Ken Bannister

Repeat review from verified client

September, 2020

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

How has Ken Bannister helped you since your last review?

He has monitored my investments and arranged a Zoom meeting when we couldn't meet in person. He has also produced a book titled 'My Financial Briefcase' to help people organise their affairs.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

I have recently changed roles and had a significant earnings increase, I am choosing this time to start planning my long term financial health and also to minimize my immediate liabilities.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Active Wealth are a team I trust for long term financial advice. Many people of my age do not consider their long term financial goals and don't have the expertise to do so. I trust this team to give me the advice I need to make informed decisions on my financial future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I expect this to be a long term relationship so the outcome is TBD. However, I was very happy with the intial interactions.

Ken's reply

Hi Paul Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We look forward to working with you. Kind regards Ken Bannister

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I required a pension

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Provided advice for me to consider my options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Ken is superb and provided complex information in a way I could understand

Ken's reply

Hi Jane. Thank you for leaving a review. Much appreciated. Kind Regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I did not have sufficient knowledge of my pension and investment options

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken went through the details of all of my investments and pensions and advised me of better products suitable for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am now comfortable in retirement thanks to Ken's guidance through the years.

Ken's reply

Hello John. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, very much appreciated. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Receipt of funds from sale of an asset.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Gave investment and tax advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Growth in investments has been slow for the past few years.

What could they have done better?

Not sure.

Ken's reply

Hi Theresa. Thanks for the review. There are always some years where investment performance is variable and investments should be made with a view to the longer term. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I needed good advice for my savings as I am getting old

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He helped in my will and my savings and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes as Ken had predicted all going fine.

What could they have done better?

To be contacted on a regular basis is good for both parties.

Ken's reply

Hi Phil. Thanks for the testimonial. I hope you are enjoying your time in the USA. Regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Sorting out our financial affairs for the future from Wills, Trusts, Pensions, Insurance Protection and advising on investment funds.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

"For our family, Ken has accessed up to date market knowledge, policies, benefits and legalities and has set us up with wills, trusts, life policies, investment funds and ISAs in the most tax effect way ensuring Inheritance Tax is kept to a minimum. The children will be provided for, and our money is working as hard as possible. I now have peace of mind that if anything happens, our affairs are in order. Henrietta, Housewife, Southampton"

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything is in place and growing nicely!

What could they have done better?

Ken hit the mark of everything we needed and left no stone unturned which has given us great peace of mind.

Ken's reply

Hi Henrietta. Many thanks for taking the time to leave a testimonial. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Divorce, looking to the future

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Kind, caring, professional and knows his stuff!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing

What could they have done better?

Earn the money for me!

Ken's reply

Hi Sara. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is much appreciated. I hope all is well with you. Regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Wish to transfer out of a vocational pension

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

he provided information about the risks and benefits of our propsed plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

in this case there was little room for further advice. ken continues to provide advice on a range of investment and retirement planning

Ken's reply

Hi Mike. Many thanks for leaving a review. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Pension investment

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Offered impartial advice by assessing clearly our views on risks & the returns we’re looking for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Ken's reply

Hi Yvonne. Thank you for leaving a review, much appreciated. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Changing family circumstances

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and has the confidence to listen to our requirements and offer alternatives for us to consider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not being experts ourselves we have grown in confidence knowing that the advice we have received has proved beneficial to us.

What could they have done better?

Ken's capacity to review and enhance his own knowledge has given confidence to plan financially. Keep doing what you're doing Ken.

Ken's reply

Hi Catherine. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It is very much appreciated. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

The need to protect the family in the case of my death. I needed to transfer my pension into a SIPP and was looking for a medium to high-risk investment strategy.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Brilliantly as ever! I have known Ken for over 20 years and always use him as my IFA, as does the rest of my family. I have been delighted with the results of the investment strategy which have surpassed my expectations, particularly in the current economic climate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

No, Ken offers an excellent first-class professional service in all areas of his business, from his knowledge and understanding of the investment market right through to Wills and Trusts, and I have no hesitation in recommending his services.

Ken's reply

Hi Richard. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I hope all is well with the family. Kind regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I was lucky enough to have some management buy out shares maturing and wanted advice on what best to do with the money. Also my brother died prematurely and I needed help creating a trust fund for my nephew.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken help me create an managed ISA portfolio and a trust account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All investments have done better than expected and Ken has always been available for advice and equity release.

What could they have done better?

I cannot really fault Ken. If I am being very picky he is not always prompt with his email responses leaving me wondering if he actually received the email. However, inspire of this he has always delivered.

Ken's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Regards Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Financial advice

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken assisted in advising on mortgage, pension and Wills

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Recent redundancy

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Giving advice on topping up pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, outcome was as expected

What could they have done better?

Cant really think of anything

Ken's reply

Dear Craig Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. Kind regards Ken Bannister

Review from verified client

July, 2019

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

I needed to consolidate my finances as I had invested them in ad hoc places with indifferent returns and decided to seek professional advice. I no longer wanted to do it myself.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He helped analyse my finances and discussed what I wanted for the future. We discussed my need for ethical investment and how he would look at that.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In so much as I now have an ethical stocks and shares portfolio. Otherwise too early to say.

