Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 9 )

Mortgages ( 1 )

Pensions ( 18 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 2 )

Investments and Savings ( 22 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 1 )

Inheritance Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 9 )

£200k - £500k ( 7 )

£100k - £200k ( 2 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Client reviews

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

The telephone consultation went very well I found Ben to be very easy to talk to, and understood the topics we discussed

Review from verified client

June, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

We wanted to put in place a coherent long-term strategy to save for retirement.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben carried out an initial thorough review of our then current situation and suggested a number of changes. He fully explained the proposals to us, and the rationale for them, allowing us to make informed decisions. We find Ben's approach very clear and straightforward and feel as though we can have honest and open discussions with him. The review meetings prove very useful and the information Ben provides is presented in a format which is very easy to understand and interpret.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is still early days, but we are happy with the plan which is in place and are therefore optimistic that the results will follow.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

He was clear about the service he could offer and provided me with an illustration of his services. I however have chosen a different course.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

I wanted ongoing financial advice from someone that I could count on to be there should I have a question on existing investments or wanted to discuss my options for the future. This was no longer an option for me with my previous financial institution. As my circumstances had changed, being able to ask for guidance and assistance was important to me.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Initially we discussed my current investment portfolio and advised how that could be reinvested using a more conservative plan to protect me in the future. Since then we meet regularly to discuss the performance and any changes to my circumstances that might impact on future investment strategies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too early to tell, especially in the current climate. Currently I am happy with the sound advice and service I have received.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything, I do know I can turn to him for further advice when needed.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

We wanted someone to look over our finances and check we were saving enough and in a reasonable position financially for the future.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben has been really good at just listening to what we wanted from life, and then coming up with a financial plan to ensure we can afford it. He explains things very clearly and has been great at recommending investments and making sure we're making the most of all the options available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Only time will tell, but all looking very good so far!.

What could they have done better?

Can't really think of anything. Very happy with the service Ben provides.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Service

Value

Advice

Based in

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

Preparation for early retirement.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Diligent consolidation of various past pension pots into a coherent strategy and selection of two appropriate new funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, so good!.

What could they have done better?

I am completely happy with the service and advice provided.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

My old financial adviser retired, and I looked for a fully qualified, experienced financial adviser and found Ben.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

He helped my wife and I to develop a financial plan, and work towards our retirement. Having assessed our attitude to risk, existing insurance arrangements, commitments and portfolio he made a number of suggestions to simplify our approach, reduce fees and maximise returns. He also secured a refund of several thousand pounds on an income protection policy which wouldn't have paid out if we had needed to make a claim.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have just had our latest annual review with Ben, and we are now ahead of where we need to be in the run up to our retirements. This even stood up to a stress test so we are very pleased with the position Ben has achieved for us.

What could they have done better?

We can't think of anything. He is there when we need him and his advice is sensible and constructive.

Review from verified client

April, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

The acquisition of a substantial amount of money; therefore needing help with financial planning to mitigate against inheritance tax liability whilst securing an income for myself into old age.

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben's approach was to find out everything he could about my hopes for the future and any fears I might have. He suggested that I have family members at our meetings. The meetings were never rushed and Ben never minded going over something again for a greater understanding.The charging structure was fully explained and the level of risk that I was prepared to take was agreed upon. Once he had an overall picture of my financial situation he came up with a Master Plan. I find Ben most approachable and feel able to ask any questions at any time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am pleased with the outcomes so far. I could not have achieved this level of expertise on my own. I feel that my financial needs and those of my family are as secure as they possibly can be in a time of fluctuating markets and government policy change. The advice regarding pension provision and inheritance planning have been most helpful.

What could they have done better?

I can't find anything negative to say but, if I did have a problem or suggestion to make, I know Ben would address any issues I may have promptly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Very helpful, open, generous with his information and clear with his advice.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben is by far the best financial adviser we have had. We trust him implicitly to guide us in the right direction.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Ben was very patient and helpful,he sent me an example of a financial plan which was very interesting, I will be arranging a meeting with Ben in the near future

Review from verified client

December, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben listened to our description of the current situation and challenge our plans for the future in a constructive way, bearing in mind our values and wants/needs. He explains things clearly and allows us time to explore our current thinking. His analysis is accurate and is produced timely. He is confident of his ability and skills and always happy to accept the challenge of service value vs fees.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben gave my husband and me great service. We know little of things financial, and he took us through all the steps needed, explaining things (sometimes repeatedly) in a straightforward way. We are interested in ethical investments, and he went out of his way to research and draw up a plan fitting our requirements exactly. We have had a number of meetings with Ben, and he is always ready to go through things again, presenting a number of possible scenarios. No "hard sell" at all - very impressive! We feel confident in the decisions he has helped us make, and we are very pleased that Ben will continue to advise us.

What could they have done better?

No improvement possible!

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hertfordshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

He is very empathetic, he listens, and he provides clear advice measured to what you have said. He really wants to get to know you. So he feels very much on your side. The AXA product is good. He gives complete confidence to me and my wife.

What could they have done better?

will tell you once I retire!

