Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Pensions ( 13 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 4 )

Investments and Savings ( 24 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 2 )

Inheritance Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 4 )

£200k - £500k ( 7 )

£100k - £200k ( 7 )

Up to £50k ( 2 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

We had just bought a house and were wanting to rearrange our finances.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

We met David and he explained his approach to share investments having given us a straightforward questionnaire to help him assess our attitude to risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The returns so far have exceeded what we would have got by continuing to leave our savings where they were.

What could they have done better?

David did everything we asked and expected.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

I had progressively lost confidence in my previous financial advisor who was becoming progressively less responsive when I asked him to make changes. as a result I was looking for another advisor to help me manage my portfolio.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David carried out an initial review, he identified some areas of weakness and has suggested a number of changes to resolve those weaknesses. We are working through a plan to implement theses changes in a tax efficient way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think David's observations from the initial review were logical and his proposals to change also logical bringing my portfolio in line what I want. I feel in control of my investments again.

What could they have done better?

I have no concerns at the moment

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Retirement plans.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David asked us how we wanted to use our money now and in the future and gave us all options available with easy to understand figures, in printed format, to take away and think about after discussing/explaining at our initial meeting. On returning to his office for further advice on how to proceed with our plans. It was great to be then able to, confidently, leave amounts/investment and all that organising/paperwork/phone calls to David. David is very knowledgeable and patient with us who aren't and available by phone as and when required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have recently met David for our first annual review and are happy to leave the investments running as they are.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

I needed some guidance on investments following the death of my father.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Enabled me to anticipate my financial needs in retirement and plan accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have had a number of review meetings and have been happy with the recommendations I was given.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Everything was clear and fair

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Retirement.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Suggested various alternatives as to how I took my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Advice on what to do with my company pensions.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Explained all the options available to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but its still early days.

What could they have done better?

Everything was spot on. Maybe a cup of coffee.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

I was considering retirement and required financial advice regarding the options available and their potential viability.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David listened very carefully and provided a detailed risk and options analysis report with recommendations for further consideration based on our discussion and his assessment of this information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far I am very happy with the outcome which enabled me to make the necessary decisions regarding my retirement and put in place a plan based on the documents/recommendations provided.

What could they have done better?

We recently had our first annual review and at this stage do not think anything could have been done any better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

Very knowledgable and helpful with no pressure.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

Well informed on financial matters but I am still weighing up my options.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Treansfer from a national company to a lcoal advisor who is available in person at any time.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

re-arranged equity holdings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The paper returns are a bit more that previous (so far).

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I have faith & trust in Mr. Hopkinson, we can talk money and understand each other.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Investment of inheritance.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Guidance and options to best suit my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes a plan is in place.

What could they have done better?

Under the circumstances all that was required was carried out

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

I had investments which had not been managed for some time.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

He is overseeing my investments, combined them on one common platform and made some changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to tell.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Thinking about my future.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Advised me on a number of options open to me and also the merits of consolidating some policies and retaining others.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good!.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

My husband passed away and I had to find someone trustworthy to help advise me where was the best place to invest some money.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David was extremely sensitive of my situation and competently advised me on investments. He explained everything thoroughly and has continued to do so for twenty-three years. I would recommend him to anyone who needed a financial adviser.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, given the varying markets.

What could they have done better?

I don't think David could have done anything better. I'm extremely pleased with his advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

He was very helpful and knew what he was talking about and polite

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

I asked David about advice for my father. David contacted me a few days later as Easter had intervened. He sounded approachable, but was unable to offer a Saturday meeting in the first instance. This is something I need as I live a long way from my father and wanted to be with him at the first meeting. NB - you require comment about their fees, but I can't recall discussion of them, hence the negative. This may be an unfair comment, but the system has forced it. You ought to have a Non Applicable button

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

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

Advice on a personal pension.

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Grouped all my pensions together so I could access my pot under new rules.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome was exactly as I had hoped for allowing me to purchase a property outright.

What could they have done better?

Could not have improved on anything, very professional

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

I received sound advice from our first contact and I am extremely happy at progress so far.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David listened quietly and carefully as I explained my situation and spent a lot of time with me at our initial meeting 6 months ago to get as full a picture as possible. He also explained simply how various investments work and the risks attached as well as the benefits without being patronising. When he came back to me with his recommendations I felt that he had really understood my needs and attitude to risk. His charges were very fair and i have only not rated them excellent as I know there are cheaper deals to be had, but I can't compare their value for money. I can email him at any time and he gets back to me promptly. We had a 6 month review this week (as a new client, it's normally annuallly) when we talked through how the investments were working and gave me the opportunity to comment, ask questions etc. I feel more reassured about my investments now than I have done for quite some time.

