growing steadily

What could they have done better?

Nothing - James provided an excellent service.

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

Future planning

How has James Bowers helped you?

He provided a complete and detailed proposal

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?

Needing advice on consolidating my pensions and long term financial planning.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has provided good, clear advice and helped us to bring our various pensions together in one place where that was advisable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s a bit too soon to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really!

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

My money was sat in an ISA not working for me and needed to be invested, I also wanted to take a new pension with salary sacrifice contributions

How has James Bowers helped you?

Came back with a detailed proposal with regards to the investment and the pension is still an ongoing project.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I don't know yet

What could they have done better?

Better communication by telephone.

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

I had a few different pensions from different employers and wanted advice on how best to manage them all

How has James Bowers helped you?

Combined a couple of the pensions into one pension scheme that can be more effectively managed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Hopefully although have several years before pensions are required

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

All the people I know who have retired whether they had financial advise or not all eventually agreed it is the best course of action to take professional financial advice.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James was fantastic, he spent an enormous amount of time ensuring I was up to speed with all aspects regarding my finances. Nothing was too much trouble and he made me feel at ease with what can be to a layman an extremely daunting thing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To be honest it is still early days, I have only received one initial monthly payment but I see no reason at this time why things should go array. Up to date I am very satisfied.

What could they have done better?

I don’t believe they could have done anything better than they have done.

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

I required a drawdown pension and my existing pension provider didn't do them. On checking The web, sovereign wealth came out very highly recommended.

How has James Bowers helped you?

You take an instant liking to James, he is friendly, approachable and very professional. He explains things in a way that is easy to understand in an area which can be very complicated. He takes time and you never feel rushed or under pressure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet as our plan has only just started so it's too early to say. However I've no doubt the plan we have agreed to will be just as good as advised.

What could they have done better?

The only thing I've been a little disappointed with its the web site for St James place. It has been far from reliable for such a professional company.

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

Dissatisfied with our previous provider

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has examined our current portfolio and presented clear, concise and costed options based on our current and future financial plans. He is a very professional individual and a superb communicator. Nothing is too much trouble for James and he is always punctual and thorough in his responses.

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?

Needed help with consolidating finances due to change of circumstances

How has James Bowers helped you?

Initial interview to discuss how best to make my money work for me based on what I might need in the short and longer term

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Money has been invested on my behalf in a way that is flexible to meet my needs and I am able to track this on a daily basis should I wish to do so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. James listened to what I wanted and advised accordingly. There was no pressure to proceed after the initial consultation. Once I decided to go ahead, James has kept in regular contact to update me on each stage of the process and checked that I am happy with the decisions I have made.

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

Total confusion about pension issues in particular

How has James Bowers helped you?

very speedy analysis of the issues/potential/pitfalls related to my pension situation in particular, including extracting information and prompting action from MySCP and two independent providers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not a lot

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

Recently moved house and wanted my pensions analysing

How has James Bowers helped you?

James has a very friendly warm manner about him which I find very approachable. He has a vast knowledge of all aspects of Financial Services and for me with little experience in his area, he explains things really well in a way which I understand. I feel very confident in his ability and comfortable that my money is in safe hands.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, I am happy with everything

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

Recently moved house and wanted my existing pension pot analysing

How has James Bowers helped you?

I have known James for many years and have worked alongside him since he joined the Financial word. I had no doubt in my mind to choose James as my Financial Adviser, he brings a wealth of knowledge and is very clued-up on the markets and the advice he has given to me over the years. In turn, I have passed over many of my friends and family to James as I know that they will be very looked after as he does for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Noting really, I am really pleased with James and value his advice.

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

Not happy with how pension was performing with a certain financial institution

How has James Bowers helped you?

By advising how to reinvest this pension with St James

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet still in progress of being set upon

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

I needed to invest my pension lump sum.

How has James Bowers helped you?

He listened sensitively to my circumstances, concerns and needs and was able to guide me towards the correct investments for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now in a position to face my future with confidence - thanks to James!

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing!

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

I wanted to combine my pensions ready for my retirement.

How has James Bowers helped you?

He gave the advice that was really suitable to what MY plans were, he never tried to push things on to me that I didn't want. He listened and built up what I believe with him the best course of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything is in place that needs to be with other options available.

What could they have done better?

done it for free is the only thing I feel that could have made this transaction better.

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

Looking to plan ahead with a view to reviewing pensions and finances regarding a potential wind down of work over the coming few years

How has James Bowers helped you?

