Tim Embleton

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Tim

Excellent initial meeting

Tim's reply

Hi Stuart, thanks very much for your comments and feedback it is really appreciated and I very much look forward to working with you going forwards. Tim.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

I was considering converting my Defined Benefits pension into a SIPP

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim provided a detailed risk analysis of the proposal and future financial plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Analysis was clear & easy to understand.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Normal situation: having worked decades for several companies I had a few legacy pensions, a current pension, stakeholder pension and some savings. My brief to Tim was simple: was it possible to take early retirement and provide a modest pension to top up my state pension when I receive it several years in the future? Added to this: did it make sense to amalgamate the disparate pensions I had into one? I had contacted three IFAs before Tim; one recommended by a friend, two I found on Vouched For. One IFA (from Vouched For) did not even reply to my initial contact. The other two were of a large size, but I found them impersonal, almost arrogant, and seemed only to regard me as a cash cow. One fobbed me off on to a junior staff member, who would take up to three weeks to reply to an email.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Firstly, Tim was the only IFA who, in the initial interview, explained all the pension income routes open to me; drawing diagrams to illustrate. Granted, this information was readily available (e.g. on the Government's pension site), but only Tim took the time to explain it all. Secondly, Tim managed a small focused team, which treated customers as individuals; most of whom are bemused and confused by this whole financial business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Amalgamating the pensions made sense; one was so old as to be quite obscure. Consolidating the pensions and savings was handled by Matt and other office staff. This was no trivial task and well worth the fee I paid. Tim also suggested how, via judicious use of UFPLS withdrawals from the consolidated pension, I could bridge the gap between retiring and drawing my state pension. This has worked well, and a simple email is all that is required to trigger a yearly withdrawal. Most important for me was the responsiveness of both Tim and Matt; answering my emails quickly. A word of caution: one has to be reasonable. The team are building the business and maintaining existing clients, therefore they can't answer immediately; which seems to be the demands of certain people in this modern era of instant gratification.

What could they have done better?

In the end I think it took over a year for me to settle on Tim, as the team worked well and cohesively and treated me as an individual if somewhat baffled at times. Occasionally information between team members would fall between the cracks i.e. communication could be tightened up. However, I have seen this so frequently in my decades of work, plus it has to be said, the team were (at the time) moving offices, whilst trying to build and maintain the business.

Tim's reply

Hi Angus, Thank you so much for your kind comments and for taking the time to write this comprehensive review. You will be pleased to hear that we are all fully settled in our new offices (and very happy here for the foreseeable future!). Feedback of any kind is always greatly appreciated. We now have scheduled weekly team meetings to discuss case progress for all clients and in this way we hope to ensure that nothing falls between the cracks. Kind Regards, Tim.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Pension withdrawal

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Provided sound and reasonable advice. No pressure. Have time to consider a variety options. Matched recommendations to my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although market conditions over the last 6 months have been challenging.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say on basis this is my first experience. He has removed some 'worry'. I guess with me, personally, on occasions he could be a little more definitive/forthright in his advice rather than just present options.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Being made redundant, i needed to get good impartial advice about my investments & pension.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He was able to recommend investments based on my attitude to risk and explained it in simple clear terms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Overall yes they are going in the right direction for me.

What could they have done better?

Tim's approach & attitude suits me as he's there if I need advice, not constantly pushing services on me and ensures an annual review.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Failure and dis-satisfaction with a previous IFA called LEBC, in securing the transfer of one of my pensions.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

By listening carefully to my objectives, in face to face meetings and very thoroughly explaining the whole process. Tim also had a friendly and respectful manner, which I liked. By comparison to my previous IFA this was a pleasant surprise. I actually felt like a client, instead of being treated with arrogance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so and the help has been crucial in helping me avoid financial difficulty.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of. Every question I asked was answered comprehensively and Tim asked me a lot of questions, (again face to face) himself, in order to make sure he understood my situation.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Needing advice on how to invest savings to reduce inheritance tax.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Explained clearly the options available after gaining a good understanding of my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, one objective was met satisfactorily. I have been given advice on my 2nd issue and am still deciding on this.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure he could have done anything better at this stage

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Too much cash and needed to look at our overall portfolio together with retirement planning.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Full analysis with recommendations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Tim made some specific recommendations to address income and inheritance tax concerns - he was calm factual and completely non pushy (ie trying to sell me something).

