Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 8 )

Mortgages ( 16 )

Pensions ( 7 )

Auto Enrolment ( 1 )

Investments and Savings ( 7 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 2 )

Inheritance Planning ( 1 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 2 )

£200k - £500k ( 5 )

Up to £50k ( 3 )

£50k - 100k ( 4 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Firstly I was looking to set up a pension & how to best invest my money. Secondly, Alex helped me get my second mortgage.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex always listens to what you want. He has a friendly and professional persona that gives you confidence when investing money. Alex has always provided me with a range of options that could work for different reasons — I highly trust Alex and his recommendations. He puts his customers first and wants to find the best deals & outcomes possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have worked with Alex for a variety of reasons and every time it has been a seamless experience that has got me the to desired outcome.

Alex's reply

Many thanks for the kind words Becky, hope you get the keys soon!

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

My Father had entered into a very successful relationship with Vincent Colley and Principle Investments for a number of years

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex helped me understand the benefits of a consolidated pension fund having a number of pensions with many different providers

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Most definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - The service provided was excellent and advice first class

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Wanted to start saving in my pension

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex is very information and has great knowledge and understanding in my opinion . I was a bit anxious about investing my cash flow In a long term savings pension. He helped me feel at ease and went through all the options and risks associated with my decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been much much more than I had expected and although only early days going to see Alex and taking his advice has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What could they have done better?

I feel Alex has done exactly what he needed to do for me in my opinion, he has periodically contacted me with up dates and check in and has done everything he stated he would on and after our first and second meeting in person with follow up emails and phone call communication. Top marks all round . I’ve found my man and the future seems bright. To many more years saving with Alex and Principal. Well 17 to be precise ?

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Oxfordshire

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

I was looking to consolidate my various pensions in my early fifties in order that I could have maximum control and flexibility over retirement date and Investments.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex has created a portfolio specifically aligned to my pension and ISA investment need based upon my risk appetite and other more personal requirements. The portfolio has performed exceptionally well given the huge volatility and challenges in the last 12 months. His insight provides the basis for good balanced recommendations allowing me to make the right decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The portfolio has weathered the volatility and Has shown good growth with a low risk rating. My investments are om a platform that enables visibility of investment performance and costs.

What could they have done better?

I’m pretty happy to be honest.

Review from verified client

August, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Manchester

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

First home (and therefore first mortgage) so wanted guiding through the process.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Was really clear, helped work around us and our jobs and timings. Gave sound and practical advise as well as honesty as to what we did and did not require.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The whole process was easy and efficient from our perspective (if anything we probably were an annoying client comparably).

Review from verified client

August, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

I am not very good with money.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Remortgaged my house with minimal input from me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am very happy with the product and the service.

What could they have done better?

Nothing: he did what I asked and gave me sensible advice.

Review from verified client

July, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Self-employed and seeking guidance on pension options.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Advised on pension options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early for conclusive assessment.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

Needed someone I could trust to find an expat mortgage.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Found a lender and helped and advised the whole way through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, everything was brilliant.

Alex's reply

Thanks for the review Chris.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Alex

Over email contact only so far. Asked him about charges but happily provided me with the information. Hope to progress my mortgage application with him. Got back to me promptly.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

Required a mortgage.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Reviewed my circumstances and provided a new of options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, a very reasonable mortgage.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

As a first time buyer my mortgage application became a little complicated and I needed expert advice.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex offered me a 1-to-1 consultation and assessed what I wanted and needed. He gave a very friendly, knowledgable and professional service that was quick as well, even despite the slightly more complicated process that was my application. It went ahead very well due to his commitment to finding me the best deal; even if my application had not worked out due to circumstances beyond my control, I would still have been impressed with Alex's knowledge of the market and professional conduct. I am very grateful for the advice and help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! I have secured a mortgage that suits me well.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing Alex could have done better.

Alex's reply

Thanks, glad we have helped.....good luck with the new home.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

We were buying a new house and required a new mortgage.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex had two meetings with us to discuss mortgage options; one at his office, one at our house. He obtained our personal details and arranged an appropriate mortgage based on our requirements. He was knowledgeable, friendly and reliable, and as such we were very happy with the service he provided. He also took time out of his evening to visit us at our convenience, which was appreciated. Alex also suggested other products which were relevant to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we now have a mortgage offer, so we did get the outcome we wanted. We are now in a position to buy the house we wanted.

What could they have done better?

