Stuart Smith

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Financial matters for my very elderly mother and my own pension planning.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart has for many years advised, guided and informed me on a variety of financial matters in a highly professional and efficient way, he is always friendly and sets the pace of any meeting or discussion that ensures I fully understand the matter at hand and feel confident. Additionally Stuart is friendly and approachable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes most definitely.

What could they have done better?

I can think of nothing that could be improved.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Approachable, helpful, responsive and experienced.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Looking for protection and life insurance policies after buying house and having kids.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Before we met Stuart we were pretty clueless about what we needed with regards to protection policies. Stuart informed us, gave advice and guidance without being pushy. It enabled us to make informed decisions based on good, sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and more.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think he could have done anything better. We were really pleased with his advice.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Early retirement/ pension advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Pension / investment advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , not doing to badly considering the war in Ukraine and now Israel

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Planning for retirement

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Given us real practical advice, pointed us to things we didn't know about re Tax Relief etc

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Occasionally we need to chase follow ups

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Poor service from my previous advisor

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Honest and clear advice, based on real world experience

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Messed up one number on first draft, maybe should have been spotted in checking

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Approaching retirement and wanted to review my financial position.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart reviewed my financial position prior to retirement to give me a clear perspective on what monies were available to assist with the retirement decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, now a year into retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing obvious to include here.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

To consolidate 2 pensions into one

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart helped organise monthy payments from my new pension provider & looked into reducing HMRC payments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Northing

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Was in business in Carlisle many years ago and AW were our accountants and advisors.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Sound advice and explaining everything in full. His friendly manner is excellent.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes-very reliable and helpful over the years.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of. The market reports which are regular and the webinars are appreciated.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Impending retirement

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Given solid advice on my investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

I wished to transfer from a defined benefits company pension scheme,

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart has been informative and helpful in advising us regarding our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not much really.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

To simply make the best use of our income.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He’s straight forward and doesn’t use too much jargon.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes we’ve had good returns from our investments.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes we have to chase for a response to queries.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Recommended by an existing client and family member

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Professional and easy to understand advice. Allowing me to take my retirement sooner and with confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing b

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

We were not happy with the situation regarding our pension schemes. We therefore needed help from a company such as Armstrong Watson.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Again - very much so.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - very much so.

What could they have done better?

We don't believe that he could anything other than the efforts he has put into our financial situation.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart is easy to talk to and explains things in an understandable manner

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Initially wanted business financial advice but quickly realised how important it was to have personal advise too

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart is down to earth and explains everything in layman terms which is what I needed. He is a person I trust and has been extremely helpful to me and my family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything that could have been done better. He is a star

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart provided very clear easy to understand information on my financial situation. We discussed all options available to me, and Stuart clearly pointed out the pros and cons of these options. I would certainly recommend this service to others seeking financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Succinct and to the point

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

After an initial introductory meeting with Stuart I came away with a clearer understanding of immediate requirements regarding my Pension arrangements. I must say that Stuart was very professional and most informative throughout the entire session. I came away with a completely different outlook on my best options to those that I went in with. This is testament to Stuarts unique ability to comprehensively discuss and explain my pension options whilst maintaining a level of detail understandable to the 'non-professional in the pension world' like myself. Without any hesitation, I would highly recommend him to any friends / family requiring financial advice

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Planning retirement and investments

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Pension investment advice Equity investment Raising of equity for house purchase and reassurance on courses of action

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We feel we have had good advise in extremely unstable times

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as we know

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Really useful insight into the options available. Appreciated the straight talk and if circumstances are right going forward I will seriously consider working with Stuart going forward

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

Took early retirement. Stuart provided the advice and guidance we needed in order to transfer out of company pension into self invested personal pension.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Explained and completed the transfer out process clearly and completed a full financial family review of investments and tax implications.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing always explained clearly

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

I am approaching my retirement date.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Sound easily understandable advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2022

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

He has kept an "eye" on the market and rise and fall of necessary commodities in relation to our pensionable income. We are kept well up to date on all and any changes. Excellent service - "Better than it says on the Tin"!

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Pension

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Last 4years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Looking forward to retirement and needed advice with investments and pension transfers.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He was very helpful in explaining finances and pensions to myself, someone who have very little understanding of the systems which helped immensely in decision making. And will always be there and answer any questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything at the moment.