What could they have done better?

really nothing except perhaps a call every 6 months or so to check on changing circumstances

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Originally needed help in investing for school fees. Then for pension & inheritance.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Always on the end of a phone to answer any queries & explained everything clearly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything, always very helpful.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Tim was appointed by my employers and must be honest and say that he has been very helpful.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He helps in explaining everything clearly and concisely and in layman terms that is very helpful and useful and he was able to get a small pension that I had transferred to my main pension which previous advisors did not as frankly I do not think that they investigated as thoroughly as Tim did to make things happen.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was very happy that he was able to deliver outcome on the above.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, I cannot think of one suggestion that could enable him to be better as he is very thorough, helpful and understanding.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

A change in work circumstances meant I needed to take a different look at retirement planning and investing, suitable to my situation.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim helped me understand my goals and aims over the mid to long term and then explained clearly what my options were, and how best to meet those goals. He has always communicated in a way that a financial novice like me can easily understand and helped me learn.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tim has helped me see my financial outlook more clearly than before and I feel much more in control. He has recommended products that are in line with my approach to risk and matched to my specific aims. Having sought Tim's advice I am much happier with my financial future.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

inheriting some money and not knowing the best way to manage it wanting to pay education fees.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

visits, planning, explanation over several years to manage education charges, pensions advice, savings and investments, providing a lump sum for a child's house deposit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes; better returns and simpler structures than our previous random araangemnts.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

We had a number of financial items that needed to be sorted out. I first met Tim when looking into tax effective investments prior to going overseas to work and I liked the way he worked. Our relationship then developed over a period of time as we addressed each financial issue.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He gave advice that was easy to understand. He was organised and methodical and patient. He provided us with options and opinions but was transparent about the implications and costs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Initially yes but as far as equities are concerned the investments have been badly hit over the last 12 months however we are aware of the cyclical nature of the markets so hope they will recover and improve in due course.

What could they have done better?

My only concern is a general one which I think applies to most advisers. I would like to see more proactive input to look at how my investments can be protected in the short term ( or even rearranged to avoid the downside impact. The fund managers and advisers get paid even when values drop and I think there is a need to do more for the fees.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

final salary pension transfer into sip.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

non evasive but quality non pressurised information available good communication email/phone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Pre and post retirement options.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Reviewed my personal financial position and clearly explained my options plus giving advice to assist me to make some important financial decisions about my imminent early retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - although still early days I am confident I made the right decisions.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

Redundancy and reaching early pensionable age.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Superb explanation of how investment opportunties varied year on year and over the longer term. Provided excellent advice and generated confidence in his capability for ongoing advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early t tell because of redundancy situation but current responses have been excellent!.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of. It's why I chose Tim from three high quality advisors

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

Change in personal circumstances.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Providing advice and guidance with respect to the options available to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything proceeding according to plan. No unpleasant surprises.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything offhand.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

I had previously used a different advisor .to which I found him to be dishonest.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim is very professional in all aspects as a financial advisor .I would throughly recommend. Tim for his honestly .and very genuine advice .I will continue to use Tim .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Tim is perfect in every way

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

needed investment guidance and approaching retirement.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim quickly grasped the individual and collective needs of my wife and I. The language used to describe our options was very clear and Tim was patient with all of our questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

needing financial help to plan for the future when we had children.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

sorted out all our existing plans, looked for gaps, made strategic suggestions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

We wanted to save and invest for our children's education. Our various insurance policies needed updating and we wanted a will.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim found better deals and brought all our policies and investments under one roof - which makes it much easier to deal with. He also set up a will for us and school fee funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very pleased.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

We were looking at when we could afford to retire.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim met with us and discussed what we wanted to do and when. He produced a flowchart showing our projected income over the 30 years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are now clear on where we stand each year financially and which years we may have a shortfall where we would have to draw on savings.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Pension advice.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Preparing quotes and a package for consideration.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - the work I asked Tim to carry out has been completed.

What could they have done better?

The cost of the service didn't meet my expectations - although I was hoping to see higher yields from the product offered to me to justify the cost of the service. If that had been the case I would have been very happy to work with Tim on an ongoing basis

Tim's reply

Hi Richard, Thank you for your feedback, it is always welcome. Clearly on this occasion we didn't do a good enough job of explaining the expected return on an investment portfolio versus the FCA regulatory illustrations which are understandably cautious. Your feedback helps us understand why we weren't able to help you this time and how we can improve our client meetings in future. Kind Regards, Tim.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

This was provided by my employers.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim helped by giving very good advice and he was able to get a small pension transferred to my main pension portfolio, which incidentally when I requested this to be done by previous advisors who were not able to get this done because of some problems, but Tim was able to complete without too much problem.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, he was able to get a pension transferred to my main portfolio and another pending for February 2016.

What could they have done better?

In the year or so that I have been dealing with him he has always did what he has set out to do. he is very understandable and very personable and easy to get along with which certainly helps as you feel that you can trust him with any financial advice required etc

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

The changes introduced by the Government and how to be able to access your personal pensions without buying an annuity.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

I was able to transfer my pensions into one new draw down facility.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am semi-retired and happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

A follow up with the client to ensure that they are happy that their instructions have been carried out.