The only small thing was to maybe explain that there would be a charge for his services earlier in the process. We had assumed that he would earn commission from the mortgage, and that this would be the payment. Apparently this wasn't the case with our mortgage.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

New mortgage for house purchase.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Reviewed our details, advised on the best mortgage solution to be flexible for future plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Complex house movement where timing was the key. We felt that it would be prudent to engage with a professional to get the best deal and the best advice.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex gave us the best options for our circumstance, it was initially about getting the lowest possible repayment rate, but actually factoring in redemption fees, fixed term and overall term length, we feel we were given the most robust advice. Alex also helped us massively in a complaint with a building society and was pivotal in recouping a redemption fee that was incorrectly charged. Without the correct terminology and insight to the application process, I question whether or not we would have succeeded.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very happy with the outcome of the process.

What could they have done better?

No, I think as an intermediary between the bank and building society in our case, there was nothing more Alex could have done, and already when above and beyond the call of duty to get us a good deal and a fair outcome.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

A review of our pension provision and guidance on the best approach to remortgage our home & rental property.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex helped us understand the options for both of our pensions: my husbands was not performing according to the market and Alex helped to set up a new portfolio to allow a better return. he also advised that my company pension was performing well and I should leave it where it is. This gave me great confidence in his advice as clearly he is not out to just make commission from his clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, we are both comfortable with the outcome and we have a much cheaper mortgage arrangement. his advice was clear but not patronsing.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, Alex is open, flexible (he comes to our house in the evening to suit our schedule) and clearly very knowledgeable. I don't have any suggestions to how he could operate more effectively.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Oxfordshire

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

I initially contacted Alex for mortgage advice. As a first time buyer, I was seeking professional but friendly advice.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex was a true professional. He was an excellent communicator at every stage of the process keeping me informed about our mortgage applications and gave very clear instructions about what I needed to do and by what deadline. He made things easy to understand and clearly explained all the options available to me and my wife.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very happy with our mortgage and speaking with friends who bought at a similar time they are jealous of our rate! Alex has also helped us was investing our savings and as a young professional couple it feels comforting having Alex to help with our decision making to ensure our financial future is well planned.

What could they have done better?

Alex was fantastic and i honestly could not fault his professional advice and support. I would recommend any friend or colleague to Alex given our experience.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

We have worked with Alex for a number of years for help and advise with various financial matters; there are always financial advise needs year on year whether it be to renew our mortgage, income protection, or discussing our pensions.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Over the years, Alex has listened carefully to our needs and provided advise about the products available to us. He also takes his time to explain the products and answers any questions that we might have at the time or queries that arise after our meetings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

SO far we are very happy with the services provided by Alex.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Buying a new property and needed a larger mortgage at a great rate.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex found several different mortgage offers which we are all incredibly competitive and then advised us on the best company to go for. Alex perfectly understood our needs and has secured us a great mortgage with a good lender.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All of Alex's recommendations were brilliant, his organisation and that of his team is fluent and fast. Therefore we have now received our mortgage offer, which is perfect for our needs.

What could they have done better?

If only he could be in charge of the surveys and the solicitor! Everything would progress much quicker!

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

I was buying my first property.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex helped me get a mortgage I am happy with and life insurance to be sure my investment will be safe if anything happens to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have a great mortgage deal and a comprehensive insurance plan that I know will take care of things should anything happen to me.

What could they have done better?

Not much, perhaps provide a pre-emptive/proactive re-mortgage option for when my fixed term is up. This should be easy to set up as I am sure they will have a database with those dates in. An annual review of the market would be appreciated too.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lancashire

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

Setting up a pension.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Setting up a pension, and arranging for a mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he was brilliant.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Alex

I contacted Alex via your site and he never got back to me. I think reflects badly on his working relationship with potential clients.

Alex's reply

There was an issue with receiving the original enquiry at the time, I trust that you have received advice regarding this matter however if you haven't I would be happy to help. This issue isn't reflective of the services offered to new and existing clients and I am sure our current and future reviews will reflect this. As mentioned if you would like to speak to myself please call om 0161 449 9166. Thanks Alex

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

We had money invested in a number of different places and were not getting a very good return. We wanted to consolidate and try to get a better rate of interest.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

He helped us to place our investments in a more sensible way and get a better return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very happy with our investment growth.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Advice on a mortgage.

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

Alex was very professional and knowledgeable. He was also very responsive to queries and took ownership and resolved any queries from the lender.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We bought the house we wanted with the mortgage recommended by Alex.

What could they have done better?

Alex should continue providing the high level of service he provided to us.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

How has Alex Vincent helped you?

We have used Principle to help us with a number of business matters (life insurance, income protection and BTL mortgages) and have found them to be extremely professional and constructive. Principle take the time to fully understand their clients needs and therefore only offer them the services that are most beneficial to the individual. Furthermore, Principle are always quick to respond to client enquirers and offer first class financial advice. Since working with Principle we have found that our assets have continued to grow in value and we have together sat down and worked out a long term financial plan for us to work towards that will ultimately make us more financially secure in our future.

What could they have done better?

Not applicable - we find Principle to be the utmost professional in all aspects of their business dealings.