Repeat review from verified client

September, 2022

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Absolutely. Although the markets have Ben volatile and largely negative regular contact keeps me informed.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

I was looking at options to see if it was possible to retire early

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

AT this stage Stuart has given me a lot to think about

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The first meeting with Stuart was very informative.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say nothing could have been done better

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

I was looking for advice on where best to invest a sum of money to help with my retirement

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He has helped us chose the best areas in which to invest our capital

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and i suppose based on our attitude to risk it has been satisfactory up to now

What could they have done better?

With all what has gone on over the last few years i dont suppose we could have done much better than we have, but at the moment we have seen a slight downfall due to the poor financial situation in the country.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Great initial chat, clarified a lot of my misconceptions and already has a viable way forward to assist in my retirement.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

My initial inquiry was answered within a couple of hours and my appointment with Stuart answered a lot of the concerns I had regarding my potential retirement. Should I decide to proceed with Stuarts services all fees and costings were explained so no surprises, and I'm sure he will be able to deliver on my high expectations.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

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

Approaching retirement age and was wanting advice on our current financial situation regarding retiring in the near future.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Covered various aspects of our finances, explained clearly what options available to us, assessed and confirmed our individual approaches to risk regarding money, explained timeframes to consider, format of investment options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have received good advice and how to progress with our finances when retired.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind. At early stages and hope schemes our money has been put in progresses well.

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

Redundancy at nearing retirement

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart has helped me in many ways spending time analysing my financial situation and finding the best possible solutions for myself and family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely YES

What could they have done better?

No I have experienced a highly professional service throughout.

Repeat review from verified client

May, 2022

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Always there with a quick and considered answer to my financial needs.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Looked for long term financial planning to protect savings/investments.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart talks through all my investments with me and gives me the information needed to understand the markets. He’s very professional but friendly and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. Very professional company, easy to deal with.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

I have a number of pensions on which I needed advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Was able to give me an overview of current situation and suggested ways forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

introductory overview of the pensions revealed that more investigation is needed

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart spent time to explain the services provided and to understand my financial circumstances to help me decide if use of an IFA was right for me; honest advice with no heavy sales push.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

We are looking to take early retirement and had a number of pensions due to moving jobs over the years.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Provided sound financial advice and the options available with regards to our pension situation. This gave us a greater insight into our future financial situation. Good advice also given on investments as this was an unfamiliar area for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Without a doubt.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

Pension Advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Providing sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

looking to retire early

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

provided financial forescasting, provided options for income protection insurance and different funds to invest in

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not yet. too early yet

What could they have done better?

nothing really. advice seems sound and he delivers on any actions he takes

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

Approaching planned retirement age and required confirmation that this would be financially viable and advice on approach to taking or delaying taking private and work pensions and the best approach to consolidating these and other investments to secure our future.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Advice received to approach to taking and consolidating pensions and other investments to achieve financial confidence for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The financial viability of retirement was confirmed and advice received on approach to taking and consolidating pensions and other investments.

What could they have done better?

Stuart provided the advice required.

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

Made redundant

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Helping me understand my finances

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

January, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Myself and my husband came in for a meeting with Stuart on 24/Jan /2022 Speaking personally I have a fear of doing anything out of my comfort zone and he immeadiately made me feel comfortable and at ease. I know nothing about financial markets etc Stuart spoke to me and not at me, helped me to understand things easier. We wouldnt hesitate to recommend him or your company to friends Thank you Stuart

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I find Stuart someone who you can trust and he listens before offering his expert advice. Stuart provided me with financial advice and planning for the future.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart went through each aspect of the financial advice at a pace which enabled me to clearly understand the options. I found this approach very helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and a greater insight into other options which may be relevant for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart was excellent in providing initial guidance and advice relating to pension transfer process and also giving me clarity around the complex tax issues associated with pensions. The initial meeting was friendly and to the point, giving me clarity on all my main questions and concerns. I will certainly consider Stuart as a trusted advisor when considering my next steps in Financial Planning. The offices are easy to access and the welcome was warm when entering reception.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Following the last review where the fund value had gone down Stuart’s explanations about the markets and the impact of the pandemic, Brexit etc. gave me reassurance and confidence that the position would improve. Which it has.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Stuart has continued to provide me with valuable advice on pension and retirement planning. Stuart is proactive which is much appreciated.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Being very uninformed on anything financial I realised I needed some good advice on my pension choices.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He gave friendly but informative advice, explaining my best options clearly and concisely and is always there when I need help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good during what has obviously been a challenging time for everyone.