Tim's reply

Hi Moira, We are always looking for ways to improve our service and so thank you very much indeed for your feedback. We will certainly take your comments on board. Kind Regards, Tim.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Advice on inheritance tax planning, savings and school fees planning.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Advised on a range of suitable products and approaches, taking into account our attitude to risk and changing economic/market factors.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Investments and advice given has all produced postive results. Some investments have done very well indeed.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Redundancy and need to access pension funds.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim explained very clearly how the various processes would function and provided understanding of the risks associated with investing in stocks and shares over the longer-term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Awaiting completion of funds transfer.

What could they have done better?

Too early to tell

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

I had money to invest and sought advice on how best to do this.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

By listening to what I wanted, offering various options and explaining future outcomes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I opted for mid to long term investments; I have seen the investment growing in the short time it has been invested.

What could they have done better?

I am more than happy with Tims input with my investment from the initial consultation to the numerous communications throughout the yer.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

A change in career direction and income level led me to need some personal advice.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Tim took time to chat to me face to face, listened to my situation and discussed a number of options by which I could reach my goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm confident Tim has given me sound advice and has helped me towards financial security.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Divorce.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

We went through my financial situation, my income and plans and dreams for the future. Tim then came up with a suggested plan of investment and since then we meet regularly to make sure we are both up to date with any changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have very much seen the outcome I was hoping for and my investments have given me a very good return.

What could they have done better?

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

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Turning to considerations of pensions post 40.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He set up an audit of our current outgoings and a projection of what are needs maybe post re tirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tim has delivered a quality service with ongoing review.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Pension problem.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He set me up with a drawdown pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am satisfied.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

A combination of an inheritance to invest, and the need for a school fees payment plan.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He helped by transferring the monies from the investment into more tax efficient vehicles and by setting up one policy in particular which has enabled us to draw down funds without liability to tax. He also helped us to rationalise our pension provisions and to move our mortgage to a better provider. He continues to assist with regular reviews of our funds and assets and is available always should matters arise outside the review framework.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tim has been instrumental in enabling our financial stability. We have been able to pay school fees without touching our capital. We have a series of life assurance policies in place which would cover our needs in the event of critical illness/death . As we head toward retirement (not quite yet) he is helping us review our assets and needs, as well as making provision for our university-age children.

What could they have done better?

We are 100% satisfied!

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

We needed life insurance and income protection insurance.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He found us the right policy for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have had these insurances for some time now and they seem to fit what we need perfectly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Forthcoming retirement.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

An understandable explanation of annuity versus drawdown, the transfer of my pension fund to a supplier that will allow me to do either. Also the construction of a forecast to show how much I would have and how long it would last during retirement. He helps to continuously monitor this situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still planning for retirement, so far so good.

What could they have done better?

without a magic wand probably very little

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

ill health - provided report ( via 3rd party ) transfer funds from final salary pension scheme.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

investment advice - stock shares isa Dealt professionally with " obstructive " company pension adminstrators agreed to visit us at home for " free" initial IFA consultation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Decision delayed as a) (retired partner had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer b) implication changes to pension legilation ( 2014/5 budget).

What could they have done better?

Clarified his charges/fees for advice during ist intial visit

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

We wanted to change my husbands pension provider and also update our life insurance.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

He visited us at home and found a new pension plan for my husband and also a different life insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are pleased with our current situation.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Amalgamating pensions.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Organised and explained a better way to set up my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My current position is much more profitable than before and this is what I was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I am concerned

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Change in pension rules for over 55's.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Explained the new rules clearly. Discussed our options and future needs. Advised on best fund to transfer the private pension to and then got a good deal for the release of the funds for my husband.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Full-time work. Husband retired. yes.

What could they have done better?

No - the service was professional, friendly and efficient

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Needed to rewrite wills and wanted to set up a family trust.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Sound advice, which we were confident to follow.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the outcomes suit our current situation.

What could they have done better?

Not sure as Tim sorted out our needs quickly and to our complete satisfaction.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Gernerally looking for help and advice with financial affairs.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Sorted out my pension(s), worked through a portfolio plan and suggested suitable investment opportunities. which he then executed for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I get updates as to how things are performing, all very clear and easy to understand. All seems to be going to plan.

What could they have done better?

Can't really fault Tim and his service

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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

Was looking for a better service.

How has Tim Embleton helped you?

Discussed the methods available and how he would tailor my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its too early for a long term look at the results, but to say the service has been great, very attentive and the Tim seems to be on top of all the ever changing legislation.

What could they have done better?

So far nothing... but I'm always keen to find something, perhaps in future, so far he has not dropped the ball.