Martyn Pottage

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Very helpful initial conversations around investing for a beginner

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

How has Martyn Pottage helped you since your last review?

continuing advice on retirement and pensions

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

How has Martyn Pottage helped you since your last review?

Yes

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

Circumstances in my case were slightly different, in that I was put in contact with Armstrong Watson by a previous employer to discuss new options with a final salary pension scheme. It turned out to be an excellent decision and recommendation.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Martyn has been our advisor for the last couple of years or so and has been very good for us during this time. He lives not too far away and is always available to answer our questions and queries, mostly by email but he does visit annually to update our financial situation. His help and advice has been thorough and all suggestions and answers are explained in detail. Myself and my wife really appreciate his input and dedication.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the pension funds which Martyn and Armstrong Watson oversee on our behalf have performed very well in recent times

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

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

Early retirement, converting DB Scheme into SIPP

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Deciding on risk profile and appropriate investment funds, pensions transfers into SIPP, personal financial planning, esp budgetting, drawdown, general advice and support

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. Martyn provides a very clear, common sense approach to this complex subject and is calm and reassuring

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Martin was recommended

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Sorting all my finances out

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

How has Martyn Pottage helped you since your last review?

Understood our needs, lots of empathy with our circumstances, recommended a slight change of direction which has been extremely beneficial

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

To make the most of my savings

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately due to market conditions I didn’t see much of an increase in value

What could they have done better?

Don’t know

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

due to ill health looked at early retirement options from existing SIPP

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Martyn helped make the decision so much easier - at first I thought about reducing my hours but after discussion and research done by Martyn it was possible to retire early and fund the gap until state pension age

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing advice and service has been excellent with regular updates

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

How has Martyn Pottage helped you since your last review?

Martyn has given advice on steps to take due to changes in my circumstances during the past year so as to optimise my investments and savings.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Called me on time, sounds competent.

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

How has Martyn Pottage helped you since your last review?

Investments review, further Investments, financial planning for future and financial planning for reduction in working hours

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

Impending retirement

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Calculation of carry forward pension annual allowances and preparation of a cash flow model

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Our home finances had become more complicated due to life events and job changes. We were seeking guidance that would allow us to make work-related decisions now, secure a comfortable retirement, and have confidence that there would not be a large disparity if one of us survives the other.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

The way that Martyn approached the work made it feel like a true team effort; we worked together to answer our financial questions. To do this, he took time to fully understand our position, not just the numbers but also our way of thinking. This allowed him to tailor his reports knowing our hopes, concerns, and how risk averse we are.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We feel much better informed and have already acted on the data provided by the financial modelling.

What could they have done better?

Martyn went beyond our expectations and so we do not have any need to suggest additional actions.

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

Historical..Martyn took over from my previous advisor at Armstrong Watson.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Good advice and attention to detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less..yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

I contacted Martin for an initial conversation regarding pension advice and he was extremely helpful and knowledgeable at guiding me in the right direction, in relation to my queries. Although I did not need to progress to fully engaging Martyn’s services at this stage, I would not hesitate in contacting Martyn again if requiring further advice and support in relation to managing my finances.

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

Pension maturing and decision to retire.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Independent advice regarding multiple pensions and what to do to achieve retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell with pension investment but very happy with service to date

What could they have done better?

At this stage I cannot find anything to suggest as could be done better.

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

Needed advice on retirement planning

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

The advice he has given has been very clear and concise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

exiting client of the company

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

keeping my financial plans on track

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Approaching retirement, considering DB Pension options

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Several detailed discussions, many focussed on general lifestyle issues and desires, many on specific financial considerations. All broached with common sense, sensitivity, honesty and sound financial acumen

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have a sensible, realistic and achievable plan that should see me retired within 6 months and with a lifestyle totally proportionate to ky needs

What could they have done better?

I could have appointed him earlier...

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martin responded quickly and efficiently to my enquiry which gave me confidence that any future business would be dealt with both professionally and empathetically to my needs.

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

To make my life savings work for me after retirement

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

He’s always prepared to listen and help. He simplifies and explains well

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but it’s too early and these are strange times

What could they have done better?

I feel he really cares about his clients and has great product knowledge so I cannot suggest any improvement

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

I needed to review my investments which had been left for many years without taking any financial advice

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Martyn was excellent at clarifing numerous financial issues which enabled me to make informed decisions. He raised points about my circumstances which I might never have considered and which helped to plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Investments are being managed and more organised. I am able to keep up to date with them much easier.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot think of anything at the moment

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

I recently received inheritance so needed advice on how to invest the money, as well an overview of my existing investments.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Martin helped by setting up various investments as well as investing into my pension to help improve my tax position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that comes to mind.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Made contact easily with Martyn and set up a meeting within a few days. The meeting went well and Martyn pointed out some options which i wasn't aware of which i appreciated. Right now i need to hang on awhile but will contact Martyn when i take the plunge and hand my notice in with my employer.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

I was introduced to Martyn through Unbiased, a referral site for seeking professional investment services. After some basic fact finding my wife and I met with him to go through a no cost initial getting to know you session. He discussed our current situation and and aspirations and outlined where he may be able to assist us. Martyn was extremely affable and explained clearly our options with no obligation on our part. It was a pleasure to meet him. We intend to look into how we could work together.

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

Investment advice for retirement planning

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Ensures my finances are most suited to my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still working towards retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I needed to know the best place to save my pension and get a regular income

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Taking time to understand my retirement needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know of.

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

Whilst not close enough, retirement is fast approaching and I wanted to understand what that may look like financially

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Understand the minefield of pension plans and how to get the best out of them

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, can put plans in place and be confident with retirement funds

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Death of spouse

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

Managed my portfolio, ensures I have understanding of products

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Working towards retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Pension discussions are daunting and Martyn has made the whole experience much less daunting. Having had initial discussions with other advisors I am able to compare. I had reasonably set views on what I wanted to do but Martyn has gone into the advantages and disadvantages of the options in detail which has enabled me to take some time to reflect on what I need from retirement. My initial meetings were free of charge which provided me with enough reassurance for me to know he is really professional and knowledgeable, but with a friendly and approachable style which suits me perfectly to continue to work with him. I would not hesitate to recommend Martyn to anyone who is beginning to look at what to do with their pension and planning for future retirement goals.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Patient, Personal, Perseverant, Pleasant, Professional, Prompt, etc

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martin is very professional in his approach and has been a great deal of help.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martyn has been very polite and proffessional in all of my dealings with him. I have been very happy with the advice that he has given, which has been given very clearly and in a way that a layman, like myself, can understand.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Our email exchange and first meeting with Martyn was very interesting and informative, Martyn explained his role and how we should approach this process. We found him very helpful and easy to talk to and looking forward we hope to he can help us with our financial goals.

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

I needed advice about what to do with my private pensions now that I am nearing retirement age.

How has Martyn Pottage helped you?

He has given me excellent advice on which options I can explore

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The process is ongoing but, so far so good.

What could they have done better?

In my honest opinion. I don't think he could.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martyn was very knowledgable and helpful with the advice he gave me regarding my pensions.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

I had an initial chat with Martyn by phone and he was very helpful and easy to understand. He made the next steps clear including any possible costs.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martyn has been extremely helpful with our life insurance needs - we would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Sociable, professional, went out of his way to help me with a query and offer good advice

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

Martyn gave me a good overview of options as I move towards my retirement. His information was very easy to understand and has allowed me to start to make some decisions about how to proceed in the next 12-24 months. Martyn is very personable and made a daunting topic less-so.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martyn

I requested advice-I very quickly received a referral to the correct person t help me and had the matter dealt with efficiently and effectively.