What could they have done better?

I am unaware of anything that could have been done better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Very friendly felt at ease he made everything easy to understand would recommend him to anyone

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We have been with AW for a considerable number of years by recommendation

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

By explaining the current financial situation relative to our pensions which he manages for us, during our review held on the 29th October. We are not “financial” people and his explanation could have gone over our heads, but no his explanation was at a level we could understand and appreciate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Stuart was EXCELLENT

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Excellent service, broke everything down in to easy to understand terms, I would highly recommend Stuart.

Review from verified client

September, 2021

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

Move to a local supplier

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Clearly explained everything and even agreed to use the Transact Platform which we were using with the previous adviser but Stuart didn't use.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good

What could they have done better?

Nothing so far

Review from verified client

September, 2021

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

Planning for retirement.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He helped me to consolidate my savings and plan effectively for my retirement. Stuart is very approachable and I trust his advice. He has answered any questions or queries in a timely and clear manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

it has been a difficult time for everyone and Stewart went through all the ups and downs of the financial situation at the moment.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

I went into this meeting in a complete muddle about inheritance tax and the surrounding strategies. Stuart gave 2 hours of time to us and clarified the situation point by point. He then indicated several possible mitigation strategies and their inherent costs. I came away from this meeting understanding where myself and my wife stand in relation to IHT at the moment, how to assess where we will be in future, and what strategies we can opt for to reduce our IHT liabilities. I could not ask for more from this meeting and do not hesitate to recommend a meeting with Stuart if you have IHT issues. There was no charge for this initial meeting.

Review from verified client

July, 2021

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

Pension advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Guided me though tax rules

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Service was great

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart was professional, knowledgeable, honest, and personable. He is very clever, listened well, quickly assessed my situation, and advised as to what was best for me and my circumstances. I left the meeting feeling reassured, clear about my choices, and confident that I had found someone I would trust with my future finances.

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

I was retiring and needed professional advice.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He provided a professional service that addressed all our needs. He presented his findings and recommendations in an easy to understand format. He took the time to explain in detail the minefield that is pension and investment planning so we fully understood and were comfortable with what steps we were taking.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, he tailored our investments to are risk tolerance and has such achieved and in fact exceeded our expectations.

What could they have done better?

It’s difficult to find or identify an area for improvement as we are really happy with the outcomes of our dealings with Stuart.

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

I am about to semi-retire and received from my employer pension details with variuos options which I did not fully understand.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

I am extremely grateful for Stuart's wealth of knowledge and talent plus his kind nature and ability to explain (and in my case repeatedly re-explain) the meaning of information and figures. Stuart is always ready to inform, guide and discuss and with an easy manner that is both reassuring and bolsters confidence.

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

June, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Very helpful

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

pending retirement of myself and my wife

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

he insured all pensions we're paid correctly. He gave full and clear explanations on risk and investment. All delivered in a friendly and easy to understand way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happy with the investments made and advice given.

What could they have done better?

not applicable as all was very well done

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

Reaching retirement age and having capital to invest

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Giving advice on investment, which so far is showing a reasonable return

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Repeat review from verified client

May, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Stuart continues to offer sensible, practical and easy-to-understand advice, guiding us through the difficult world of finance.

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

I inherited money from my mother that I wanted to invest and I didn't know where to start. There was also money for her grandchildren that had to be put into trust, as stipulated in the Will.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

We discussed my financial priorities and what I wanted to do with the money and my timescales for investment. I was very inexperienced and Stuart explained everything very clearly to me. I felt confident following his advice. He was extremely helpful with setting up the trust funds as there was an ambiguity in the wording of the Will which caused some confusion.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My investments are now 2 years old and have been through a tricky financial climate with the global pandemic but we are still ahead of schedule on reaching my investment goals.

What could they have done better?

I have been very happy with everything Stuart has done for me. Any communication between us, or with his assistant Emma, has always been promptly answered. I feel very confident letting him guide my investments.

Repeat review from verified client

May, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Keeping us updated over this lockdown period.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Need to explore better returns from savings.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart outlined options , discussed these in a very practical way and highlighted levels of risk and potential opportunities. He arranged for us to undertake take and understand our risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Especially maintaining growth above inflation.

What could they have done better?

Keep doing what they do best?

