James Hawkins

Review from verified client

May, 2024

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

Times moving fast and at the age of 51 I needed to sort out a pension, James was recommended to me by a neighbour,

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James has really helped me understand how a pension works and explained the best path to go down, He put everything in basic terms so I could understand everything even helped me with filling out the paperwork, Nothing is to much trouble so I'm really happy I have piece of mind it's all set up and James is always at the end of the phone if I need any questions answered. I'd recommend him to friends and family without hesitation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I've seen on paper the targets and all looks to be good.

What could they have done better?

I dont feel James could of done anything better, Everything was in simple terms so I could understand,

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2024

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

How has James Hawkins helped you since your last review?

James has altered some of our investments and we are very pleased with the outcome

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very friendly, expert and patient

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James is a true professional with everything he has done. Really organised and able to meet all of my requirements. I would recommend James for financial coaching.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I like asked James for some advice - James came back with options which I felt were geared up for myself - on the back of this , James wasn’t pushy and took his time with me , as they were big decisions- I would highly recommend James for Pensions and investments .

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2023

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

How has James Hawkins helped you since your last review?

Advice on investments and pensions.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

A very positive, concise, and informative initial consultation, looking at what might be possible.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James in very intelligent and knowledgeable in his field, I would trust anyone else!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very efficient and helpful and easy to do business with.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was absolutely amazing when I spoke to him regarding my pension and investments. I would highly recommend him, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you!

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Dissatisfaction with my previous advisor

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James consolidated my investments and kept me informed every step of the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Financial realization

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James has an excellent, very knowledgeable friendly and relaxed approach, allowing for an easy two way discussion of the best personal approach to financial planning.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I contacted James to help set up a new pension scheme for my limited company.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Confused about my pensions and needed help

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Moving my pension to a new one and providing ongoing help

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but it’s early in the journey

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

We had a prompt 1st meeting where James was professional, organised and I was reassured that he is thorough and knowledgable on the financial matters I want advice on. I was also reassured that his financial assessment and advice is reviewed and overseen before I receive it.

James's reply

Thanks Huw for taking time out to complete this, it is much appreciated. Look forward to following up with you in the next few weeks to discuss the options. Best wishes, James

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Desire to consolidate pensions

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Consolidation of pensions and on investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No suggestions.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Required financial advice.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Excellent service with a smile. A trusted advisor whom I now consider a friend. I have gladly recommended him to others.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Time will tell in the current economy.

James's reply

Thanks Phil for taking the time to provide this review and your kind comments

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very helpful and thorough with detailed explanations, efficient and clear, highly recommend.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

We decided to retire and needed advice regarding the various pension savings we had. We really professional advice away from the large establishments. James is working for himself, which has shown individual clients are important and not just some data in a computer to be taken on by the next employee.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

He has looked at our various pension pots. He came back with a report on the various options we might have. We discussed these and implemented our decisions in small stages helping us all the way. He was happy to visit us and talk face to face all the way through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are happy where we are at. We started the process with a huge amount of doubts and uncertainty. We feel very settled and assured with the decisions James helped us with. We feel they are right for us. We also know he will continually monitor what is going on in the market place in general and help us keep an eye on our portfolio, this is hugely important to us, as we get older.

What could they have done better?

Very difficult question. It is really hard of anything to say, as he has really ticked all the boxes.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Over the past year, James Hawkins has provided a range of services for our family. He provides a personal service, tailored to our needs, and we have been impressed by his deep knowledge. We have also been very grateful that he provides swift responses to our numerous queries, no matter what time and even on weekends. We also appreciate that he will travel far to visit us, when we need him, but can also do convenient online meetings around our busy schedules. His personality and approach, gives us a sense of comfort when dealing with sensitive, complex and life-changing matters, and we depend on him greatly. He really gets to know you on a personal, but professional level, which is important when dealing with family matters as he then has a good understanding of us and our needs. He comes up with solutions which we did not think possible, but also highlights blindspots in conversation, which we had not seen. In conclusion James Hawkins is a true proficient and on top of his game. We highly recommend him.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James has been fantastic with guiding me with firstly investing money - but also helping me look at options to securing my family’s future in case of I’llness -

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I was coming to the end of my working life and needed advice regarding the steps to take to ensure I could achieve my goals and really get the most out of my investments and pension.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

I meet with James regularly and we also talk on the phone and via email so I am always able to access advice in a timely manner. He has saved me money by being proactive and continually looks for ways to enhance the performance of my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have definitely seen the outcomes I wanted.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I would recommend James to anyone who wants a trusted advisor to help them sort out their financial future.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I am approaching retirement age and the current financial market was causing me concern

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Explaining why my current portfolio could be improved and potentially reduced risk. Also giving me various options regarding pensions which I was not aware of

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am still in the initial stages of moving my pensions

What could they have done better?