James explained everything clearly and demonstrated a plan based on our situation which details very clearly where we are today to where we want to be over a defined period. This involved pensions consolidation and general financial advice. I am now much clearer on the path ahead because of these meetings with James.Very knowledgeable and listened intently to our input offering thoughts and explanations of things that may have been unclear

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet ...just one year in.

What could they have done better?

Happy with everything so far

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

I was concerned that I was getting to my late 50s, and didn’t understand my pensions and what to do with them, left to the pension company I was with, I would have been getting £12,000 a year for the next 50 years.

How has James Bowers helped you?

With James’s help, I have amalgamated all but two of my pensions, one has bonuses attached that are worth more staying where they are and the other one, James helped me put a complaint in to the pension’s ombudsman and fill all the forms in.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and no. Yes all but 2 of my pensions are under one umbrella with a company James uses, and no, it will take a bit of time to see my pensions grow, with the Ukrainian war and the inflation problem. I know pension, like stocks go up and down.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think he could have done anything better for me.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Receiving financial advice and planning can be quite a daunting prospect. However, my experience with James Bowers to press has eased my relative anxiety due to his very personable manner, clear explanations and sound advice. I have found dealing with James a pleasure.

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

Needed to review life cover & critical illness cover

How has James Bowers helped you?

James took into account our needs and requirements and provided clear advice/recommendations tailored to us. He was extremely professional and very approachable and friendly!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, really happy with our new products

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Wanted advice on where best to place savings and also advice on my pension plan

How has James Bowers helped you?

Moved my pension as it had limited growth where it was and invested some money as it was gaining nothing sat in the bank

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet but have seen some growth

What could they have done better?

Nothing really everything was well explained to me

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

Having been with my current adviser for several years I have recently become unsure of his future and therefore contacted James for advice

How has James Bowers helped you?

He gave me simple easy to follow comparisons for what he could help with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything he suggested has been achieved without any further action by me.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

At a hugely important stage of our life (retirement) we have found the service James has provided insightful and obviously financially very beneficial. A thoroughly professional and friendly advisor. We look forward to a long relationship with James and wouldn't hesitate to pass his name to friends, family and colleagues. Thanks James. See you soon. Tim & Lisa.

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

Poor return on savings in banks , help needed from an advisor to guide through options .

How has James Bowers helped you?

Answered all my questions , recommend a portfolio to invest in , very straightforward and James gives you the confidence to invest and takes away the worry and stress . If you have worries you can send a text and he rings you back almost straight away . Great service .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not as yet long term investment .

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

Had an old pension that needed reviewing and got an insurance payout that required some advice on investing

How has James Bowers helped you?

Transferred an old pension to a more suitable scheme and invested a lump some

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and this is ongoing

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Previous pension performance, and recommendation of previous excellent advice from Sovereign Wealth.

How has James Bowers helped you?

Reinvestment of my pension and ISA product

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, exceeded in half the time

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

To help me with my personal pension

How has James Bowers helped you?

Explained every thing about my pension to me face to face instead of over the phone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Only just started with my pension.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Looking for advice on investments and to set up a private pension.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James helped me by giving me great advice o. Where to best invest money for good long term returns and how best to set up my pension for later years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - great advice and positive outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. James is a true professional and a real asset to SW/SJPP.

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

My wife and I decided to get some professional advice with planning for the long term having recently got married, new jobs and as we consider starting a family. Lockdown also gave us the time to look into this and we were also able to save some money so it made sense to get the house in order. I actually already had some money invested with another advisor at St James' Place but did not find him to be engaged nor responsive so following a consultation with James I decided to change to James.

How has James Bowers helped you?

James looked at our finances in the round and provided holistic advice about all aspects such as savings goals, investing for the long term and insurance policies. He has moved my pot from an underperforming fund (invested with the previous advisor) into a new better performing pot. He has put in place very comprehensive critical illness cover for me and we will look to do the same for my wife in due course. He is also currently doing a review of my pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, he is very responsive, patient and knowledgeable. We asked so many questions which he would answer diligently and thoroughly. He is never pushy about the advice or services and rather, James was always conscious about the affordability of the products and how it sat in the context of our other outgoings. He explained very clearly the funds on offer and he went beyond the call of duty in helping us take us critical illness insurance and very patient over a 6 month period while we decided what we wanted. Can't rate James highly enough!

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We are very happy to have found James and will be sticking with him!