Adrian Cook

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

I was seeking advice on taking my first steps into investing

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He took the time to understand my situation fully, and clearly explained the options open to me and the next steps he felt were best in my situation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I am clear as to my next steps, and will be taking these shortly following Adrian's advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all, Adrian was excellent

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

I wanted to review my existing pension as i was not happy with how it was performing.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

ASC Financial Solutions offered me a free initial consultation to discuss my pension and find out more about my situation. They carried out a full review of my existing pension and provided a detailed report with recommendations on alternative pension options. I was really pleased with their recommendations and i am totally confident that my pension is in excellent hands going forwards. Thank you to all of the friendly, helpful and professional team at ASC.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, ASC Financial Solutions are now managing my pension for me.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I have retirement on the horizon and I wanted a financial adviser to review my current investment portfolio and pension plans, then to assist me in planning the next 5 to 10 years to ensure all of the gains made so far are protected and that I can look forward to a comfortable retirement.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Dan of ASC Financial Solutions has reviewed mine and my wife's portfolios and the excellent team within ASC has worked with us to transfer our funds to Standard Life's Elevate platform, investing in funds that will provide us with stability at this crucial time of our life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are in year 1 of our partnership with ASC Financial solutions. However, we have seen growth with the funds we have invested in. Also, ASC are proactive in advising us to switch funds if they feel we would be better off investing in a different fund.

What could they have done better?

I attended three 'free one hour sessions' with financial advisers and only Dan of ASC Financial Solutions provided me with the confidence that they knew what they were talking about and provided a clear and concise structure for planning for the future. Therefore, I do not believe that he could do anything better. They even reserve a parking space outside their building, as parking on the complex is difficult to find. It is simple things like this that all contribute to making ASC Financial Solutions a great company to work with.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Adrian

Good initial meeting

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Adrian

I had a very specific question about tax implications on an ex-gratia payment when taking a 6M fixed term contract with my employee after my substantive role was redundant. Adrian provided 10 mins free advice via phone which was useful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Adrian

Adrian and his team were most helpful and took time to explain everything very clearly

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Adrian

Adrian listened very carefully to my enquiry and was very insightful and helpful in his advice. I appreciated his sensitivity and was impressed by his desire to meet my needs rather than add me to his business.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

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

Inheritance originally.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Ascertained our overall financial health and attitude to risk, then monitors our portfolio performance and recommends changes as appropriate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - he explains everything that may affect our funds

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Looking for someone with knowledge and give good advice on where to invest and get the best return on our savings.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He created an accurate portfolio following an in depth conversation which covered our circumstances and objectives and discussed the best options available to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We have always received regular updates and advice with the ever changing market situations. The performance of our holdings on our portfolios have met our expectations.

What could they have done better?

We get an excellent financial and personal service that cannot be faulted.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I WAS RECOMM.</span> TO ASC, BY AFRI.</span>, REGARDING MY PENSION . AND WAS LOOKING FOR THE BEST ADVICE POSSIBLE, IN WHICH I FOUND WITH ADRIAN AND HES STAFF, I FOUND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AND HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICES, THANK YOU TO ASC,.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

I would just like to give you some feedback on services, which ASC have been providing me over the past couple of years to which i have been very happy with Adrian and Emma and all the staff have been so outstanding. I have had a difficult year this year and ASC have been there for me with all the help returning all emails and telephones call on the same day. I really dont know what i would have done without your help. So i would just like to say a big thank you to you all at ASC, a truly remarkable company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES I HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICES , A REMARKABLE COMPANY , AND REMARKABLE STAFF,.

What could they have done better?

MY FINANCIAL ADVISER , WAS REMARKABLE , THE ADVICE, THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME WAS STRONG , I APPRECIATED, ALL THE HELP THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME AND REALLY, GLAD THAT I WENT TO THIS COMPANY , I SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING BUT NEED TO LOOK NO LONGER, AND FEEL THAT I HAVE ACHIEVED EVERY THINK THAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ,