NOthing, I am completely satisfied with the service and advice so far

James's reply

Thank you Roger for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

I needed some advice on investing at the time I retired.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James has used his experience and knowledge to provide information in order to help me consider what investments might be best suited to our circumstances and appetite for risk. He has also provided a series of cashflow forecasts to illustrate various scenarios that could arise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

James has helped us find an investment that that we are comfortable with and we hope it will perform well. The cashflow forecasts he has provided, which consider the effects of some negative events, have provided us with reassurance that our finances should support us for the foreseeable future.

What could they have done better?

N/A

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was excellent, great communication and looking for the best options.

James's reply

Thanks Stephanie for taking the time to leave me a review and i am delighted that my service has been of benefit to you.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

We were looking to make additional pensions contributins, James was advertising in our parish magazine and from this we contacted him.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James listened to our needs, asked questions of our current investments and then advised accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, investments have risen in a very volatile market.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I had an initial call with James, based on the recommendation from a friend, which has definitely turned out to be a good one. Clear, concise and balanced in his advice and opinions he was quickly able to grasp my situation, understand my goals, provide some initial thoughts and a proposed plan of action for the future. I'd sincerely recommend.

James's reply

Thanks James for taking the time to review, it was a pleasure discussing your situation and delighted to help.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Life Insurance & Investments

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James helped me with multiple investments & life insurance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No issues whatsoever. Communication was perfect, always answered the phone - always his newsletters are great.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Life insurance

How has James Hawkins helped you?

He was excellent got me a cheaper quote and got the payments taken from my business account instead of my personal account

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He was great

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James really took the time to listen and find out what was the most important aspects for myself and my financial goals. He is very personable, professional and I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

As someone with my own business I was hoping to structure my finances in a better way and take advice on a range of various matters.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James provided a range of useful and cost effective solutions which have been beneficial to me and the business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, due to restructuring a number of things I have been able to make some significant tax savings on a monthly basis.

What could they have done better?

All dealings with James have exceeded my expectations

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James responded promptly to my enquiry and then graciously agreed to my request to cancel at the last minute! He arrived on time for our rescheduled appointment and was friendly, helpful, and approachable. His responses to my questions were knowledgeable and thorough and couched in terms that were easily comprehensible to non experts such as me! His easy yet professional manner made our introductory session enjoyable and worthwhile.

James's reply

Thanks Elisabeth for your very kind comments and taking the time to leave a review, I very much look forward to meeting with you again very soon.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Approaching planned retirement (at age 60) and the need to rationalise 2 existing pensions.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

It was a fairly easy decision to come to a flexible drawdown solution and James' advice confirmed that option.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to say as the main impact will be upon retirement. Although, credit to James for arranging the pension transfer and setting up of a new pension plan plus ISA.

What could they have done better?

No face to face meetings due to Covid 19 but Zoom meetings worked well.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Required assistance to gain improved savings and pensions plans as well as a recent inheritance.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James completed a full financial review with us and showed us various options that suited us regarding pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are happy with what we have chosen so far and James is working diligently with us to explore further investment options available to us.

What could they have done better?

We are extremely happy with James as our financial adviser, He shows us various options with no hard sell regarding anything. He is professional and informative and we are very happy with his services.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very helpful, thorough and reliable.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

I had inherited a large amount.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Unlike the others I had seen he explained in noddy language patiently and clearly without making me feel confused or stupid. I felt him to be honest. There are people who you work with who become friends, without having social interaction but a friend on a business level. James became a business friend very quickly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and James has been consistantly supportive, efficient, clear and incredibly helpful.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Teaching retirement age and needed pension and subsequent ongoing advice

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Organised pension and drawdown to maximise income and minimise the tax paid.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No complaints, all has been great, even in the current uncertain (pandemic) financial climate

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Having just retired I needed someone who could help me achieve my financial goals for the next 30 years.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James helped with Cash Flow forecasting and researching different investment vehicles to maximise the return whilst maintaining a degree of security for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have regularly reviewed the goals and therefore the advice to allow flexibility and adjustments as things change over time.

What could they have done better?

So far James has been outstanding in his customer service and advice. More face to face time would be good but understandably it has been difficult.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

To review my current pension and planning for the future

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James really took the time to get to know me and my specific needs. He encourages open discussion to understand current and future requirements and build trust. He doesn't try to "sell" to you but instead makes you, and the decisions you're making, feel important to him too. He goes the extra mile to help you feel confident in the advice and ensure the process runs smoothly. I appreciate all his hard work and would highly recommend him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too early at the moment, but I have every confidence that the recommendations and future review processes will be successful.

James's reply

Thank you Karen for the kind words I am delighted that I have been able to help you. Look forward to speaking with you soon.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

My Husband and I were seeking to understand how we could manage our finances better. The personal call with James allowed us to discuss personal details, get clarification on financial terms, opportunities and risks. James was really friendly, down to earth and clear in his explanation of sometimes complex financial terms. He was also very patient and not ruffled by our many questions! I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking to understand financial markets, personal tax, student loans and business financial matters.

