Steve Shovlin

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Advice regarding rationalising our portfolio.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Same as other years

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

He has helped us review our portfolio and make any necessary changes.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Both my wife and I had a face to face meeting with Steve in November 2023 after he had taken all the information we'd provided and produced calculations that demonstrated our options. He laid them out clearly and and patiently to enable us to make an informed decision about our future. Since that date he's continued to be on hand to support when I've had the odd query at 4am! I should have said this last time but I also like the fact that he answers emails...and then does something about them...an increasingly rare experience for me and I value that greatly.

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

I needed advice on my private pensions.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Stephen has given me valuable, regular advice on my private pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

I am happy with the advice I have received.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Continued financial advice.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

As before, organises regular meetings and is willing to come to see my wife and I at home

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Quality, consistent friendly service. It’s good old fashioned local service best supplied north of the Watford Gap. Carlisle at its best.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve continues to be a trusted advisor across all aspects of our financial planning,

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

further pension guidance and family advice

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

Pension advice was required in 1989 when I changed jobs and left my Local Government Superannuation scheme. Another Company was recommended to us but in 1997 when I changed jobs again, my Employer used AW for their company policy, so it seemed logical to use AW as our personal advisor.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Steve is a Pension Advisor that my wife and I highly value. Without any pressure he helps us make decisions that he thinks suits our requirements. We are very pleased with the service that Steve provides.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and no. Before we retired 7 years ago, there have been various unpredictable factors which have affected the performance of pensions. Under those circumstances, we couldn’t have hoped for much better!

What could they have done better?

I’m not sure that anything better could have been done…

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Annual review

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve was very helpful and took time to explain all the details of my pension going forward

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very helpful professional and informative

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Couldn't fault the advice I was give. All made perfect sense

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

Investigating transfer of occupational pension fund.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

With information and advice about the viability of transferring and the process of investing the monies.

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?

The receipt of an inheritance over 40 years ago.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

By providing sound and reliable advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve very quickly aligned with my situation and requirements and we were able to make good progress.

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

To organize a trust & to discuss financial matters.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

He was very helpful knowledgeable & professional in all areas.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not at this time but certainly in the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

To review my pension options

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Found missing information, guided me with understanding, pointed out pluses and pitfalls.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, this exceeded my expectations.

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

My husband dealt with all our financial investments. When he died I needed advice from a trustworthy company. We had been clients of Armstrong Watson for business.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Steve keeps us updated with emails and is always on the other end of the phone for advice or a reassuring chat.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The last year has been volatile and therefore had an effect on the outcome. This is contributed by global instability. On balance i have felt on safe hands throughout.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Retirement

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advised on where to invest money to achieve best returns given my attitude to risk and income requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes but recently circumstances outside Steve's control have changed things a bit. Pandemic and war in Ukraine

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

I was approaching retirement and needed financial planning advise covering savings and pension.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Steve has, and continues to be extremely helpful , supportive and a pleasure to work with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Considering the economic landscape of Brexit, the global pandemic and the Russian invasion of the Ukrainian I am happy with the current outcome and the foundations we have put down for the future

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note

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

Good advice for managing investments and retirement plan.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

General risk advice and maximising return on investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes as best as the market conditions allow.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

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

Nearing retirement

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advising and updating our investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I found Steve very helpfull and put me at ease concering my pension. My experience with the company up to date has been good and i would recomend them.

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

Money received from inheritance.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

By providing expert knowledge and advice based on a good understanding of my requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I'm aware of.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very personable gentleman, whose advice was very good and appropriate too my needs.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

We asked Steve for investment advice for my mother following Dad´s passing earlier this year. He couldn´t have done a better job. He went to see Mum at home to make it easier for her. Honest, wise and really helpful. He made everything very clear and very simple and allowed us to feel safe and confident of how to move forward. He followed up immediately with all the information we required. I would totally recommend Steve - super guy and brillant financial advisor.