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Lump sum cash not fully invested.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Understood and appreciated our situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Needed professional advice re lump sum cash holding.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Got our situation into perspective and advised accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really as he took on board our needs for future.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Redundancy and needed advice on how to best deal with investing lump sum.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Very clearly understood my financial situation and my attitude to risk. Suggested alternatives for me to consider and was courteous and professional as well as helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my funds are doing well in what is a volatile market - I am happy that Adrian makes timely and safe interventions to my investments which thus far have been to my benefit.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - perfectly satisfied with the service to date and would recommend Adrian and his team any time.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I needed to find someone who would offer me financial advice with investing a redundancy fund and monies from pensions which aren't working hard enough to generate a future sustainable income. Someone else who I trust implicitly recommended I contact Adrian Cook.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

On our first meeting Adrian build a picture of his employment in order that I may grasp an idea of his knowledge and experience in this field of financial advice. Adrian noted details of what my expectation were/are and how and what I would need to do to achieve such goals. A second visit produce the necessary profile of my expectation and how it would be achievable in time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been kept informed regularly of any changes or improvements and when necessary any concerns which manifest as a result of market changes. To date the outcome looks promising under the management of ASC Solutions.

What could they have done better?

All I can add is Adrian helps make the process more palatable for a layman such as myself. Which fills me with the confidence I need to help secure my financial future retirement goal.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I had various pensions sat still with no real management and with a change in personal circumstances I approached Adrian's company to look at pensions, mortgage and life insurance.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian took charge of my pension and within a few years it had grown in value to the point where I was able to make some life changing financial decisions. Adrian also made sure my life insurance reflected what was needed in my life then (approx 10 years ago) and now. The advice I have received from Adrian has also impacted on my business in a most positive way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My expectations on the outcome of Adrian's financial advice have been exceeded. I am happy that Adrian is proactive in his management of my pension and insurance policies. His team are thorough, professional and personable.

What could they have done better?

I actually have no constructive criticism and happily recommend Adrian's company to friends and colleagues.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I needed to set up some long term investments and savings for my family.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He helped me review my pensions and set up investments to supplement those pensions and ensure I meet my long term goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far we are on or ahead of target.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Adrian was recommended by a friend.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian has helped grow my pension fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Adrian has achieved a far greater growth than I expected.

What could they have done better?

I can see nothing that Adrian could have done any better

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Moving employment within the last few years, my situation had changed in terms of income and money being put aside for my pension. Previously I had little understanding or control of the modest pot i had already accrued.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Taking a comprehensive look into not just my circumstances today but my aspirational goals/milestones for the future, I can now have clearer idea what i need to be doing now to achieve how i want my future to look like., with the control and dialogue with someone i trust to guide me through along the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, as I now have security in place in regards to what i already have, with access to much needed knowledge to ensure I keep my goals on track. Something I did not have before with my mainstream/generic pension provider. I am also looking forward to seeing somewhat better long term growth from my assets based on risk levels I am comfortable with.

What could they have done better?

So long as the level of contact and guidance remains the same, I do not have any comments to make that will better Adrian and his team. Keep up the good work.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Friendly down to earth IFA, highly recommend.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Pension ,.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing every thing he does is good

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

I heard of the firm from a friend and we found them excellent. Personal service and very quick results. A friendly attitude and professional advice are hard qualities to find today.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He has personally called on me many times and always provided well researched advise with options which were very appealing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes by and large we have done very well with Adrian's advise and investment advise.

What could they have done better?

I don't know what they might have done to improve as everything is really top class. Perhaps a little more corporate entertainment of clients would be appreciated as they are situated in a beautiful area on Fursden Lakeside. An annual bash by the lake would boost confidence of clients and become an event not to be missed?

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

Review of our pensions and investments.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian set out clear recommendations for our money based on our personal circumstances and goals. He explained things simply and produced a portfolio of funds we were comfortable with. He keeps us up to date with how our investments are performing and general economy news.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our pensions and investments are now being managed on an ongoing basis, and are growing as per expectations. We can get advice when we need it and review things if circumstances change.

What could they have done better?

We can honestly say Adrian and the team at ASC have looked after us superbly well and would be very difficult to find something to improve. They are friendly and professional, and most importantly care about their clients.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

Redundancy and poor service from a different financial adviser.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Fully explained all options and continues to do so.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

We are entirely satisfied.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

To set up a Company Pension Scheme.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Visited our offices to host a staff meeting fully explaining the Scheme and how it would work. Offered individuals meetings if they wanted to discuss their own personal case. Set up the Scheme and maintain records for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The Plan has been in place for 3 years now.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

I needed somebody to give me a good advice as to what to do with my money.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He always seems to give good advice, and is proactive with the advice, which I like.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome I got was better than I expected.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything he could have done better.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

My personal circumstances had changed. I had retired from my career and was looking for advice on how to best proceed for the future.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian offered advice based on my circumstances, standard of living, my plans for the future. The advice given was both helpful and easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, considering my level of risk and the markets today.

