Jessica Lyons

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

After a career change 30 years ago I needed help setting up a private pension and long term advice for planning my retirement and a secure future.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Regular reviews and updates, market information, explaining market trends and support whenever I have needed advice relating to financial matters. All the above provided with care, patience and understanding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now enjoy a secure financial situation that meets my daily needs and provides assurance for the future.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say, I have always been happy with the advice offered by Jessica and support from all colleagues at Black Swan whenever she has been out of the office.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

When setting up my business in the early 90's used a very knowledgeable adviser who helped me look at long term financial planning. When he retired - and I had also retired by then - I needed continuity and had known Jess for some years. When she moved to Black Swan I decided to look at their services.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Her reviews and knowledgeable, sound, straightforward advice have helped over the years and the fact I can approach her to discuss any issues when they occur, has always been very important to me. Customer service is an extremely important element.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

This year one of the pension funds was not doing as well as expected and it took at while for Jessica to make the necessary changes. She had expected an earlier meeting with the fund managers to voice her concerns but they had postponed the meeting and Jessica wanted to be sure she had all her facts to hand before recommending transferring to another fund.

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. I always enjoy our catch-ups! It is important that we have full updates from any fund manager that we recommend to get a thorough insight and not be purely reliant on information in the public domain. It was unfortunate that the meeting was unavoidably delayed, but it has enabled a clear rationale for our next steps in your long-term planning.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Pension and retirement planning.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica has kept a close check on my pension policies and updates me on their value.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I would find it difficult to think of anything better that could be done.

Jessica's reply

I have really enjoyed working with you both and always look forward to our reviews.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I had been looking into cashing in my pension after hearing that now was a good time, and also with my current financial position the tax benefit would be an advantage.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

I had a meeting with Jessica, who made me feel very comfortable discussing my pension. She carefully explained all the options available to me after listening to my financial and personal position in life. There was no pressure to go in a certain direction, just giving me the options of what was achievable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, i am very happy with the outcome of my decision.

What could they have done better?

Nothing could have been done any better, as everything was made crystal clear to me, so that i could make my decision.

Jessica's reply

It was a pleasure helping you with your annuity. I'm so glad that we were able to find a suitable solution for you. If I can ever help you again in the future, do not hesitate to reach out.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I needed to revise my pension planning and investments

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jess gave me great advice which will maximise my potential future pension income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I was very satisfied with the advice I received.

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure helping you with your finances.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

A review of retirement planning.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica provided clear advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. I really enjoy working with you both to help you meet your financial goals, and on a personal level, find our conversations really thought provoking and interesting.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

Jess rang us when some of our policies were very old and needed updating

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Advising us in connection with Inheritance tax

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in a way

What could they have done better?

I am sure she did her best for us

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. Estate planning is a complex area and I have enjoyed getting to know you both and guiding you through the options to identify the best solution for you and your estate.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I became a client of CP Associates in 1996 and stayed with them until Martin Prince retired. Jessica Lyons was working for Martin but she left CP Associates when she was offered a new role by Black Swan. Martin recommended that I move my portfolio to Black Swan and that is what happened.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica is always there for me at the end of the phone. She keeps me informed of developments and suggests changes to my investments that may be necessary from time to time depending on the markets. We have an annual meeting when Jessica reviews what has happened over the past year. I feel privileged to have Jessica as my adviser.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am now in my late 70s and am happy with my portfolio and its management.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied with the service I have received from Black Swan.

Jessica's reply

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, it really is a joy working with you!

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I have always had an adviser.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Jessica's reply

Our relationship is quite new, but I am looking forward to continue helping you to meet your financial goals.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

a maturing pension

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica was prompt to respond to my enquiry and spent time getting to know me and my circumstances. Each step of the process was explained so that I felt confident in making my decisions based on the advice Jessica provided. Jessica was in regular contact with me and I even received a birthday card!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, the pension is now reinvested along with my ISAs on one platform.

What could they have done better?

There was a little hiccup at the start of my enquiry as a member of staff left but once Jessica was involved everything went smoothly.

Jessica's reply

It was a delight working with you to get your finances into a simpler position for you.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I wanted to sort out my savings and pensions and make sure the investments were a good fit with my values and beliefs

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jess was great to work with - she really listened, and took the time to find a solution that works for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Jessica's reply

It is a pleasure working with you and helping you to achieve your financial goals, not to mention the great conversations we have along the way!

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I wanted to supplement my pension with a long term investment.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Advice on my share ISA plus more general financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Despite recent downs in the market I'm satisfied that I am being well advised.

What could they have done better?

Nothing obvious.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Change in employment circumstances approx 25 years ago and the need to build financial security for my wife and myself in retirement.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica has only recently become our nominated adviser, we have however known her as a contact for many years and always found her ready and willing with help and cheerful support.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We now enjoy the financial rewards and security we aimed to achieve and have ongoing support from Jessica and all the team at BSFP if and when required.

What could they have done better?

Service from BSFP has always been very professional and helpful.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I had a small amount of money to invest

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

She has met me a few times, helped with moving funds and consolidating them all to be in one place, organised all the forms that need signing, and advised as to the best way forward. Also she has looked into my pensions and advised. She is very thorough.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s early days

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

To invest my inheritance

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

She has reviewed my investments and made some changes so my investments make more money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Pension planning

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica has advised on specific investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Wanting to invest for the future

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jess provided clear, helpful advice and was fantastic to work with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your positive review. I am delighted to be working with you and look forward to continuing our relationship and helping you to achieve your financial goals.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I initially looked for financial advice when I set up my business in the early 90's and had to make care provisions for elderly parents.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica has been a source of practical knowledge and clear advice going forward since my retirement. Her skill set is excellent communications, ability to get things done, and a breadth of financial expertise gained study over the years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and the changes made after annual reviews have been beneficial

What could they have done better?

Quicker movement of funds when required

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

We had been with a Financial adviser for a number of years and we have always been very happy with the advise and help that we have received. However, due to a restructure within the company/practise we were asked if we would be prepared to change adviser to Jessica. The first meeting with Jessica was to have a review of our financial situation to see if our plans are still appropriate.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

She reviewed our Financial situation and taking into account our goals and plans, she was able to confirm that our present position was fine.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we think so. No changes were recommended. However we were very pleased to have had a face to face meeting with Jessica who now understands us and our goals. We also know that we will be happy in having Jessica has our Financial Adviser.

What could they have done better?

We don't think so. Our first meeting was a success and we came away fully understanding each other.

Jessica's reply

Thanks so much for your review. I really enjoyed our meeting and look forward to how our relationship evolves.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Jessica was introduced as my new financial advisor following the departure of my previous advisor.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

During our initial meeting Jessica took interest and time to understand my current and past employment history along with my personal and family circumstances. I feel this approach provided her with greater insight about my investment mentality and approach to risk than a simple box ticking exercise. She also helped to provide some clarity about retirement options and products available to me and gave an honest assessment of my retirement prospects. During the meeting Jessica's approach was conversational and not overbearing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Jessica provided answers to of the questions raised in the time frames promised.

What could they have done better?

First impressions of Jessica and her approach have been very positive so I cannot identify any suggestions to improve things so far.

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. It is great working with you and helping you to meet your goals.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

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

We are a duel income household with both persons being very high earners. We had a large amount of cash and wanted to invest it but wanted some professional advice on how to do that and also wanted to discuss a long-term financial plan to manage our portfolio appropriately.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica has been great, spending a considerable amount of time reviewing our income and outgoings, protection packages and assessing our attitudes to risk to recommend appropriate investments and produce a financial plan that we were comfortable with going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In respect of the financial planning elements of her advice very much so. In respect of recommended investments, it's far too soon in the investment cycle to assess this, however what I would say is that she has kept us very much up to date on how investments have been performing in a very volatile market and so I am comfortable with the level of risk we have assumed and trust her advice.

Jessica's reply

It's been a pleasure getting to know you both and I look forward to continuing to work with you to further improve your financial future.

