Ian Francis

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2022

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

We havent spoken to Ian since we moved last august 2021. We know if we had any questions or issues, he would be there to help us.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian was more than happy to spend time discussing things with me over the phone. More than likely that I shall be using his services in the near future.

Ian's reply

Hi Kevin, many thanks for taking the time to write the review, it was lovely to read. I look forward to talking things through with you in the near future. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

A re-mortgage with complicated circumstances.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

He gave us excellent financial advice, going through different options to find what was best for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Ian's reply

Hi Marc, many thanks for taking the time to write the review, which is much appreciated. See you both soon! Best wishes, Ian

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

Since using Ian's services to make a successful application to obtain equity release funds for an extension at my home (and a further successful application for additional monies due to an unexpected rise in costs) Ian has remained in constant contact to offer advice and support. He does this in a very professional and friendly manner.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, many thanks for your lovely kind review again, it is always much appreciated. I can't wait to see the work finished and enjoy my coffee on your new "bean bag"! Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

i wanted to release some capital tied up in my house for my future needs.Trying to down size and sell my property did not work for me. i was not sure if equity release was safe or if it would suit my circumstances. i needed a financial advisor and a close friend of mine had chosen Ian as her advisor. She immediately recommended Ian to me .She could not commend him highly enough.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Right from the first phone call,he put me at my ease,immediately assessed my situation and arranged his first visit'He talked me through equity release thoroughly ,being very patient and going over anything i was not sure about.He also helped me to write my will ,set up lasting Power of Attorneys for me and helped with other problems regarding my pensions.Last,but not least,Ian gave me advice and information regarding later life care. Amazing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My equity release is at the moment being processed.I am certain that it will give me the financial support i need to give me a happy future life.I feel very comfortable with everything that has so far taken place and feel that i am still in charge of my future.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing.First class service,going above and beyond what could be expected.

Ian's reply

Hi Sheila, Thank you for your very kind review. In both you and Graham I have met two new firm friends who richly deserve their happy financial futures and I am looking forward to hearing all about your holidays and other developments at home. There certainly is a lot of "aftercare" as Sue will let you know, I am passionate to know you are happy. Best wishes, Ian

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

I recommended him to a friend who required help with arranging his wills.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, Many thanks indeed for your very kind review, it is much appreciated. Looking forward to helping you where I can in the future, and please pass my best wishes to Mike and JD!

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Lump sum received and looking for investment advice

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Helped clarify my attitude to risk, provided technical and financial advice as to how best invest and gave me other strategies that I hadn't otherwise considered.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don't think there were any areas that I couldn't have asked about, seemed to have in depth knowledge on all of my questions.

Ian's reply

Hi Nick, many thanks for taking the time to write such a very kind review. I look forward to being of service for you in the future. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

due to getting to 65 years old needed advice

How has Ian Francis helped you?

by looking at ways of moving my pensions to a better company

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not yet as it is on going at this present time

What could they have done better?

I don't know yet as I am waiting to see the reults soon

Ian's reply

Hi Tony, Many thanks for taking the time to leave the review, much appreciated. I'll be in touch when everything is set up and we can discuss how things are looking in a few months (a lot less expensive!). Best wishes, Ian

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

Despite my best efforts, my house extension and garden landscaping project went over budget. I contacted Ian to see if it would be possible to obtain any further monies from my Equity Release provider. As ever, Ian discussed this possibility with me in detail and advised me of the appropriate course of action. This involved me having the house revalued to see if the extension had increased the value of my property. It had! Subsequently Ian was able to liaise with the Equity Release provider and arrange a further advance in order to allow me to complete the project to a high standard. It also enabled me to have sufficient funds in reserve to give me peace of mind for the future. I know that Ian is always anxious to ensure that his clients achieve this latter goal! As previously stated, I am very happy with the service Ian provides, I trust his judgement and very much value his advice. It's worth stating again that he helped me achieve my dream, for which I will always be grateful.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write this review, it's appreciated so much! Hopefully I'll be able to meet you again soon. Best wishes Ian

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

Ian has stayed in touch with us to make sure all is well. His service and checking back through all the features etc has been wonderful.

Ian's reply

Hi Sarah, many thanks for taking the time and trouble to write this review. Looking forward to meeting you both soon!

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

We were looking for equity release as our property we live in was having to be sold, due to a interest only mortgage. So we needed advice.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian came to our home and explained what he did. He took our details, mortgage, etc and came back with his outcome of what our expectations were. He explained that equity release would be our option, as we could,nt get equity on our home, as we owed to much interest, our option was to sell and get equity on our new property.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have sold our property and are having to downsize. With the money we have left and equity release, that is buying our new home. Ian has informed us every step of the way.

What could they have done better?

Ian could,nt have been more helpful.

Ian's reply

Hi Diana, many thanks for taking the time to write the review, it is much appreciated. Here's hoping that your completion will be quick! Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

We were first time buyers .

How has Ian Francis helped you?

He helped us get our first mortgage age.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have a house and our first mortgage.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he is incredible.

Ian's reply

Hi Nakita, thank you very much for taking the time to write the review for me. I am looking forward to hearing about completion! Best wishes to you both. Ian

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

We have kept my finances under review and I feel Ian has answered all my questions quickly and helpfully.

Ian's reply

Hi Emma, many thanks for taking the time to write this review, much appreciated. Look forward to meeting you again soon. Best wishes, Ian

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ian Francis helped you since your last review?

ian sends emails and is always on the end of the phone if you have concerns , always happy to help and advise , great service you don't get with these bigger companys

Ian's reply

Many thanks for your time to give this review Paul, its much appreciated and I look forward to getting together in the hopefully near future!

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

I was looking initially for a way to transfer my old pension into a more lucrative pension plan. I also had savings, which I thought would be better placed in an ISA.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian advised me where exactly to transfer my pension and savings, in order to maximise potential benefits over the coming years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen an increase in my investments and I am happy with the performance of both my pension and ISA at the current time.

What could they have done better?

Because investments are not guaranteed positive performances on a monthly basis, this process has to be well managed and monitored to obtain the best results from the stock market movements.

Ian's reply

Many thanks for taking the time to do this review for me Andy, it is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Ian

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I recognised the need to be properly insured and wanted Ian to give me advice.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian sourced a really good policy for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Ian's reply

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review Emma, I look forward to meeting you and your family soon! Best wishes, Ian

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ian

Ian was very reassuring and extremely helpful with clear advice and support. I had some complex investments that required untangling and restructuring. Ian indicated how that could happen and the implications associated with making changes. He is very knowledgeable and careful. I am delighted with his work and hope to be associated with his services for time to come.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, many thanks for your very kind review. Its a real pleasure for me to be able to help your with your investments and I look forward to meeting you both again soon. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I have used Ian's services in the past to secure equity release to fund an extension at my home. My hope was to "future proof" it for my needs in later life. The costs for the extension overran my initial budget.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

I have remained in contact with Ian and he followed the progress of the extension keenly. I discussed my shortage of funds with him and he advised me that it may be possible to secure a further release of equity on my property. This was likely in view of the fact that the extension had greatly increased its value.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely! Securing the additional borrowing has enabled me to complete the project with the added bonus of now having some money in reserve (should it be needed) - and the peace of mind that that brings. Ian has helped me to make a long held dream come true. I am sure that without his help and advice this would not have happened.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say that, in my view and in my own personal circumstances, Ian could not have bettered his service or the end result!

Ian's reply

Many thanks Sue for taking the time and trouble to leave this review, it is much appreciated. It is always a pleasure to visit and see what advice I can give and follow it up with making sure you have a meaningful standard of service. Looking forward to the next visit!

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

My partner and myself decided that we should arrange our wills.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

He explained everything about Wills that we needed to know and advised us on anything we were unsure about.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything is as we discussed, and suits our needs perfectly.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing he could improve on, evrything was completed quickly and excellent communications.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, thank you so much for your very kind review, which was much appreciated. I am looking forward to meeting you, Mike and JD, again soon. Take care, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

I needed advice on investing an inheritance and long-term family health care.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian francis gave me very sound advice and nothing was too much effort for him, nor did I feel pressured at any point while he helped me invest my money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes,

What could they have done better?

Every part of the service I received exceeded expectations.

Ian's reply

Thank you so much William, your feedback is very warmly appreciated. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Our mortgage fixed rate was coming to an end and friends recommended Ian as he had got them a good deal on their mortgage

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian found us a great mortgage deal, saving us both time and money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are now on a lower fixed rate deal and Ian kept us informed all the way through the process

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

I had inherited money after my father's death and wanted to increase its value through investments and savings.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian suggested a pension investment opportunity with a good potential short-long term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been a little less than anticipated, although Ian has recently adjusted my investments to gain a greater overall potential.

What could they have done better?

Investments are not easy to predict or to speculate on, although I feel that Ian has worked very hard to provide me with the best investment opportunities.

Ian's reply

Many thanks for your review Andy, it is much appreciated. Advising on investments takes a lot of factors into account to make sure that investors feel they understand the advice, the risks, and the ways we can use to monitor whether everything is on track to meet a client's objectives. It is always a pleasure to meet with you and review your investments. I look forward to the opportunity to do so for many years to come! Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

I had been considering the possibility of Equity Release in order to finance the construction of an extension to my property. Some of the money would also be used, at the same time, to fund essential maintenance on the house. The extension would give me a downstairs loo/wet room and would involve the levelling of my garden and removal of lawns etc. The reason for the extension and additional work was to try to "future proof" my property in order that I may continue to live here should my health decline and I am no longer able to get upstairs. I was very conscious of the "bad press" that Equity Release has received in the past and was anxious to engage the services of a bona fide regulated Financial Adviser and, eventually, a reliable and trustworthy Equity Release provider.

How has Ian Francis helped you?

Ian went to great lengths to explain that Equity Release is not for everyone and he made sure that I understood all the pros and cons. He also reviewed my current financial situation and outlined other potential options for raising the cash should I decide not to pursue the Equity Release option. He provided me with written information and quotes and allowed me sufficient time in between visits to read and digest everything. At all stages he was available for discussion, make suggestions and to answer any questions I had. He is very professional but also friendly and approachable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I did ultimately decide on Equity Release and I am very satisfied with the outcome of my decision. Indeed, my property is currently being extended as a direct result of me receiving funding from an Equity Release provider who was recommended by Ian.

What could they have done better?

I don't think Ian could have improved on the service he gave me. At the initial stage there was a "glitch" with an Equity Release provider which left me very disappointed and believing that perhaps my hopes and plans would be scuppered. The "glitch" in no way had anything to do with Ian or his recommendation. It related to the somewhat unusual lending criteria of a company and their interpretation of property descriptions in my locality. Understanding completely my disappointment, Ian was very sympathetic and reassuring and went to great lengths to expeditiously source a different provider (who had no qualms about providing Equity Release on my property) and brokered an excellent deal! Ian is very enthusiastic about the "new build" at my property and was very keen to be kept up to date with progress and photos and intends to visit when next in the area. I know he will also provide sound advice for my future financial planning in relation to long term care should this prove necessary.

Ian's reply

Hi Sue, thank you so much for your very kind review, it is much appreciated and valued. I am really looking forward to meeting you again soon to see how its all come together for you. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Looking for the best mortgage rate, didn’t want to spend lots of time in banks, and wanted to review insurances

How has Ian Francis helped you?

He was great, understood mine and my husband’s needs, took a lot of time and gave a really personal service. He kept us informed of the process all the way through.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. And he has stayed in touch to make sure we are happy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he covered everything we wanted him to help with and he talked through everything really well.

Ian's reply

Many thanks Emma, much appreciated and it was a pleasure to help you both. Best wishes, Ian

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

We had been to banks and non seemed to be that interested ,not returning calls or following up calls so we called ian

How has Ian Francis helped you?

He was fantastic and so helpful talked us though everything ,and sorted mortgage for us getting us a great deal and advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and Ian always rings up to make sure things are ok

What could they have done better?

No Ian was fantastic from start to finish very professional

Ian's reply

Thank you so much Paul. It was a real pleasure to help and I know we will stay in touch. Best wishes, Ian