Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Mortgages ( 2 )

Pensions ( 22 )

Equity Release ( 2 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 17 )

Auto Enrolment ( 1 )

Investments and Savings ( 9 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 7 )

Inheritance Planning ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 3 )

Financial Planning ( 10 )

Financial Mentoring ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 1 )

£200k - £500k ( 5 )

£100k - £200k ( 5 )

Up to £50k ( 5 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

Client reviews

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

In our online meeting I thought Amy was a great listener and able to answer all my questions. My personal situation is that I am looking to change an existing Pensions adviser rather than setting up a new pension.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Pension investment

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Gave excellent advice on future annuity income & drawdowns from pension pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Amy's reply

Thank you for the review James, I really appreciate it. Amy

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Retired from ICI, who recommended Berry, Stansby & Walker to provide financial advice. We used this company from 1997 until they transferred the business to Ellis Bates. We have been with Ellis Bates ever since. Our previous Financial Adviser, Mike Gent, recommended Amy Burge to replace him after he retired.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Continued the service previously porovided by Mike Gent.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Recently, due to international and national conditions, growth of our investments has not been as good as, say, four or five years ago. From our original investments (in 1997) growth had been extremely good but seems to have stalled over the past few years.

What could they have done better?

We're hoping that when the national and international situation improves then so will our investments.

Amy's reply

Thank you for the review Edward, its very much appreciated. Best wishes Amy

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

I found Amy to be very credible and professional. She put me at ease within minutes and I found her to be honest and straightforward. She answered any question that I had. The session convinced me that it might be the right time to engage the services of a financial advisor.

Amy's reply

Thank you for the review Christina

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I decided to take early retirement as I was 60 years of age and felt it important to seek professional advice

How has Amy Burge helped you?

I have been a retail Area manager for 40years so as you can imagine I have sat through many management skills training sessions Amy has all the cornerstones covered she listens more than speaks which is a skill I struggled with She explains everything in detail in layman’s terms no unnecessary jargon, I felt as though we were a team throughout, nothing was ever a problem Also warm and friendly, I don’t know who at Ellis Bates recruited Amy but they will never do a better day’s work

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely 100% Amy explained process and financial outcomes from the very outset with fantastic written and verbal communication throughout

What could they have done better?

Not a thing

Amy's reply

Thank you very much for the lovely review Graham!

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

Investing redundancy payment.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Given good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Clear and uncomplicated advice.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I have been a client of Ellis Bates for a number of years and following the retirement of my previous adviser, I now work with Amy and am more than happy with the service she has provided to me.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy provides regular updates as and when I request them and advises me on the best course of action given my current situation and needs. I am very happy with the service I receive.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Things seem to be improving. It has been a difficult few years, but investments etc seem to be on an upward trajectory, so I remain positive.

What could they have done better?

I have no issues and am pleased to be working with Amy.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

After a Divorce I required a number of pensions for a pension share scattered about with various companies and needed help consolidating them .

How has Amy Burge helped you?

She helped me consolidate all of theses pensions and advice on drawing some down , I’m no able to afford my own home.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes most definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

We have had an initial Teams conversation about consolidation of pensions and drawdown.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

Amy has taken over as our adviser following the retirement of our previous long term contact. Our first meeting was most positive, with Amy having a good grasp of our finances, current situation and future plans and needs. She came across as very friendly, knowledgeable and approachable.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Provided advise and been contactable following our meeting when required, answering emails and queries very promptly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Past performance from our portfolio has been very good and Amy has recommended continuing with the current strategy, so hope that performance will be maintained.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that we could identify.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Very helpful advice wot I wasn’t sure about Amy took the time to explain

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Lothian

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

For advice on my current pension

How has Amy Burge helped you?

To show and explain how the markets have performed over the last 5 years, with focus on how my own pension works and has performed. It was very well explained.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Maybe sending me my annual plan performance earlier, but can understand that this was down to my previous advisor retiring.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy was great and explained things very clearly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

A short meeting via Teams to discuss a change from my existing IFA to a new IFA. A very good meeting and Amy provided information then and also through a follow up email.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in London

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

I was looking to invest money after receiving inheritance, my family were already with Ellis Bates and they put me in touch with an adviser.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy has directed and given me advice on a number of areas, mostly in regards to my investments and portfolio. Amy has organised my annual meeting to discuss how my portfolio is performing and to discuss what might change in the future along with organising extra spontaneous meetings to give financial advice in regards to planning for the future and helping to withdraw funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, my money has been invested wisely in a strong portfolio that I am very happy with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I needed Amy to help me transfer the six pensions I had into one to make it easier to see my pension pot plus take the 25% tax free payments from them.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

To put my six pensions into one and take my 25% tax free payments out.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy was very attentive to the financial details provided to her, and always put my needs and concerns on the forefront. Even though she suggested I wouldn't need further financial advice, she had stayed in the call for an hour and gave some suggestions as to how I could go forward with my financial planning. I truly appreciate her professionalism. If further down the line I require financial planning advice, I would definitely to go Amy again.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Useful, informative teams call with Amy. she was knowledgeable and helpful. The fees however prohibited me taking it any further

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Knowledgeable, approachable, friendly. Exactly what you need as an financial advisor.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I had my annual pension review.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