What could they have done better?

I cannot offer up any improvements

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

I had reached a stage in life (around 40 years of age) where I needed some structure and advice to help understand where the future lies in terms of pension support, retirement and general life planning.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian holds a very detailed knowledge and expertise across a number of areas and patiently allowed me to explain my immediate and long terms requirements. Strong advice, clear insight and excellent challenge from Adrian allowed us to build a structure around my personal needs. Adrian is a great guy and listens intently to understand what is important to you and then makes various recommendations for you to explore always putting your interest at the heart of the discussions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and Adrian is always in contact to provide ongoing updates, advice & support. If circumstances change Adrian is proactively seeking to provide comfort or solutions to help refine your needs. An excellent advisor and the best I have come across.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to say. Adrian has built his business in the same values that he follows...all the staff are professional, friendly, courteous and insightful with excellent engagement, support & delivery.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

We both retired in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. We both had lump sums to invest as well as other savings and shares in various places. In view of the timing of our retirement we felt we needed expert advice.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

At our first meeting with Adrian he took time to listen to our needs and wants from our investments. He listed all of our savings, Shares, Isa's etc and then discussed in detail with us his suggestions to arrange our portfolio to suit our needs going forward into retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In a word Yes. Despite the challenging financial climate In the 8 years since our original consultation we have seen our portfolio grow. We have had regular meetings with Adrian to discuss and adjust our portfolio when and where necessary.

What could they have done better?

As our previous answer, During the 8 years of the challenging times we have seen our portfolio grow. What more could we have asked for.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and we both met with Adrian to help me with the finances in the future.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

He introduced his business with out a sales pitch and has continued to help me make decisions regarding all aspects of my finances. He has explained my options in basic terms filling out long complex forms for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

At the moment I am happy with the decisions we have made.

What could they have done better?

I cannot offer any suggestions

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

I needed to have a one stop shop that could manage my various pension plans and advise me on the best methods by which to save for my retirement.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Adrian spent a long time assessing my attitude to risk and ascertaining the the best forms of savings for my retirement by understanding the target amounts I would need to have the retirement that I desire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Adrian has been the most pro-active financial advisor that I have ever had. Up until this point I had been used to IFAs that would advise you initially and then you would never hear from again. Adrian has always been pro-active and we have meetings and phone calls to review things as circumstances change.

What could they have done better?

Nothing noted

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

Our savings had grown to the point where we felt simple investment in a high street bank / building society was no longer maximising our earnings potential.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

Thoroughly assessed our attitude to risk and suggested an appropriate investment portfolio. Kept our exposure to equities at a level commensurate to our risk appetite.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. On average, and right through the recent recession, our portfolio has grown at 5-6% per annum, massively better than we could have achieved through high street investment.

What could they have done better?

We have no complaints at all! Adrian is always available to discuss our investments and, most importantly, is proactive in moving money as market conditions change. He is also able to advise on tax issues to ensure our investments are tax-effective at all times.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

Both my husband and I had retired and we were looking for a Financial Adviser to give us guidance on how we could make our funds 'work for us'. We chose ASC, which was an excellent decision. Sadly, my husband died several years ago. However, to have their help and advise I feel our decision made many years ago was a very wise decision.

How has Adrian Cook helped you?

I am pleased to have the opportunity of recording my complete satisfaction of financial guidance and services provided to me by the above. I have great confidence in Adrian Cook and all employees of the company. All communications are handled with diplomacy and confidentiality coupled with a friendly manner. However, their professionalism is never compromised. Personally, I find great comfort to speak with people who give you honest advise, pitch any action to suit investments that reflect conversations had between myself and ASC regarding risk assessment etc. I wish ASC Financial Solutions continued success.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, I do not have sufficient knowledge of 'the financial world' to complete this question. This is where Trust comes in to a relationship. I do trust that ASC will always do the best for me making any decisions to amend any investments under any current situations.