Brian McNicol

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

How has Brian McNicol helped you since your last review?

Brian advised my husband and I on the best way to release money when it was required. Also advised on who to talk to to regarding another separate matter that we had.

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

How has Brian McNicol helped you since your last review?

Only just had our review

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

How has Brian McNicol helped you since your last review?

I had a requirement to withdraw my tax free portion of my investment.

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

Had already retired and needed guidance on how to consolidate my existing pension pots/ savings and how to manage them moving forward

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian provided advice on pensions/ savings options, recommending a new investment platform to place my funds. Brian's input gave me confidence to move forward into retirement with financial security.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say definitively - so far so good.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

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

I needed pension advice

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Helped to manage my pension pots in order to achieve my retirement goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All positive so far

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian gave my husband advice on his pensions when he retired. Very easy to deal with and always available when we needed advice or anything clarified. Very happy with the service provided.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian has been extremely kind and patient and understanding.

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

I received a sum in compensation and needed advice on the best way to deal with it , as well as my other accounts

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

I have been given information on the best way to invest my money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am happy with it.

What could they have done better?

There isn't anything I can think of.

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

I needed advice for unexpected money I had received.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

With good advice and knowledge, which was extremely helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know off.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Very useful discussion

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

How has Brian McNicol helped you since your last review?

Brian and I have continued to talk - less frequently that during the setup phase of my retirement - but we talk when the need arises. I'm obviously aware that the last couple of years have seen some poor decisions from government that has caused some wild fluctuations in pension values. Brian did contact me quite often to reassure and remind me of the long term nature of what we've done so I never felt especially concerned. His confidence in the company and product he's placed me with is great to hear.

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

Approaching retirement and I required specific advice on what to do with existing pensions to achieve target retirement date

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Recommended a pension product to transfer existing pensions too which were more inline with my personal risk profile

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say but believe the advice give by Brian and acted upon since will achieve my goals

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

Wanted to have expertise on pensions before choosing my options.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Understanding the pension options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Will monitor outcome as this is only my first year with Armstrong Watson

What could they have done better?

Nothing at the moment

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

I needed someone that would be able to advise me on my future retirement, and would be willing to explain this advise "face to face", and in a manner I would understand.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Always been available if I required something.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I appreciate that the last 3 years have not been great for world wide investing, so I guess I am doing OK (but of course everyone would always want that wee bit more).

What could they have done better?

I`m not really in a position to answer this, as I`m not really sure of everything that can be done by a financial advisor - and I don`t need or want to be.

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

Looking to retire soon and needed advice on Pension Drawdown and bringing 3 schemes together

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

He has kept me up to date on the process and given assurances where necessary.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still in the early stages of working through the process, so early days yet

What could they have done better?

Too early to tell yet.

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

Pension investment

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian is open and honest & demonstrates an excellent understanding of the financial market. He’s very insightful & takes time to listen to financial goals/objectives. I feel he has a genuine interest in achieving the very best for his clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Doubtful anyone has seen the outcome expected this past year during challenging economic times. Previous to this very happy with my investment outcome & except to do well going forward.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, very happy overall.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian has always provided me with honest, reliable advice and helped me with my financial needs.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

I have owned an Estate Agents for over 20 years. I have successfully introduced clients to Brian for around 10 years. My clients have always been delighted by my recommendation.

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

It’s hard for me to understand private pensions etc

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Yes , he sorted out all paperwork regarding pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I think Brian doing good anyway

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

Early retirement

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

First class advice, clearly explained with several.options offered.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Don't know yet. Review pending

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything. I was very happy with the advice given.

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

Retirement planning and investment of a forthcoming inheritance

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Advice and different ways of thinking about pension drawdown options and tax efficient ways of investing. Brian is very careful to listen and respond to preferences and options expressed in the conversations to date

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still work in progress but very comfortable with things so far

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note

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

Inheritance to invest

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Friendly and took time to really understand my personal circumstances before making recommendations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Y s

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Looking to invest my pension with a honest and trustworthy company which I believe I have achieved.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

By being in regular touch, even at weekends, and evenings. He explains everything clearly, which helps me understand the current situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not fully yet but the financial issues within the country have been the cause of that, and I am confident that this will improve in the future

What could they have done better?

Very little.

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

Pension transfer

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Transferred all my pensions to the one fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

I planned to retire in summer of 2022. My analysis of my multiple pension pots suggested that this was a viable option but I needed advice to: - consolidate pensions into 1 (or a reduced number) of policies - get advice from an expert who could both confirm my analysis and also to provide me with any options to get the most out of my pension

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Aside from his obvious expertise he provided me the confidence that retirement was possible financially. The transactions of transferring were handled well as have been a couple of drawdowns since I retired.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Aside from the impact of the Truss/Kamikwaze catastrophic "budget", the plan is going well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

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

Poor pension investment return + savings advice

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

In all aspects asked for

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to judge

What could they have done better?

Not sure they could have without having a crystal ball

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

Follow retirement,I had a large sum of money in the bank,gaining no interest and felt that I needed advice on the best way forwards

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian has led us in the right direction and we hope to see a return on our investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to judge.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Financial advice around my pension

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian’s advice has allowed me to invest wisely in spite of current markets

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was not happy with my current Pension provider, as I neared retirement and I sought financial advise initially though Pension Wise who put me in contact with Brian McNicol.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

In providing the face to face you sometimes need, the reassurance and due-diligence on what would be the best options to go for based on you risk score and discussion of what you need and want from the advice. He brings the knowledge that I would not have about the markets, and performances of the providers across the market place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my expectations have been meet and going forward the ongoing reviews will also keep this upto date.

