James Drake

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Helpful and understanding, courteous and polite.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I spoke to James about my pension options today and he was very knowledgeable. I found the call useful and appreciated that James had a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness. As someone who is not confident with figures and finances, I felt comfortable and in good hands. There was no pressure to go ahead and commit to paid services. I would recommend speaking to James if you are looking for guidance or support in this area.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

My wife and I are expecting a 2nd child in June and we’re trying to plan for the future as effectively as possibly.

How has James Drake helped you?

James has produced a Will for my wife and I. The process has been seamless from start to finish, he’s a real professional and expert in his field, I wouldn’t use anyone else and I’ll be recommending him to friends, family and staff. Thanks James.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, for sure. James has gone above and beyond. Not only did he ensure we had everything covered that we needed, he also gave great advice and confidence around our decision making. James is incredibly knowledgable & I valued his advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, a pleasure to deal with James.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I was looking for someone to manage a Grant of Probate and the inheritance after the death of my mother. Then write my will.

How has James Drake helped you?

James has been absolutely fantastic throughout the process. He managed the whole administration side, leaving me stress free. He sorted a lengthy Grant of Probate and was sensitive and understanding during the Will writing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, James has been great.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I was very confused with the overload information regarding my pension. James was extremely helpful in explaining my options and for making sense of it all. I would definitely recommend James for his help on pensions.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Provided solid, honest advice and clearly had the technical expertise to back it up.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Absolutely excellent advice and help , friendly and professional services.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Enlightening

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Found James through VouchedFor having spent endless hours searching for the right adviser. I finally found one in James! Parient, knowledgeable and explained everything to me with great clarity James assisted me with my old workplace pension

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very good jobs

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

My brother and I were named executors of our late father’s estate and were anxious about carrying out this role at a difficult time. We were looking for professional help to get everything sorted properly.

How has James Drake helped you?

James kindly and professionally took on the role of executor. He sorted out probate for us and arranged the clearing, marketing and selling our father’s property. He made sure everything was carried out according to our father’s will. James kept us informed at every stage and was very prompt at answering all our questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

James help and hard work exceeded my expectations. Everything went really smoothly and our father’s estate was settled in good time and without any worry for us.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Required a will for myself and my wife.

How has James Drake helped you?

James drafted our will and provided guidance throughout the seamless process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I wanted to arrange for wills to be drawn up for myself and my husband.

How has James Drake helped you?

James was extremely helpful and was able to assist and advise where necessary.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our wills were drawn up in line with our wishes and this was done in a timely and very professional manner, thanks.

What could they have done better?

More than happy with the service.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

A continuing poor service from another company.

How has James Drake helped you?

.James was attentive and service very speedy. We now have peace of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

On moving to the area my wife and I needed a local advisor.

How has James Drake helped you?

By giving us very sound advice and guidance through the process on drafting our wills and powers of attorney.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very happy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Renew our wills

How has James Drake helped you?

He listened to us and answered all of our questions/worries and renewed our wills and reviewed all of our saving etc and gave us helpful advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I was looking for advice on a pension and also we needed to make a Will.

How has James Drake helped you?

James was very knowledgeable in both subjects, he was really good at explaining them to me and answered any questions I had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing James was great.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Needed to get advice on pensions

How has James Drake helped you?

Gave me sound advice and consolidated my pension ensuring a better return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but so far so good

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Moved jobs and had a workplace pension i wanted reviewing

How has James Drake helped you?

He discussed my options with me, took the time to make sure i was fully aware and help guide me to the best option for me. He also took care of the whole transfer from start to finish.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, as far as i was concerned everything was perfect!

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

Transfer of pensions

How has James Drake helped you?

James advised me on several different options for my pensions. James’s advise was very thorough and he was very knowledgeable on the different options available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pensions and investments can go up and down

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

To review various investments.

How has James Drake helped you?

Firstly there is a person, rather than a large company to communicate with. Through James’ intensive research, I have better options moving forward. Especially in these very tricky times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything. There was one transfer was rather protracted, but well monitored by James.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

To sort out various pensions and get advice on them. To look at some financial advice and investments

How has James Drake helped you?

He helped me with all of the above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early yet to see results

What could they have done better?

N/a

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I had several private pension schemes which I didn’t fully understand and that required a specialist to give me an unbiased review, with a view to combining them and to make them work harder for me ahead of retirement.

How has James Drake helped you?

James explained what I had and the benefits of the existing plan, highlighting the positives and the negatives of retaining them in their existing pots, versus combing them and choosing a new plan which suited me now and which would give me the retirement income I needed. James was very detailed and clear in all the explanations and made sure I understood the changes I opted to participate in. He also reviewed the protection I had in place and adapted it to suit my needs and to reduce the costs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been very happy and extremely satisfied with the outcome and James has been efficient and thorough throughout the process and beyond. Keeping me informed during and after.

What could they have done better?

James completed everything to my satisfaction and really couldn’t have done more. I would recommend James for any areas of financial planning that need consulting and I am confident he will always give sound and appropriate advice without pressure, and in the best interests of his clients at all times.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I wasn’t confident that my then current financial arrangements were working to my advantage

How has James Drake helped you?

By investing my finances in higher yielding funds etc. whilst taking into account what my present and future financial plans might be, risk levels and how my financial needs might vary from time to time or in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely ! Although obviously certain economic factors going on currently and the last year or so has impacted my portfolio.detrimentally which is only to be expected.

What could they have done better?

It’s been a five star service, I couldn’t have asked for better.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

James was recommended by my mother-in-law

How has James Drake helped you?

James arranged the transfer to two small pensions into one fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The transfers were managed in a professional & efficient manner

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I had left my current employer and needed a new home for my pension

How has James Drake helped you?

He has simplified my pensions into one pot and explained the benefits of the move. He is going to review the pension each year to make sure it is invested in the correct area

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes