Brian Skinner

Echelon Teesside ltd

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 13 )

Mortgages ( 13 )

Pensions ( 13 )

Equity Release ( 2 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 2 )

Auto Enrolment ( 4 )

Investments and Savings ( 5 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 4 )

Inheritance Planning ( 1 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 1 )

£200k - £500k ( 2 )

£50k - 100k ( 4 )

Up to £50k ( 9 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Wife retirement and pension / redundancy financial advice.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian understood our needs and goals, he explained everything in away that we could understand. Brian then sorted out what we wanted to do with our finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been exceptionally pleased with Brian's advise and already seen a good outcome with the products he set up for us.

What could they have done better?

Brian could not have done a more professional job.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I was introduced to Brian over 5 years ago by my sister who was an estate agent for many years, at the time I was looking to remortgage my property to secure a better deal as my current term was ending, I was also looking for a better deal with my life insurance and income protection insurance (this is not PPI, please don't be confused). It is worth knowing I have since used Brian's services again to remortgage my property and although I work in financial services myself and have the knowledge and other contacts to do this, I understand the value and expertise you get when you use the services of a professional such as Brian plus I believe I have built a trusting and friendly relationship (well as much as you can and would want to with an IFA).

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

I believed that my financial circumstance were not great as I had been made unemployed for a couple of earlier due to redundancy and I only been recently in employment for a couple of months since, It is worth noting that this was in 2011 just as the financial crisis was taking effect and securing funding from financial institutions was increasingly difficult. Brian was able to access the state of my finances and reassure me with my concerns. With the second remortgage I had a number I had a couple of issues with two of my proposed lenders, The first lender undervalued the property by £20K, this was obviously a shock to myself but as Brian is local to the area and understands the value of the properties within it so he also shared my concern and believe this was unfair and sort a deal elsewhere which took additional time unfortunately the second lender brought up a issue with a neighbors tree which took a couple of months to resolve before the mortgage could be complete. What this demonstrated to me is Brain's ability to be patient and to do what is best for his clients, due to the time it took to complete this second deal I would have understood if the deal expired and Brian had to walk away however he was able to communicate regularly and he got the deal completed, I sincerely respected professional attitude and empathy for me as a client.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Brian was not only able to secure the lending, he has also provided a much better deal each time I have used his services, which has saved me money in the longer run.

What could they have done better?

i have been completely satisfied with the service Brian has provided

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I required help with a re-mortgage, then setting up a personal pension.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

fully advised on mortgage and completed all paperwork, complete service for pension with regular helpful updates.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

personally I am completely satisfied with all service I have and still are receiving

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

First time buyer mortgage.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Sourced the mortgage for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now own the property.

What could they have done better?

He was very knowledgeable, thorough and efficient. Thank you

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I have known Brian now for a number of years, and whatever the issue, he has always been able to advise, or point me in the right direction.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

He has helped with a number of issues including mortgage, Right to Buy and Pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Brain has always kept me informed on the progress of things, and advised accordingly.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Buying a new home and setting up insurances, life insurance and cover for my family in the future.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian found us our mortgage and the best deals available to us at the time. He was very efficient and informative at every stage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have a beautiful home and peace of mind if anything should happen due to the correct levels of cover which he found for us!.

What could they have done better?

In my eyes, nothing! He did everything he could to help us get sorted.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

with any big decision in life you need professional advice and firstly mine was a pension then followed by investments.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

offered me advice and showed me all my options no hard sell.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes i have.

What could they have done better?

personally cant think of anything i am regularly updated on my dealings

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Moving home.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Facilitated all mortgage options and insurances we requested.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes a smooth stress free move with products that met our requirements.

What could they have done better?

Understood any monetary gifts we received.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I wanted to start a private pension.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian explained my options and explained in simple terms any informations that I did not understand. He did not try to push me into anything.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am happyb with the returns that I have had so far.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Initially having some spare money to invest.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Guided me to the correct decision of where to put the money based on what suited my situation and needs the best.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have received a good investment portfolio and also covered all other needs that I had.

What could they have done better?

Brian took all the hassle of finding the right path to follow reguarding the investments away as it can be difficult to dig your way through and fully understand. Most people don’t have the time or understanding of the ins and outs, I fall into both categories there.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I needed mortgage advice.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

He reviewed my circumstances with me and found a mortgage that was compatible for my needs, financially and in the duration of the mortgage term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the advice has enabled me to progress in the housing get market with peace of mind and stability.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the advice given by my financial adviser. It worked well for me.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I needed a pension as I was self employed and didn't have one.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian understood my circumstances and what I needed. He explained everything in lay man's terms and he has looked after my pension pot in good times and in bad by advising where my pension investments should be placed. In the credit crunch in 2008 he was on the ball to minimise any loss and I was very pleased with the outcome.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am always extremely happy with Brian's advice and my pension pot is always increasing to more than I ever thought possible.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could have done anything better. His advice and expertise is outstanding

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Value

Service

Based in Durham

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

Expert advice on issues I did not really understand.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian has help us for nearly 10 years now. His advice and help has been great. He has helped us with our mortgage, pensions and insurances and he always explains things so we understand. But mostly he his always honest with us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We are always happy will the outcome of our business with Brian.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Needed help and advice on pensions and savings.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

He set up pensions and advised best place to invest money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Recommended.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

He has helped us on several occasions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and still developing.

What could they have done better?

Non

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Ihad a need for life insurance.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

He gave free impartial advice and was very eupportive in my decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I have no real negatives to say about the advice given

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

For financial advice.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian is very professional, very thorough and extremely helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

If I thought Brian could improve I wouldn’t have use him

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I have used Brian Skinner's services on a number of occasions over the last 10 years in both business and personal capacities. These were the introduction of workplace pensions, a review of an occupational pension, life protection(s) and a difficult domestic mortgage case where the individual had a poor credit record.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Brian is an experienced longstanding IFA with an excellent knowledge of his subject(s) and on every occasion, was able to advise on a suitable way forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes 100%.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Needed expert advise.

How has Brian Skinner helped you?

Sorted out pension options and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very good so far.