Mark Thompson

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

We are a small business and wanted to set up some insurance protection for future security. We were recommended by an associate.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark found us the right products for our business and managed the whole process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very happy with the outcome.

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

I needed someone to review my pensions.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He has recommended how I proceed with my pensions from past companies and ongoing pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Very happy so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He was able to give us lots of advice and made us feel confident with how our Financial planning was going.

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

We needed both help and information on private pensions

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Over the last 10/15 years he has never let us down.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ask me again in January.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

My pension savings were scattered in numerous low interest accounts with companies that no longer offered proper scheme.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark advised on grouping these together to achieve better interest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, over the years despite there being difficult trading times, overall the account has performed well, also taking into account the relatively short time span involved.

What could they have done better?

I felt that I was receiving a good service with everything explained, so cannot think of anything that could have been improved upon.

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

When I became self employed by accountant recommended Mark to me

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Provided advice on pension planning. Organised and simplified all my various pension arrangements. Liaised with various pension and saving providers on my behalf.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am confident my pensions, investments and saving are structured to safeguard my financial position for the future

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything

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

I was the Executor of a Will and the deceased person wanted to give an annual % amount of her estate to a charity. In the meantime the rest of the money within her estate needed to be invested in a portfolio with a chance to grow.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has found and recommended the investment portfolio that was needed. He also helped me with the registration of a Trust.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Mark's service was excellent.

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

Pensions can be so confusing, a friend recommended Mark.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Helped us through all the confusing jargon and helped us to decide on a plan of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so, pension all sorted.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

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

Can not remember how I first got in contact with mark

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has looked after my pension over the years and has been a great help in advising the best way to collect my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

? Can not say

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

I needed advice in various pensions including which ones to put in a pension pot and which to leave where they were

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

His advice has been invaluable and given in a way which I understood and which led to me being able to choose the right investment for my needs. I know that my investment was being reviewed on a regular basis which meant it was in the best place that meet my retirement needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and will have no hesitation in going back to Mark with any future investment requirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Very professional and efficient. Would recommend to friends and family

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

To combine our pension funds

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has given me expert advice on my pension fund and since managing the funds they have increased in value! This is wholly because of Mark's expertise in studying the market trends and most importantly, understanding my required risk level.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely!

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

As a small business owner I was looking for advice on pensions and insurances that would provide my family and I with peace of mind for the future.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark and I discussed my requirements and he explained various options that might be suitable for my circumstances. Using his extensive knowledge and insightful questioning he was able to recommend products that suited my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm very happy with the insurance policy that Mark has set up for me, it gives me total peace of mind now. I'm happy with the pension that was set up and there is now plenty of time for that to perform as we hope it will.

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

Mark was recommended to my late husband by a client when he semi-retired from his practice, he was Senior Partner in firm of Chartered Accountants and wanted a local adviser.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He has been advising us for quite a number of years, my husband was always impressed by his directness and reliability. Since recently becoming a widow Mark has helped me greatly managing the pensions, investment, and giving me valued advice, things I never had to be concerned with before.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now feel more confident of any future monetary decisions

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

We met Mark and his team in their office in Hadleigh a number of times; to organise and sort out my employment pensions. Something we kept meaning to do but it seemed such an ordeal and we never got around to it.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

My wife and I were really impressed with Marks knowledge of pensions and how they work. But also the considered way he took the time to explain everything in a language we understood. We were kept up to date during the whole process of moving the monies all together and investing them for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

At last we had all the information we required ( and understood it ) to make an informed choice and to be honest it was a load off our minds. We now feel very relaxed and confident in the knowledge that Thompson Financial Consulting Ltd have everything in place for us for now and in the future and we can just get on with our retirement. Mark and his team are effective and efficient, polite and downright good at their job. I would whole heartedly recommend them to all. They even make excellent coffee!

What could they have done better?

Really difficult too think of anything, but perhaps some people may want to speak in a private office however I am sure that could be accommodated or Mark would visit them at their own home.