James's reply

Thank you Ekua for taking the time to leave a review, this is kind of you and I truly appreciate the time you have taken to do this. Looking forward to speaking with you again soon.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James is very knowledgable in the financial sector, but broke the lingo and jargon down in a way a non finance specialist can easily understand and with his naturally approachable and down to earth style, makes you comfortable in his presence.

James's reply

Thank you Shawn for taking the time to write a review. It is a pleasure working with you and I look forward to speaking again with you very soon. Thank you again, it is truly appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Looking to review portfolio investments and also to give pension advice

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James talked myself and 85 year old mum through our existing investment portfolio in plain simple language. He is looking to see if we can change our investments for better returns and also looking at pension options for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes already found investments that hopefully will give better returns and much better guidance on forth coming pension. Also nice to have someone you respect at the end of the phone who treats you as a valued client

What could they have done better?

Nothing at the moment. James realised that we needed advice to be explained in simple terms and he was very patient.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

I met James recently and liked him immediately. He made an 85 year old feel at ease and explained things in simple terms so that I could understand everything. James is just a charming, friendly man who knows his stuff! James was very knowledgeable about his recommendations and how these products would help and improve my financial circumstances. James explained his fees so I wouldn’t receive any nasty surprises at a later date and there was never any hard sales type technique from him for any of the products he suggested. I will definitely be using James now and in the future and if anyone else is looking for a Financial adviser who knows his stuff then James Hawkins is your man!

James's reply

Thanks Ruth for your kind review and taking the time to write it, i am looking forward to seeing you again very soon. Best wishes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was punctual, friendly, helpful and most importantly knowledgeable about the products he recommended after listening to the questions that I raised with him. James was not at all pushy and there was no hard sales to sign anything at this meeting. He also explained his fees in details so there will be no surprises at a later date and he has also taken details of other queries of mine to be able to help me with other matters. I will definitely be using James as my Financial adviser now and in the future.

James's reply

Thanks Ceri, your kind comments are truly appreciated and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. Best wishes, James

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

We have know James for two years and he will always listen when we explain our situation. With that knowledge he has always given us sound and solid advice and explained everything to us. He is always on time, he is always friendly and very easy to talk to. We would highly recommend James to anyone who needs financial advice. We are looking forward to our next meeting.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was very professional and friendly! Would highly recommend.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was incredibly knowledgeable and really gave me some really helpful financial advice. James avoids jargon and always ensures I fully understand what he is recommending and always keeps me up to date with how my investments are doing.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

So impressed i could understand everything, he listened! How refreshing.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was very professional and explanatory in the information I requested, he never tried to push more on me and made me feel comfortable in his knowledge of the products.

James's reply

Thanks Michael for taking time out of your busy day to leave me a review.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure meeting with him and I will recommending him to friends and family.

James's reply

Thanks William for your kind comments.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

My experience with James goes back many years and I have followed him through various jobs. He provides excellent unbiased advice , explaining risk v performance scenarios, and assists me in making the right choices for my investments

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

A minefield of information provided to me in clear terms that I could understand fully. A very personable individual, who I feel has provided a brilliant solution that makes me feel safe and secure for my future, I am really looking forward to working with James for many years to come.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Took care at listening my requirements and understood what I was looking for. Came back two weeks later with very relavent proposals and guided me though them articulating them with excellent examples and recommendations Thanks James looking forward to working with you Would highly

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Professional, experienced, reliable, trustworthy and not a pushy sales type.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Excellent and knowledgeable FR

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

1st class, professional and very clear in his explanations. My experiences have been very positive

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

James is very knowledgeable and professional as well as being friendly and approachable. I have little knowledge in these areas but he explained everything clearly to make sure I had a full understand of was I was signing up to.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Life & critical illness cover, remortgage and pension transfer, all completed seamlessly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Particularly my remortgage where I kept my monthly repayments the same and took 6 years off the term.

What could they have done better?

No, I have been very pleased with everything James has done for me.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I wanted help with a number of financial matters including pensions and some suggestions for funds which had accumulated within my business

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James helped by making a number of tax saving suggestions and ideas which I had not previously considered

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although this is all part of a longer term plan.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, James was easy to deal with, prompt and we developed a good working relationship. Would highly recommend.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I've had a long standing NEST pension through my company but had felt for a while that my money wasn't working hard enough.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

James understood my risk profile and we talked about using a SIPP vehicle to explore some well thought through, slightly higher risk investments realised through my a SIPP instrument.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm already more excited by my pension application and investment and have already seen returns that out performed my previous instrument.

What could they have done better?

I personally am a high risk investor but James understood this while also showing a slightly more prudent - and no less interesting proposition. At the time I felt I could have been more gunging ho but on reflection James was exactly right.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I wanted my money to work better for me and also to consolidate pensions in one provider.

How has James Hawkins helped you?

Yes sourced the best pension provider for my situation. And also gave options of investments in line with my risk portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have only just started. But I’m happy with the service so far.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think there was much more that could have been done better. The advise was quick. James was very organised and made the effort to visit my home on various occasions.