What could they have done better?

Too early. So far I have been delighted with Ken’s friendly , practical and professional approach and I feel happy to date with how things have been managed so far.

Ken's reply

Dear Lin Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. Kind regrads Ken Bannister

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

coming up to 60 and needed advice on what to do with pension scheme.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He listened, advised using non jargon terminology and explained the complexities of financial planning in my terms, which was really appreciated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ken offered several solutions and we discussed which was best for me. I got the outcome that I needed.

What could they have done better?

I can think of nothing else that he could have done.

Ken's reply

Dear Sue. Thank you for your feed back which is much apprecaited. I look forward to meeting with you again. Regards Ken Bannister

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

After my husband died I was left with a large sum of money and needed advice as to how to invest it.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He suggested where I should place cash deposits and arranged for another company to deal with investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My money in bringing in a reasonable return.

What could they have done better?

I don't really have any suggestions as I am very pleased with he service I've received

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Helpful and approachable - thank you

Review from verified client

June, 2015

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

Following an inheritance I needed to invest to provide an income. There was also the need to plan for inheritance tax.

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken provided me with a suitable portfolio to ensure a regular monthly income that also gives growth. This is adapted as my needs change and Ken deals with this professionally and swiftly. He is currently assisting with Inheritance Tax and Lasting Power of Attorney for me. Our meetings are proactive on both sides and any suggestions or queries are followed up promptly. His pleasant manner and clarity of explanation enables trust between adviser and client.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments are providing a regular income but also growth. Inheritance Tax issues are in hand as is the necessary admin for Lasting Power of Attorney.

What could they have done better?

Nothing particular - there is a lot of paper involved, but I appreciate that this is necessary for transparency and confirmation of transactions.

Ken's reply

Dear Anne Thank you taking the time to leave a testimonial. Your comments are much appreciated. Regards Ken Bannister

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken initially gave us advice on our wills & power of attorney. Ken covered all scenarios, ensuring our wishes will be carried out. Ken gave us advice when we moved home in 2013 recommending a mortgage advisor who subsequently helped us find a suitable mortgage. Ken then gave us advice leading up to my retirement, and we will be seeking Ken's assistance with financial decisions again shortly. We find Ken to be very easy to talk to, he reassures us & we feel confident in Ken's advice.

Ken's reply

Hi Kevin Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Your comments are much appreciated.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken was able to give me very sound advice on company pension transfer following end of a long employment, his work was very thorough and I felt fully confident that all his advice was both independent and well researched. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ken, not always easy to find excellent independent advice along with an easy to get along with personality. Top marks all round. Ian, Winchester.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything that could be improved on.

Ken's reply

Dear Ian Thank you for leaving valuable feedback. It is good to know that I have met your needs and requirements. I look forward to working with you again in the future. Regards Ken Bannister

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Pleasant chap. So far so good

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

When I contacted this company by email, I had a response which was unbelievably poor from a professional perspective: Mr Bannister asked me to justify my request enquiry which would have involved me divulging confidential financial data, via a non-secured

Ken's reply

I am sorry you were disappointed with my email response. As professional Independent Financial Advisors we never request confidential financial information on email, unless previously agreed. The request was for a general response and did not require any confidential information. You were enquiring about a very complex area of financial planning which is only suitable for a particular set of circumstances hence my request to clarify the course of action. If you would like to contact me again I will be happy to provide further clarification.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

We had our first meeting with Ken yesterday and found him extremely proffesional and knowledgeble. Ken arrived on time and relaxed in his approach, whilst maintaing focus on the job in hand and communicating at an appropiate level for our knowledge. He

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

For our family, Ken has accessed up to date market knowledge, policies, benefits, legal loopholes and has set us up with wills, trusts, life policies, investment funds and Isas in the most tax effect way ensuring Inheritance Tax is kept to a minimum. The children will be provided for, and our money is working as possible. I now have peace of mind that if anything happens, our affairs are in order.

What could they have done better?

I

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Very clear, professional initial no obligation consultation. I will be using Ken's services going forward

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Ken was easy to contact, communicated clearly, and informative about the areas I was interested in.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Ken was patient and approachable, and full of useful information. I really appreciated his time and explanations.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Ken was helpful, he answered all of my questions and provided a great insight into what OI would need his services for in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

My first meeting with Ken was excellent

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Very prompt & detailed with initial meeting at no cost. On conclusion felt Sam was somebody I could trust & get on well with Seemed well versed on the issues I wanted to discuss By far the most experienced IFA I had met

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

There appears to be no easy solution to my "Drawdown pension" problem with Aegon. I shall wait until the next financial year to see if Osborne's new arrangement apply to my policy taken out in 1999,in the infancy of drawdown plans

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ken

Review from verified client

November, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has advised on our investments now for many years. We receive regular updates to the latest investments and pensions and we are happy with their performance. Ken now handles our wills and lasting power of attorney and we have every confidence in him and the excellent job he does with precise attention to detail. He is an extremely trustworthy advisor.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He seems to have advised me well on pensions. I was an Electronics Engineer, and other Engineers did not seem to be so well advised.