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

Approaching retirement and wanted to consolidate pension plans into a more flexible vehicle.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Advising the best options in creating a more flexible plan to allow options in drawing down pension funds over the next few years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the overall investment market has been under pressure over the pandemic period so consolidating various pension providers into a single vehicle has helped to reduce charges.

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

Advise on pension at retirement, private pension and inherited money.ISAS and drawdown

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Helped work out a regular income my my husband and myself and planning for our later years. My husband has recently died and Mark has been really helpful and reassuring for my inherited investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we seen funds increase in general with a few acceptable changes and Mark has kept us informed and made adjustments when necessary.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. It's exactly what we wanted.

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

I was looking for expert advice to guide me in the process of investing my pension savings to generate an income in retirement.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark listened to my concerns, understood my objectives and my attitude to risk, and seamlessly and painlessly developed a financial solution to fulfil those objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that could have been done better.

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

We were advised to see a Financial adviser by our Accountant to set up a company Pension scheme, but were very nervous about Pensions in general and investing.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark was completely open and honest with us and we felt no pressure what so ever, he came up with a medium risk option based on our Questionnaire scores and helped with numerous questions we had along the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too early to know the outcome and we can only hope that the financial markets stay stable over the coming years.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we would highly recommend Mark for his knowledge, professionalism and overall honesty.

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

Needed advice on what to do with pension fund

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark sorted out the best options for my pension pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No payments till end of month

What could they have done better?

Nothing they were brilliant

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

Advice required relating to pension and savings

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has reviewed our investments and pensions, advised on the best solutions and future strategies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am confident that mark has given us the right advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Mark was very understanding of our needs and listened to what we had too say

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

As I was approaching 65 I needed advice and help with my pensions because the insurance companies do not make things easy.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He has spoken with me in a language that I was able to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I was completely satisfied with all that Mark done for me.

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

It was time for me to decide how I wanted to take my private pension .

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He helped me by explaining the many was in which I could take my pension’s.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think they could, I received the information I needed to make an informed decision.

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

Advice on pensions due to retirement

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has helped us by sorting out our three pensions, which we would have never been able to sort out on our own.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very pleased with the investments and outcome

What could they have done better?

We are very happy what has been done, could have not done anymore for us

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

To sort out current pension

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Sorting which products were best

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

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

Wanting to consolidate multiple pension funds, create an investment plan and have more control over decisions

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark regularly discusses my needs and circumstances and attitude to risk with regards to my pensions investments and financial planning. He’s also recently helped me find a cost effective life insurance scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. I’ve always been pleased with the advise given by Mark and the financial results that have been achieved. He’s both professional and personal in his approach and I have introduced him to several friends over the years

What could they have done better?

I’m not aware of anything that I feel he could have done better over the 13 years he has advised me.

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

I was planning for my impending retirement.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark has helped me carefully consider the best financial options for me and my wife as I move into retirement. He has helped me take an overview of all of our finances and to consider current, and potential future, financial needs. He has liaised with my Pension providers and ensured timely payment of agreed amounts. Mark has spent time discussing each aspect of my financial planning in order to support my decisions around best use of my pension monies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have a clear plan around financial aspects of my retirement with ongoing advice as necessary.

What could they have done better?

I was totally satisfied with Mark's services and would definitely recommend him to others seeking financial advice.

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

Inheritance

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Advised on investments and savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Initially, I needed Mark's advice in dealing with existing pensions in the context of a divorce financial consent order. Subsequently, Mark advised and then setup a new pension which is funded by my small limited company.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark's advice at the time of trying to finalise my consent order was invaluable and helped to open my eyes to the options available and what would be considered a fair sharing of the existing pension scheme. More recently, Mark has helped me in the quest to setup a brand new pension - this will help reduce my company's corporation tax bill as well as giving me valuable additional flexible pension options in later life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I now have a decent additional pension which has the flexibility and value that I had been looking for. I only wish I'd set this up a few years ago! Although I feel pretty confident when dealing with financial matters, there's no doubting the value that a knowledgeable IFA can bring, especially with the complexities of pension planning.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, I can't think of anything. Mark and his team are very responsive and I had - and continue to have - complete confidence in the way they dealt with my needs.