What could they have done better?

I can't honestly think of anything at the moment

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Having very little experience in the investment field myself, David took the time to explain the various options with regards to Pensions investment open to me and guided me through the process in setting up my Pension

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David Hopkinson,has managed my portfolio for number of years, I'm more than satisfied with the performance of my investments. David, knows my attitude towards risk and the level of risk I'm prepared to take, any investment is explained fully in an easy professional manner.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied the level of advice I receive

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David tailors his advice to suit your requirements, and that makes him excellent to deal with.

What could they have done better?

I am happy with David's service level

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

We have known David Hopkinson for a number of years and he is professional and personable. His advice has always given good results and we will be happy to continue in our dealings with him. We would recommend him to anyone

What could they have done better?

We cannot find anything to add

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Easy to talk too about all your financial needs.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David is very easy to speak to and understands my financial needs. He explains things well and gives me as much time as I need to make decisions.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David is very easy to talk to, understands our needs and does everything in a prompt and professional manner.

What could they have done better?

Not applicable.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David routinely visits me at my home once a year to review my finances. He is readily contactable at other times by phone or email and responds promptly to my queries, visiting me if a face to face discussion is necessary. He also sends me regular newsletters, though these are probably of more use to people at work and coming up to retirement, though they do contain some information for retirees. Over the many years I have known him he has provided me with good advice, and as we share common interests, we have many interesting discussions.

What could they have done better?

Having had any negative issues with him, I cannot suggest anything he could do better.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David is a quiet man who listens and understands our situation well. His management of our affairs including regular reviews has always been very professional and positive.

What could they have done better?

As of this moment we are completely satisfied.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

Very easy to talk to, and open in his manner. Very honest about fees. Came prepared with case studies that showed potential.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

Review from verified client

March, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David has a pleasant and friendly manner which instills confidence. He is a good listener and will give his advice after discussing what I feel is the right way for me. At meetings he is fully prepared with up to date print outs for my investments and will make recommendations to me, which I usually follow. I find him completely trustworthy.I am able to contact him by telephone or email whenever I have a query. His home visit is especially useful.

What could they have done better?

The only thing I can think of which would help me at times, is an additional visit when investments mature.Otherwise the annual visit is usually sufficient.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

We are provided with a comprehensive annual review where all issues are explained to us with patience until we fully understand the benefits and risks. Our requirements are met thoughtfully and without any delay. Returns on investments have been better than our anticipations.

What could they have done better?

Really cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

I found David, to be extreemly knowlegable and very helpful, he secured me a much better deal on my pension, and keeps me up to date on any changes. Last year when the Government changed the GAD rules I contacted David and he was able to explain, he also made a note in his dairy to contact me again in January, to remind me that I needed to contact my pension company to change my income level. When the review arrived from the company, David noted that I had not as yet instructed them to increase my draw down level. What more can I say.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David is very personable, easy to talk to and conveys complicated financial matters in a comprehensible fashion. he communicates well and responds to requests and queries quickly and efficiently.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David offers a professional service with clear, easy to understand advice. He regularly reviews my portfolio even if there are no changes or additions to be made & makes clear his charging structure from the outset. He defines your attitude to risk well & monitors/reviews it at our regular review meetings.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

Mr Hopkinson has advised my Aunt, my Mother and now myself and my husband and we all benefited greatly from his services, both financially and in peace of mind. His advice has always been fairly easy to understand in a very complex world and more importantly always available within the day.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cumbria

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

My wife and I have absolute confidence in David's advice and overall professionalism. He takes time to explain the intricacies of the various aspects of financial planning that we have asked about, without us feeling any compulsion to take up any of his suggestions - ie. no "hard sell"! I have no hesitation to recommend David as a financial advisor.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

How has David Hopkinson helped you?

David is straight and clear in all of his communications with us whether verbal or written. He is always on the ball with the latest changes, regulations and forward thinking with regard to best investments. He is reliable and always approachable and available to deal with even the smallest of concerns. Most of all, based on working with David for many years now, I trust David implicitly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2013

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David

David came to my house, was very attentive to my needs, explained his services fully, with his first visit free of charge, which was really appreciated, so much so that I enlisted his services as my Financial Advisor forthwith.