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

I was concerned about my pension and wanted to know how best to plan for retirement.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Straight talking (which I like) and he very quickly adapts what he's saying to my understanding but in the end he's super helpful in getting me to the place where I know what to do for the best without directing me!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Receipt of a legacy over 40 years ago.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

By being helpful and approachable as well as a reliable source of sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

Movement of a pension pot

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Provided financial advice in a clear way that anyone would be able to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Quite simply brilliant> Steve listened to my needs and my tools and all his advice was clear and precise. His knowledge and professionalism is first class.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Prompt, informative and sympathetic to my requirements.

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

Needed advise on how to make best use of my pensions

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advised and set things up so I had a regular income for my family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

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

Financial Planning after retirement .

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advice and , setting up a financial package that suits our needs , now and in later life.

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?

I was looking for an adviser to help with my pension planning.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

With drawing down my pension and investing it with a reputable company.

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?

The receipt of a legacy over 40 years ago.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

His advice has resulted in steady growth of our portfolio value.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Keeps in touch on a regular basis

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Kept us informed of the current changes in the financial sector. Gave reassurance and answered questions about our portfolio.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Had a face to face review on our investment with Steve very helpful and explained all our questions

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Following on from my last review, Steve has kept up his great service and always puts my mind at rest, especially in these uncertain times.

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

To get maximum potential from our available funds.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Enhance our long term financial security.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes hopefully.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Had our yearly review with Steve he is always happy to explain everything to us so we understand and come away with confidence that our investment is in good hands

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I found Steve to be a very personable and helpful person, he has guided me smoothly through the pension process, and has answered any questions I had with the mininum of fuss.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Retirement planning

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Astute insightful service. Steve's a pleasure to deal, seeks to really understand my requirements and provides advice really tailored to me.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Recommended by a friend which speaks volumes. Early engagement at this point, but did what he said he would, when he would. Spoke in plain English too and explained everything clearly

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

As previously, straightforward, knowledgeable and reassuring. Meeting out of hours to suit me which was very helpful. Clarity of explanations to a novice excellent!

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very pragmatic and reassuring. Clear explanations of what I needed to know and interesting options available. Quick understanding of my context and appropriate advice. Thank you!

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve has continued to provide the necessary support and guidance that I want. It has been a quiet 12 months and I have not required an in-depth approach from Steve. However, I know that if there were any significant changes Steve would be on-hand to assist as necessary.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve , was fantastic with the advice he gave us, he made the process so simple to understand in all aspects of explaining how to invest our pension pot to our advantage. Steve has a great personality and is a total professional at his job put us at ease as soon as we met him, can't thank him enough for the advice on how to invest in our pension, thanks for everything Steve

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

Retirement

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advict

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

Find I need reassurance with what I do.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Gave me the advice I needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Don’t think there’s anything that could be done better

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

We were looking to put all our frozen pensions into one pot sdo we know where we are and had saving which we are looking for a better return on than from the banks

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

He went through all our options and gave advise on products and services based on our personnal risks

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Only just invested with them so not at the moment but my Dad has been with them for years and done ok so I believe we will to

What could they have done better?

Nothing, have found Steve to be very helpful and has alot of knowledge

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Super quick response

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very happy with service provided. Felt Steve really took the time to understand our individual circumstances and very happy with the advice received. Will certainly engage with Steve in the future

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

With Steve having so capably and sensitively advised my mum for many years, he was a natural choice when I needed financial advice myself

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Steve has not only helped me but my wider family - my mum, my aunt and hopefully, through his work, the benefits will continue down to my children and beyond too. He has assisted with investment planning, always humanely considering the wider picture

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Steve has consistently advised my family with great attention and warmth

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve sends out regular email updates and we had a review via Zoom in January.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Yes, with regular updates

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

He has continued to contact us regularly and to offer sound advice

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Advice re late husband’s investments and release of investment funds

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Kept us informed of the financial situation during the pandemic. Given consistent and clear advice

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

With Covid have not had face to face contact but had a telephone review on my funds

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve has always provided very good advice around my pension fund initially and has done this in a way of easy understanding. He explains things in depth but at the same time gives me total confidence in the advice. Steve advised on life insurance to help in inheritance tax, which is now in place. He also has provided a good platform for a large investment for me recently. We have had a few tax issues with HMRC, but Steve has always been on hand with his advice and quick response. I feel very much at ease in Steve’s company and he is a credit to Armstrong Watson.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Keeps us on the straight and narrow. No spin. No waffle. Top class Carlisle service.