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

I needed to simplify my various pensions

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Explaining in plain English what my options were and working out how much risk I was prepared to take to get the best results for my future. Completion and submission of all necessary forms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything has gone very smoothly and I have been kept up to date throughout.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the excellent service I have received from Mark Thompson

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

Required a professional for best advice someone who's main job is sourcing pensions for people, in addition some products are only available to financial advisors. Also

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Listened to requirements, recommended product, did paperwork and chasing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days, but value in drawdown plan has increased

What could they have done better?

very satisfied with service

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

Needing some help to find the best option I could for my pension that would give me the best return financially.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He went through all my options and then found the best company to invest my pension pot in.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. Excellent communication and nothing was too much trouble.

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

We were looking at what to do with our pension plans and needed some good advice

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He found the best way to place our money and helped us to make the decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we feel safe with our investments and trust Mark to act in our best interests

What could they have done better?

We trust Mark and his advice so we don’t think there is anything that could be done differently

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Very honest and helpful

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

Looking to improve performance and reduce charges on pension portfolio

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

To simplfy and added goals to where i needed to be.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

improvements are happening

What could they have done better?

I would not have thought so in the present climate

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Friendly, clear, knowledgable, flexible. Excellent start. No idea whether his services commensurate with profile as not reviewed. As this was a 'required' qun I answeted yes but I don't actually know

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

Initially wanted to consolidate all of my pension pots but Mark has helped in all other areas of financial planning.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

With advice and guidance on pensions initially. He has also given advice on mortgages and more recently on ISAs for myself and my husband.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Less paper would be lovely! In these days of email communications and encryption of files it should be possible to send less paperwork and save more trees.

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

Furloughed due to covid & then offered voluntary redundancy.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Gave advice regarding different options available. How I could invest some of my pensions but still retain cashflow for ongoing daily living.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think how they could improve the service we have received. Very professional but as very friendly & easy to communicate with.

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

Originally to sort out mine and my husbands pensions and find some life assurance

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Consolidated our pensions under one pension and took out new life assurance plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, very pleased with the service! Informative and attention to detail.

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

My wife and I needed to consolidate our various pensions.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark gave us both very informative information which allowed us to pull the old pension funds together, then select the best funds and risk levels that suit us currently. We get an annual review which allows us to see how funds are performing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, it has simplified our pensions and we can see at a glance how the funds have grown thanks to Marks expert advice and hard work!

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

Need for advice on investing lump sums for income.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Clear explanation of risk choices leading to informed decision on risk / return, identification / recommendation of suitable investments, handling all the machinery of setting up and maintaining the investments on the platform, annual review, plus taking a holistic view including associated factors such as tax, pension, IHT planning ...

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the recommendations have proved sound giving us the expected rate of return over a very challenging period (to date) with minimal erosion of capital.

What could they have done better?

A trivial point, but less physical paperwork if possible - the file is splitting at the seams!

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

Inheritance

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Provided advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet!

What could they have done better?

Mark was very helpful in a situation which was made more difficult by COVID.

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

I had several personal pensions that I wanted reviewing and to consolidate into one.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

I had an evening appointment to fit around my work which was great. Mark listened to my needs, asked lots of questions regarding my needs for the future and my family and gave advice on my old pensions. He summarised very clearly and confirmed everything in writing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mark has arranged the transfer of my old pensions into one which has been very straight forward and hassle free. I am looking forward to seeing how this performs and feel secure with the knowledge that Mark will be reviewing regularly with me.

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

Getting to the age where retirement is not too far away and so needed to find a way to maximize my savings and investments.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Assessed my situation as far as earnings, investments and pension pots were concerned and discussed plans make these work best for me over the course of a few years to put me in the best possible position for the date at which I would want to retire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

You never know how alternatives might work out but I am satisfied that Mark's ideas improved greatly the position that I would otherwise have been in.