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

Retirement of my previous pensions advisor

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Smooth transfer from the previous regime to the Black Swan Company

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I needed advice in switching and upgrading my current pension package.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

She gave me sound advice and guided me through process and made things clearer for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Everything about Jessica's service never fell short.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I have been involved with my family's finances for more than 50 ears but recognise that I need to be brought up to date and make prudent, sensible and practicable plans for the future.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Having been introduced to Jessica a few years ago I realised that I could think of no-one better than Jessica to plan for me up to my death and thereafter (for the family). I have absolute confidence in her personal and professional advice and behaviours.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

SO far the advice and attitudes she expounds is all I had hoped for

What could they have done better?

When the remit is complete and I am in my dotage there may be a case for hindsight but frankly, with Jessica, I suspect everything will be covered as it currently seems to be.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I needed financial advice after my father died in 2018. Black Swan had looked after his affairs satisfactorily for several years, so it seemed sensible to continue with them.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

I have been given clear information and advice about my portfolio. When queries or inconsistences have arisen from previous investments, Jess has spent time and effort explaining the problems and sorting them out promptly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Jessica's reply

It is always so sad when we lose someone, but I am happy that we have continued to be able to help you with your financial affairs.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My husband had been with CPA and had worked with Jessica there and was more than happy to follow her to Black Swan.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

When my husband died I had to be initiated in the workings of his portfolio and Jessica was a terrific help with her consderable knowledge and clarity of explanation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date my family and I have all been very pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I did not have much previous knowledge of my husbands affairs so I am ill quallified to make a judgement but I have felt confident in Jessica's knowledge and have trusted her advice and the decisions she has taken on my behalf.

Jessica's reply

I was so sad when we lost your husband and it has been a real pleasure to continue working with you and your family.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My husband and I were long term clients of CPA Associates and saw her there from the time she joined until her move to Black Swan and had no hesitation in following her there

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

In all areas we had worked on with CPA Associates.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in that my affairs are still very professionally handled.

What could they have done better?

I cannot identify anything.

Jessica's reply

Thank you, I have very much enjoyed working with you over the years.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I have been a client of CPA, which has now merged with Black Swan since the 1980s. I first met Jess in early 2000s when she joined CPA.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

CPA, now Black Swan have taken an overall view on all our financial arrangements, including pensions, ISAs, mortgages, bank accounts etc so I have used them for advice in all these areas

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Overall very little. Occasionally I have had to chase actions, but never if Jess has been in the lead.

Jessica's reply

Thanks for your review. It is a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

The pandemic meant I had to access funds. I’d had advice from a family friend but was fairly clueless about what I should do.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jessica clarified things for me in a very kind and clear way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I’m much more aware of my options. I wish I’d gone to Jessica earlier.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Jessica's reply

Thank you for your review. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Inherited money and needed professional advice.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Evaluating current financial situation and helping to develop a comprehensive financial plan going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As money is only recently invested, i'm unable to fairly answer this question at this time.

What could they have done better?

Jess was very thorough in her approach and took time to explain everything clearly.

Jessica's reply

Hi Clive Thank you so much for your positive review. Kind regards Jess

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I have been with a financial adviser since early 90’s and he transferred his business to Black Swan. Jessica worked with him and moved to the business.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

As Jessica had knowledge of my investments and pension portfolio and had always been very well informed and organised, I wanted to use her expertise to look after me in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and discussions take place several times a year to ensure the best on going advice especially during the difficulties presented by the pandemic in 2020+. Also supported by an annual review.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that would not have been discussed

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

In 1996 I became a client of CP Associates for financial advice and stayed with them until the managing partner retired. I knew Jess Lyons for a number of years prior to her joining CP Associates. When CP Associates closed down, I followed her to Black Swan.

How has Jessica Lyons helped you?

Jess has helped me with my investment portfoio. We have an annual meeting to go through my account and decide what changes, if any, should be made. I can rely on Jess and I have confidence in her ability.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Jessica's reply

Hi Jo Thank you so much for your feedback. Kind regards, Jess