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben explains things very clearly, and has helped us manage our finances and plan for the future. His review of our insurances revealed that one policy would not pay out in the event of a claim and he helped us to successfully recover 3 years of premiums from that insurer.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben is extremely professional, thorough and well organised. He can be relied on to follow up all actions and discussions both promptly and accurately. A great listener, Ben takes time to understand our plans and aspirations and adapts our financial planning in line with our changing circumstances. Through regular updates and our annual Masterplan Ben's advice and guidance is useful and relevant. Contrasting with other financial advice we have received in the past, we have never felt pressurised into taking out a product and Ben's advice is pragmatic and realistic. We would not hesitate to recommend Ben.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

A very positive first meeting: we discussed our expectations of what Ben would provide and costs were made clear from the outset. We came away feeling very confident in Ben's ability to advise us and to manage our finances as we approach retirement. We lo

Review from verified client

May, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben takes time to understand your current position and asks the right questions to find out where you want to be in the future. He is able map out a plan of how to get there. Ben is timely in all actions and responses, thoughtful in questions and provides dynamic responses.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ben

Review from verified client

December, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Staffordshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

I have been working with Ben over the last 2 years. Having met with various financials advisers over the years, none of them took the time to fully understand my current situation, short, medium and long term goals like Ben did. Ben is easy to talk to and took us through a structured process to understand our appetite for risk, what our goals were and where we needed to be in terms of earnings. This resulted in a detailed financial plan concerning investments and earnings to reach a comfortable retirement by 55. Ben has already saved me some significant sums with some useful tax planning and has given me some great advice concerning our insurance protection. Ben is an intelligent, informed and trusted adviser to our family who I would highly recommend.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Personal service. Very helpful annual master plan reviews which are always followed up with a written summary of topics discussed and plans to be implemented. Regular statements of investments which are clearly set out and easy to understand.The ability to give advise on alternative life plan scenarios. The use of computer software to instantly give clear visual images of investment plans., through the use of easy to read graphs.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

After initially completing a detailed information document for Ben we then met to discuss our financial situation, in particular pensions and retirement provisions. Ben inspires total confidence and explains the often complex choices available in a straightforward and uncomplicated way. He is easy to talk to and I don't feel at all inhibited if at first I don't understand anything!

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben really took time to understand what was important to us and then produced a simple to understand plan to meet our personal goals. We have reviewed this regularly and he has always been available to us when we have had questions or our circumstances have changed. His investment advise has been very rewarding for us. He has always been very conscientous, friendly, professional and approachable. We trust him unreservedly and have recommended him to several of our frineds.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more comes to mind as we have, for the first time ever, been totally happy with our financial management.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben always explains clearly his logic and I have never been in any doubt about his advice. He deals with all matters competently and promptly.I find Ben very trustworthy,personable and tolerant and I feel he completely understands my position on risk. He is also willing to discuss other matters of finance which is very helpful. A very professional financial advisor.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He's excellent.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben meets with us at least twice per annum. He provides an agenda in advance and I can add or subtract from it prior to the meeting. He takes notice of our views particularly with regard to risk profile.if I don't want to go through with a particular recommendation he is quite happy to accept my reasons. I always have the feeling that he has our best interests at heart. My previous adviser caused me real problems and anyone would have been better but with Ben I have found a real gem, his pension advice and support is invaluable

What could they have done better?

All financial advisers and pundits tend to use language that they understand but clients find needs explanation. Often this is also verbose and repetitive. I understand that they need to protect themselves but there is too much repetition .

Review from verified client

October, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Advice on investments; understanding my risk level and my understanding of the options; helping claim CGT off-sets (about which I knew nothing really); forecasting the next 20+ years of my life and advising forward actions

What could they have done better?

Just carry on

Review from verified client

October, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Oxfordshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Excellent manner, very pleasant and communicative. Goes a long way (both physically and communication-wise) to meet us where we are and gives honest, helpful advice. Always available to ask questions and very tolerant of stupid ones, of which I usually have many. We are delighted that Ben is helping us.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Outstanding.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Middlesex

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben has painstakingly gone reviewed my financial position, constructed a sensible investment plan and executed it efficiently. Alongside this he has frequently volunteered ideas or solutions to finance related issues facing myself or my family. In summary, he has brought a most welcome degree of organisation, structure and logic to our financial affairs

Review from verified client

October, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben listens very well and does not "sell". He clearly wants to do the bvest thing for us and is driven by his professionalism. I have every confidence in his ability. He is clearly bright and seems to actually understand the products he is talking about - which cannot be said for many IFAs that I have come across

Review from verified client

October, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

How has Ben Westaway helped you?

Ben instilled a feeling of confidence in his abilities from the outset, We were immediately impressed and remain so with his meticulous attention to detail, his technical knowledge, his polite and considered approach to meeting our needs and his considered and thoughtful presentation of the investment options available to us. We have also very much appreciated his willingness to go that "extra mile" when the occasion demands it. In summary we are extremely satisfied with the excellent overall quality of service that Ben has provided and look forward to continuing to benefit from working with him for many more years to come. We have no hesitation in recommending him to others.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with the quality of service that Ben provides.