What could they have done better?

I have been very pleased with the amount of contact during the years I have dealt with Mark. The periods between reviews was good so as to know that we were doing things regularly but not too frequently. Also there was never any pressure on what to do.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mark

Nice guy, great, clear explanation.

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

I needed to bring my financial affairs up to date.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark found my business a way of insuring me as the managing director with a policy called 'Relevent Life'. he also provided advice on the way forward with pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%

What could they have done better?

Mark did everything he could. he came up with very helpful and useful advice.

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

We had a number of occupational pensions that were coming to maturing and we needed impartial independence advice to guide us on how to get these under our control and in one safe place.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He explained all the options available to us, enquired about our own investment considerations and what level of income we needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mark's guidance has helped us to exceed our expectations and secure a good balance between cash and investment with medium risk profile.

What could they have done better?

I think Mark has an excellent practice and knows how to deliver what clients' needs. His personal manner and that of his colleagues makes us very relaxed about our investments and feel we are in safe hands.

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

Advise and Support on pension funds prior to retirement and investment of funds and income since retirement.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Viewed the market place on best investment plans and recommend options on best plan for income release

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not the best results but this was due to the overall world marketplace. Recommendation of changes have been given and reviewed with Thompson’s and changes have been made.

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

Wanting to update my pension

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Found me a better pension provider

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I found I had multiple pensions that became quite complicated to understand. I decided I needed someone I could trust to sort this rather specialist problem for me.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark was able to explain what assets I had and what options where available to me to help me plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , I am very happy with the work carried out by Mark in helping me prepare for my retirement. he has made complicated financial planning , quite stress free.

What could they have done better?

I personally cannot think of anything that needs changing about the way my business was handled.

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

Organising our pensions which were split over different companies

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He gave us excellent advice ad to what to do with our pensions even to the point of leaving the ones that were best not moved. Felt he was very honest with us and we were very confident he had our best interests at heart. Would definitely recommend him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell yet.

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

Required savings review and future pension transfer advice

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark understood my needs and future requirements and fully understood the reasons for our consultation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am happy with the experience I received from Mark

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

My pension provider was not giving very good service.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark did an appraisal of my current financial circumstances and offered me advice on where to move my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To early to say but Mark has been excellent at keeping me informed and arranging to transfer my pension to my new provider.

What could they have done better?

Mark could not have done any more he was very efficient, informative and courteous.

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

Pension advice

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

I needed advice about my pensions. Mark cut through all the "red tape" and "jargon" and gave me the information and advice I needed in a clear and concise manner. I cannot say enough good things about Mark. He is honest, thoughtful, kind, very knowledgeable and I felt completely safe and at ease with him. I only wish I had met him 20 years ago.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything he could have done better.

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

As I am getting older, I was thinking about my children's future

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

He gave me information about all I needed to know and answered all my question truthfully without any pressure

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

it was a hard decision but I am glad its done

What could they have done better?

to be honest I cant think of any, he was very honest, made everything very clear to understand what I had to do and what had to be done in the furture

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

I first used Mark many years ago when I needed advice on a mortgage application. I was most impressed with the service and advice received and therefore had no hesitation in contacting Mark again when I needed a professional review of my pension pots.

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark carried out a full review of my pension pots and came back with an excellent, easy to understand full report of same. Any questions I had were answered fully and explained in plain English when I need more detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, every time I have used Mark for financial advise the outcome has always been more than satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

None.

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

Just needed pension advice

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Moved plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Cannot say yet to early into plan

What could they have done better?

He did he’s job could not ask for any more

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

Pension Advice

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Sorted mine & my husbands pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! Great return on my pension value in the last 5 years!

What could they have done better?

Nothing! Great Adviser!

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

Initially to transfer and amalgamate my different pensions into one ‘pot’

How has Mark Thompson helped you?

Mark advise the best course of action to combine my schemes and simplify the return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely, Mark has worked hard to find the best possible funds to provide a return on investment.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - he has provided my wife and I an excellent service.