She organised my wishes and gave me advice on my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not sure I can answer that question fully but I think the time scale of my requests could have been a little shorter.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

On our video call Amy was attentive and informative, made everything clear and did not push me into making a rushed decision on anything. She provided a balanced outlook and provided enough information for me to make a choice on moving forward.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Wanting advise on planing for my retirement - what i needed to do to best use the limited funds i had saved over the years.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

I found Amy to be very warm, clear, supportive and knowledgeable. I felt she very much focused on my needs moving forwards and how best to meet them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Very open and easy to understand.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

I have only had one meeting with Amy so far but I was impressed with her patient explanation of the financial matters which I am facing. I have confidence in her ability to give me advice on future investments. Her pleasant and friendly approach was commendable.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Explained options clearly and concisely with a friendly disposition. Very informative and showed a good knowledge of available products that would suit my needs. Thank You

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

She understood my issue and plans going forwards, have me comprehensive information understandable to me and my level of knowledge.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

She was very informative

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

The subject and explanation were well covered and easily understood. I was encouraged by the knowledge demonstrated and was able to trust Amy as someone that I would have confidence in my financial matters relating to pensions.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Very friendly and we managed to get discuss the topic at hand and propose a plan with expectations following the meeting.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Very helpful and knowledgeable

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy was easy to talk to, understanding of my financial queries (of which I had three distinct types) and immediately helpful on certain matters. She gave good advice and is able to assist in more protracted matters should I wish. I’d definitely recommend her. ?

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Excellent intro mtg. She spoke with authority and built rapport naturally

Review from verified client

March, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berwickshire

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

To invest money from house sale

How has Amy Burge helped you?

She is my personal advisor and has been excellent

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy was very helpful explaining the in,s and out,s of pensions and retirement. Thanks.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

The experience has been good when dealing with Amy

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Really helping with various scenarios. Thanks Amy

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy is a very knowledgeable adviser and I feel completely at ease knowing she will endeavour to invest my money wisely and with integrity.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Need for independent advice

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Knowledgeable and able to provide clear advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

I am.not a paying client of Amy's, but her initial.phone call and information was very helpful.and relevant.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Amy

Amy put me at ease straight away and listened to my needs and provided me with clear and informative information on the products I require for my needs.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Needed an update on on pensions

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Bringing my pensions together

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days

What could they have done better?

Can't answer that yet as it's early days

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Move pension

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Explained everything fully and helped find right company for my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Dumfriesshire

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

I needed good advice on my claim.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy has been very helpful and has a canny way in making me understand how she explains what the outcome will be as my claim is near the conclusion.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far I'm very happy with things as they are.

What could they have done better?

Nothing in my case!They are very good getting to the point.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

To make a withdrawal from my pension.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy explained in great detail all about my pensions, income and expenditure, propels for a withdrawal and how to move my pension to allow the withdrawal.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I cannot fault her work, attention to detail and pleasant manner she was a pleasure to work with.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

After a divorce I had a pension sharing order

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Greatly as this was totally alien to me !

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not quite completed yet

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Retirement and transfer of a private pension plan. Also advice regarding finance management in my Retirement

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Supported me through the financial management of my retirement. Including the correct use of capital and investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Amy was very helpful throughout the process. She made sure I understood each step.

What could they have done better?

I don't think I could have asked for an easier pathway through this period. Amy has been super supportive and clearly knows her craft.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Advice on my pensions

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy secured a bonus payment into one of my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Amy has given me sound advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.Amy has given me sound advice and I now know where I stand regarding my three pensions.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Value

Service

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I inherited money from my great grandmother and I want to grow the fund to beat inflation and provide stable future support for myself and my family.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy is the main contact for me at Ellis Bates and has been since day 1. She is incredibly friendly and has been wonderful in explaining what investing is, the process, benefits and risks, influencing factors, the terminology etc. as I've never invested before. This has helped me make informed decisions even if it risked me being turned away and I appreciate it. She has provided prompt advice on multiple occasions, met with me on my schedule and preferences and remains open for questions if I have any. Overall, Amy is a kind and honest adviser and I hope to continue working with her.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

N/a too soon to tell, only just invested.

What could they have done better?

Amy has done everything she can and continues to be there when I need her.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Retirement

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy has helped me understand the financial implications with my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Happy with the advice given.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Did not understand the private pension system.

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Cleared a lot of things up and started amalgamating my current pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have only just taken out the pension.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really I have had no concerns.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I am retiring and needed Pension advise

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy has been excellent - she explained things in a way that was easy to understand and was very informative when I asked questions. It was really good and time saving been able to talk via teams too

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not a lot really Amy talked me through everything shared her screen to show me things one day maybe we could meet in person

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Taking tax free sum from pension

How has Amy Burge helped you?

With clear and helpful advice which I could understand

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

I needed to plan for my retirement

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Good, clear advice that really help be be more confident about stepping back from work and enjoying my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Changing pension funds

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Showed me what I needed to do and explained why,what was on the market

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Pension advice

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Amy is thoroughly professional in all aspects, a great communicator and nothing is too much trouble.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, first class service

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Due to my divorce

How has Amy Burge helped you?

Helped me in doing my pension from my ex husband as I didn't have one

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing