Gavin's reviews
Reviewed for
Insurance and Protection ( 3 )
Pensions ( 70 )
Equity Release ( 1 )
Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 63 )
Investments and Savings ( 83 )
Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 17 )
Inheritance Planning ( 38 )
Long Term Care ( 8 )
Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 11 )
Financial Planning ( 62 )
Financial Mentoring ( 10 )
Financial Coaching ( 4 )
( 1 )
Reviewers' assets
£500k+ ( 21 )
£200k - £500k ( 33 )
£100k - £200k ( 9 )
£50k - 100k ( 2 )
Review
by a verified client in Lincolnshire
20 days ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Advice about planning for retirement and family inheritance planning.
How has Gavin Smart helped you?
Gavin's clear advice has helped make difficult decisions at the right time.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes.
Gavin:
Dear Christine, Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I am pleased that you found our discussions around retirement planning and family inheritance planning helpful. These are significant and often complex decisions, so it is encouraging to hear that the clarity of the advice enabled you to move forward with confidence and at the right time. Providing clear, considered guidance so clients feel comfortable making important financial decisions is always my priority. It is also wonderful to know that you have seen the outcomes you were hoping for. Long-term financial planning is about creating structure, reassurance and direction, particularly when thinking about retirement and supporting the next generation. Thank you again, Christine, for your trust and for allowing me to support you with your plans. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the years ahead. Kind regards, GavinReview
by a verified client in Lincolnshire
24 days ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Required financial advice in relation to retirement planning and capital investment.
How has Gavin Smart helped you?
Gavin has advised us on on all our options regarding pension funds and investments. His knowledge of the financial markets has enabled him to answer any of our concerns and his ability to provide clear and concise information makes it easy for us to understand.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
The previous years investment performance was slightly more than expected and the last six months has greatly exceeded expectations. We are more than happy with the performance of our investments.
What could they have done better?
At the moment nothing could be done better with Gavin's role as advisor.
Gavin:
Geoff, thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a great deal. I am pleased that you felt nothing further could be done to improve my role as your adviser. Supporting you with retirement planning and capital investment is an important responsibility, so it is particularly rewarding to know that you value the clarity and structure of the advice provided. Financial markets can often feel complex and uncertain, so ensuring you fully understand your options around pensions and investments is always a priority. I am also delighted that investment performance has met, and in recent months exceeded, your expectations. While markets will always experience periods of fluctuation, having a clear strategy aligned to your long-term objectives helps provide confidence and direction. Thank you again for placing your trust in me. I look forward to continuing to support you both in the years ahead and helping you make informed decisions about your financial future. Warm Regards GavinReview
by a verified client in Yorkshire
a month ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
In the 1960’s I carried out the first of a number of sculptural commissions and needed advice for income tax purposes. I signed up with Forrester Boyd.
How has Gavin Smart helped you?
In recent years Gavin, knowing that I struggle to relate to financial issues, has always explained things in words I think I understand
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, I think so
What could they have done better?
Nothing
Gavin:
Dear Harold, Thank you for your thoughtful review and for placing your trust in our firm over the years. It is a privilege to have supported you throughout your journey and to continue working together. I am particularly pleased to hear that you have found my explanations clear and accessible. Financial matters can often feel complex, and it is important to me that everything is discussed in straightforward, understandable terms so you feel confident and comfortable with the decisions being made. It is also reassuring to know that you feel you have achieved the outcomes you were hoping for. Providing long-term guidance and continuity, especially as circumstances evolve over time, is at the heart of what we do. Thank you again, Harold, for your continued confidence and kind words. It has been a pleasure working with you. Kind regards, GavinReview
by a verified client in Lincolnshire
a month ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Wanted someone with greater knowledge in all aspects of investment/financial planning.
How has Gavin Smart helped you?
Given me the best options for me to choose and a trusted person to turn to.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing
Gavin:
Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, Brian. It really does mean a great deal. I am pleased that you felt supported when looking for someone with broader knowledge across investment and financial planning. Taking the step to seek advice is an important decision, and I am glad you found the guidance clear and helpful. Providing carefully considered options and ensuring you feel confident in the choices available to you is always my priority. It is particularly rewarding to know that you see me as a trusted person to turn to. Building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency and understanding is at the heart of what I do. Financial planning is not just about selecting investments, but about creating a structured, personalised approach that supports your goals both now and in the future. I am also delighted that you have seen the outcome you were hoping for. I look forward to continuing to support you as your plans evolve. Warm Regards GavinReview
by a verified client in West Midlands
a month ago
Overall
Service
Advice
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
My company's pension scheme needed sorting out after some problems. FBWealth provided the remedial consultancy and the ongoing personal advice leading up to retirement. Gavin Smart inherited the responsibility to continue the annual reviews and advice post-retirement.
How has Gavin Smart helped you?
Interfacing with my pension provider in a personable and professional way. I may not be taking the full advantage of his support. I'm looking forward to his advice on annuity management.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
I believe so.
Gavin:
Dear Phil, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. I’m really pleased to hear that the support you’ve received, both during the transition from your company’s pension scheme and into retirement, has been valuable to you. It’s a privilege to have picked up the reins from FBWealth’s initial consultancy work and continue providing tailored advice through your annual reviews. I’m glad you’ve found our interactions both personable and professional — that’s exactly the balance I aim for with all my clients. As we continue to navigate your retirement planning, I look forward to exploring how annuity management could further support your long-term goals. Please never hesitate to make full use of the support on offer — whether it’s clarifying your options, adjusting your plans, or simply checking in. I’m here to help ensure you feel confident and well-informed at every step. Warm regards, Gavin