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve is alway a good listener, gathers data and comes back with suggestions, sometimes the draw of legal and data safety is a hassle but that’s not Steve’;s fault and Stev always try’s to help make it as easy as possible

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Helped sort my wife’s pension out and is always there for any advice

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Setting up of SIPP

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

How has Steve Shovlin helped you since your last review?

Steve has continued to provide informative and sensible advice as well as a level of re-assurance during these difficult economic times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I have had no reason to doubt or question any of the advice provided. Obviously, the short term future is uncertain but I'm certain that Steve will provide all necessary guidance to ensure the best outcome for me.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve explained everything very well in layman’s terms so it wasn’t overwhelming, as this was our first approach to dealing with pensions. Very personable meetings, putting us very much at ease and giving us confidence in Steve his knowledge and his services.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Plain language, complex issues explained in simple terms, clear advice...all given in a calm and reassuring manner. His approach engenders confidence and I would go back to him again. On the basis of my experience with Steve I would use Armstrong Watson again.

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

I needed a pension.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

He is very thorough and down to earth. He explained my options clearly and is so knowledgeable about pensions and investments. Very approachable and great to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say he couldn't have done anything any better.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Felt comfortable talking personal finances with Steve Have a lot to read up on. He was very interested in my circumstances. I felt if I used his expertise in the future... I would get a job well done. Regards

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

Management of pension and funds. Financing of property purchase.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advice on the above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not as far as I am aware.

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

Retirement

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

With advice sufficient to make objective decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, up to covid 19 !

What could they have done better?

Time allocation sufficient to talk through options, and friendly advice

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

Required advice on occupational pension fund.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

He discussed the various options available and potential investment routes. He transferred pension fund into a SIP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Steve is very approachable, conscientious and able to understandable explanations.

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

The company I worked for closed the final salary pension and offered me an enhanced value to remove my pension from them

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

He advised me on transferring my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I was happy with the advice I was given, there was nothing more I expected from Steve.

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

The receipt of an inheritance about 40 years ago.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

This event long predates Steve Shovlin's employment at Armstrong Watson. We sought advice from a predecessor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the years,yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We have always been satisfied with the service provided.

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

Have dealt with Steve's firm for years.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

By looking at my circumstances and giving sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Surplus funds due to land sale

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Advised on tax situation, IHT situation and how to invest to maximum advantage in my circumstances .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The markets have been compromised due to the coronavirus, so no. The IHT planning will have a positive outcome.

What could they have done better?

I don’t feel qualified to answer this

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

My wife and I wanted general professional financial advice, specifically pension advice to plan for our retirement.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

We had already been advised by Steve’s predecessors at the Company and he continued the valued advice given by them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Up until present we have been delighted by the advice given.

What could they have done better?

We are not aware that our financial adviser could have done anything differently, or indeed better.

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

Retirement

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Gave very good advice where to invest and and what risks we were taking

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

One always hopes for better but considering the unpredictable markets of the world the outcome could have been worse

What could they have done better?

At this present moment in time 07/04/2020 listened to me when I suggested at our last review that I would be happier if I turned all my investments into cash and put under my mattress. That way I would know where my money was!

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

Needed some advice on consolidating savings.

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Easy going and friendly, listened to my requirements and needs and gave easy to understand ,constructive advice with good explanations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Small improvements up to now.

What could they have done better?

Simplify the written data, as it is not easy to understand

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

Transferred pension pot

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Looked at the best fund for my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The only question is, my pot is in pru cautious and I thought I would only grow / decline by max 5% and under the exceptional circumstances it’s dropped by 10%?

What could they have done better?

Charged a lesser fee

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

Got a retirement package from my company

How has Steve Shovlin helped you?

Steve gave us great advice on what to do with my lump some more than happy with service we receive. Get a yearly review and always there for advise when required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very pleased but who knows how we will come out of covid 19 situation. But daily updates off Steve at this difficult time helps a lot

What could they have done better?

At this difficult time he is keeping this clients up to date great service