What could they have done better?

Filter out the paperwork. I file it all away, but never read it.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken was really good at making sure that i fully understood what he was explaining to me. he didn't rush and i walk away happy with the choices.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Very helpful and is happy for either my husband do I to talk about each other's finances.

What could they have done better?

Less paperwork in these paperless times!

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Easy to approach, patient and always helpful.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken offers excellent impartial financial advice which is easy to understand. He takes all of my circumstances into account and I've been a satisfied customer for the past 10 years.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has overseen our general investments now for many years and over this time we have got to know what an excellent job he does. We are kepy fully informed as to what is happening regarding our investment and are happy with the results acheived. Any communication is dealt with swiftly and all members of his company are most pleasant.

What could they have done better?

We can't really think of any improvement in the service we receive as we are happy with the current relationship. Long may it continue.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Understands us, the scale of our investment and risk appetite, provides clear understandable advice. Comes to us with ideas for change.

What could they have done better?

Ken has looked after us well for many years. We have seen our investments grow and realised the flexibility of our asset through key mortgage and investment advice. Ken also helped us prepare for the future to ensure inhertitance tax efficiencies. He is always very flexible to meet with when and where convenient. Always a pleasure to deal with.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Always friendly and helpful. Always responds promply to querries.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken is always knowledgeable, professional and makes you feel at ease, with his financial advic.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Keeps intouch. Always returns a call. Will advise on any Changes that affect my investments.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has advised my husband & I for many years now. He always explains things very well, we have always trusted him with our finances & during the recession has still managed to make our investments grow. Ken has a very friendly approach, understands our goals & attitude to risks. We would have no hesitation in recommending his services.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken shows a relaxing confidence in his approach to advising on what is best for me and my family. I have been guided by him for a number of years and will continue to do so.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken offers an excellent first class professional service in all areas of his business, from his knowledge and understanding of the investment market right through to Wills and Trusts, and I have no hesitation in recommending his services.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

My wife and I ran our own business for twenty five years, we have dealt with Ken for about fifteen years his advice and expertise have been indispensable in planning for our retirement. I have always found Ken to give good, clear advice presented in a straightforward manner. He takes the time to explain what he is doing. I am very satisfied with the return on our investments and the level of advice and communication.

What could they have done better?

In our opinion , there really isn't anything more he can do to improve his service to us .

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has provided outstanding Financial guidance and recommendations to our business for more than three years. His deep specialist knowledge and innovative ideas have allowed us to maximise options in a number of areas.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

AS a practising Solicitor with over 40 years experience I have known Ken for approx 7 years as both friend and professional adviser. In the latter capacity he has assiisted me and clients and I was most impressed with the detail and clarity of his reports and his easy to understand laymans explanation of difficult concepts. He also gets good results and consistent returns. I would have no hesitation in recommending him

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Personal approach; always done homework; good advice both verbally and on paper.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Excellent advice across the board. Very helpful with advice and guidance in our investment portfolio

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything that needs improvement

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

The first thing Ken did was have us fill out a "profile form" to ascertain what kind of investors we might be: high-risk, low-risk, conservative, etc. My husband and I both found that Ken listened well to our circumstances and what we wanted and needed, in particular our concerns about the need for ethical investment. He has been very un-pushy right from the beginning always giving us plenty of time to think about things and patiently going through what we didn't understand. He has done an excellent job of getting good returns for our ethically invested portfolio and keeping us informed with updates and reports as well as looking out for the most cost-effective way of managing it. Though always professional, he has the personal touch.

What could they have done better?

It is hard to think how he could do better.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

If you want a frank and honest advisor then Ken is exactly that. After my Father passed away and my Mother did not know what to do with their existing savings etc. Ken was invaluable in assisting us in advising my Mother to do what was best. She felt relaxed and completely unpressurised with Ken and now completely trusts his judgements and advice as I do myself. You won't get much better!

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

He is able to explain advice and reports in a manner which is clear and concise and easily understandable. He is good at presenting both the positives and negatives of an approach in a balanced way so that I understand the risks I am taking by agreeing to a course of action.

What could they have done better?

My only concern is what would happen if Ken was no longer available to advise and guide my financial planning.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken acts with integrity and he does what he says he will do within the agreed timescales. The advice and reports he provides are detailed and clear. He acts in the interests of his clients and his charges are clear and competitive.

What could they have done better?

Although Ken does have very competent administrative assistance he is a single point of failure. This is of course a plus as well as a negative.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Ken has proved himself to routinely prompt, polite, focused and knowledgeable and we have come to trust him as our Adviser.

What could they have done better?

Nothing significant comes to mind.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

Personal attention and understanding of our situation with careful balance of risk and reward.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Ken Bannister helped you?

I have known Ken for several years now and he has provided me with excellent advice on our financial portfolio. His knowledge on all areas of financial planning is very comprehensive and he turns what might seem the most complicated of issues into simple ones. He has a wealth of experience and expertise and this is delivered in a friendly, relaxed manner.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add - we are happy customers.