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Advice on my company profits.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

By explaining in a very understandable fashion so that we trust his very good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Retirement

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Advices on retirement pension and investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Long term investment for my daughter

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Clearly explained everything so that I understood the investment I was making etc. Answered any questions I had. Always on hand if needed. Very professional service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. Very pleased with the service so far

Repeat review from verified client

March, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

As above

Repeat review from verified client

March, 2021

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

How has Stuart Smith helped you since your last review?

Reviewed my pension portfolio and advised on my government pension

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Very approachable and professional

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Inheritance to invest and needed advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Supplied continued support for initial investments based on our degree of risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Feel that he has done what we expected following on from the previous financial advisers that we have dealt with in the company

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Pension planning

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart was extremely helpful, the service he has provided has been very valuable to me and my family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the products he advised have been productive

What could they have done better?

There is nothing I have been unhappy about

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

Bereavement of a family member who did not leave a will and his estate needing to be invested to provide an income for another family member.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart was always willing to give us the time we needed to consider the options available to us. He was respectful and considerate at all times and has a relaxed and friendly Manor. We were very reassured by all the processes Armstrong Watson had in place and Stuart coils supplement his own knowledge and expertise by consulting specialists within the firm. He clearly wants you to find the best investment for your needs with no sense of 'obligation' to follow us recommendations. Sometimes we emailed him before a meeting with our questions and he always came well researched to answer them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We were satisfied with the process and outcome.

What could they have done better?

When Stuart took over as advisor for our Trust Fund, he obviously had some concerns. As my family know very little of financial matters, what might have galvanised us into action more quickly might have been a kind of 'grading' of his recommendations. Eg 1. Recommendation for urgent attention and the reason why 2. Recommendation for serious consideration and why 3 recommendations that could be considered in the near future and why etc.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

Left employer with severance payment. Wanted to invest in a pension fund and maximise tax benefits.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart provided very clear advice and guidance. He took the time to explain the tax implications and assess and explain risk when deciding on an investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have invested in a pension and maximised tax allowances.

What could they have done better?

I really can't think of anything Stuart could have done better. He is brilliant at explaining complex financial matters in a really engaging and understandable way.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

I was seeking pension and retirement planning advice

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart helped me by providing pension advice that was tailored to me in a professional and friendly manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have regular reviews with Stuart so that my investment portfolio is appropriate to my circumstances and plans as they change.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind. I have been impressed with Stuart's and Armstrong Watson's care for their clients during the pandemic, with the offer of webinairs on the investment markets and various government support schemes.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Armstrong Watson have maintained our investment portfolio for many years and they have been key throughout in our retirement planning.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

We have built a trusted relationship with Stuart over several years. As retirees he understands our commitments, our short and long term plans and most importantly our attitude to investment risk. He then routinely helps us to actively manage our investments to deliver on these plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Without Stuart’s investment advice we would not be as comfortable moving through our retirement.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps, a cuddly toy with each investment. Sorry, a joke, We have no improvements to suggest.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

A need to make long-term investments.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart reduces the complex world of finance to plain English and making the potential pitfalls clear.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. Stuart and his predecessors have ensured we can plan for a comfortable retirement in a few years time.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything! Stuart and his team always seem to be adapting their advice and presentations to make them accurate, up to date and easy to understand.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Friendly and efficient service

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

we needed some financial advice for our retirement income

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

he was very understanding and we were very satisfied with his advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes,i think its the best we could have expected during these uncertain times

What could they have done better?

we have been very satisfied with his advice and we have a chat during our meetings and he understands the needs of our family

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

We had existing capital to invest and also retirement planning for one of us.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

He advised on investment funds, AVCs and how I should take my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say and unfair to make a judgement in these unstable times. We have been grateful for Stuart’s expertise in the last few months.

What could they have done better?

There was one time when we inadvertently failed to make a payment for Stuart’s services. We felt that Armstrong Watson dealt with this clumsily and made us feel embarrassed as customers. However, Stuart takes time to explain things carefully and in detail and is easy and patient to talk to.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

We had an inheritance to invest and felt that we needed advise on how to get the best return from the money.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

Stuart setup a number of Webex conferences (due to the COVID-19 lockdown) and patiently went through the process of working through the options for us. Stuart put no pressure on us and let us ask multiple questions until we were ready to make a decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have created a savings portfolio.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, everything was sorted for us.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

Running a business.

How has Stuart Smith helped you?

By explaining everything in an easy understandable way which gave us confidence to make decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing we could think of.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stuart

Stuart patiently listened to me and clearly understood my situation checking as we talked.

Repeat review from verified client

May, 2020