What could they have done better?

Not much as this was started at the end of the lock down, contact was always going to be difficult so we agreed on regular phone/ zoom calls to keep things on track.

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

I felt my investments needed to work harder for me in the current climate.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian gave a thorough review of my current investment’s and pension provision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to give an opinion.

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

I had several pensions that I required advice for and decided my best option would be a financial adviser

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian gave me good advice regarding my pensions which has been actioned as well sound financial advice for today as well as my future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes his advice has made a positive impact

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

Wanted to collate all my pensions

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

He collated the key ones & gave good advice on final salary ones

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes100%

What could they have done better?

Nothing as Brian done exactly what I needed & more from his wealth of his experience

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

Low interest rate on savings

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Good advise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not at that point yet

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

Pension coming up to maturity.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Dealt with companies.

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 had four private pensions of differing values which needed attention and expertise. I received excellent service.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

By giving me knowledge, advice, and a good amount of self satisfaction, with the decisions I ultimately made.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I would have to say yes,even though my investments will take time to accumulate their full potential.

What could they have done better?

I don't believe anything could have been better.

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

Retirement necessitated review of my company pension funds to ensure that they were invested appropriately to cover my retirement needs

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Reviewed joint financial situation for my wife and me thoroughly in order to explore options for our pension pots and to implement our agreed strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing obvious springs to mind

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

I was looking to retire. Being a scientist, I was pretty sure that my pension savings would be sufficient but needed to have a professional review and plan to make retirement reality.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian provided me with the confidence that my calculations were correct and he's made recommendations that should provide me with financial security during my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Brian took alot of time to understand me, my requirements and attitude to risk. Never did I feel that I was being "sold" anything.

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

I had a number of work pensions that I did not think were working for me and wanted to look at consolidating them. I was also keen to use a Pension provider that was environmentally responsible.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

I now have a single pension that will provide better returns than my multiple pension pots.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Brian and Helen were excellent.

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

Retirement with private pension to invest.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Has helped me to understand how to invest my pensions to have an income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Due to current climate investment has gone down . But hope it will go up as things get back to normal.

What could they have done better?

At this time I don't think anything could have been done better.

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

Retirement

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Provided financial advice tailored to my personal choices and needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Recent retirement.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Have advice about investing pension lump sum.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Extremely helpful and clear with financial advice and open to questions. very friendly. No pressure to invest in any discussed services.

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

I needed to group all my pensions together, and I was also looking to draw down some money from my pension as well.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian helped me to clarify my thinking, showed me the strengths and weaknesses of my current financial position, listened to me closely and understood my particular needs and desires, and found me a new pension fund that matched what I required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too soon to tell, but my research of the pension fund chosen by Brian indicates that the fund is well-regarded and has been very successful in the past.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. Brian was everything I could have hoped for in a financial adviser.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian took the time to understand what I required then took me through a thorough and clear exposition of the various means available to achieve my requirements. He explained everything succinctly and ensured that I understood the possible ramifications of any choices I made. I came away from this very comfortable with the decisions made. He is also a very personable and affable chap.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian provides valuable information and insight in a clear, concise way. Much was gained in two zoom sessions, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a Financial Advisor.

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

Wanted to consolidate all my pensions in to one that was accessible for drawdown & take tax free lump sum

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian took time to find out about me to ensure that he put a plan in place that met my circumstances, he answered all my queries, you get a highly personalised service from Brian but also have the backing of a larger financial company behind him, couldn’t ask for more, a genuinely nice person to deal with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, what Brian put in place was exactly what I wanted

What could they have done better?

Nothing as Brian done everything I requested, his high level of personalised customer service was excellent

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

Reaching age 60 and looking at accessing existing pensions

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Helped me by reviewing all my finances and advising me on the most appropriate company to move my pension to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

New pension has not been up and running for long so can’t really comment on the growth of my investment yet or the quality of the service in the new company, but have been happy with Brian’s recommendations so far.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything that would have improved the service given.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian was very clear about what services he could offer and how they would suit us. We learned a lot from the conversation and never felt pressured to make a decision. He was very friendly and approachable and we would definitely use his services again.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian gave quite a lot of his time and explained the importance of getting to know me and my goals and priorities, this was done over 2 phone calls instead of one, most other companies only give you one hour so I really appreciated the time Brian was giving and the interest he took in my financial situation. I haven't actually taken advice yet from Brian as the timing isn't quite right but I will be moving forward at some point in 2021. Brian has been so patient and there is absolutely no pressure which put me at ease. I would highly recommend Brian if you are looking for any financial advice, his explanation to someone who doesn't know much about the array of products available and how they work was very helpful in me deciding how I want to proceed.

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

I was informed by zurich ins. that i had pension that i knew nothing about and was advised to get in touch with afinancial advisor through the unbiased team that brian mc.nicol got in touch with me.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian really good in explaining every option to me who knew nothing about pentions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes i think so considering i dont know much about pencions.

What could they have done better?

dont think they could have done any better considering its the first time i have ever hsd to deal with one.

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

I had recently retired from my position within a company I had spent 30 years with (I am 62). I had spent several months myself, trying to look into how best to arrange my finances going forward (I had average pension accumulations and savings). I had found this homework very challenging (I knew what I wanted, but did not have the knowledge or ability to best achieve this). I was linked to Brian McNicol through searches I had undertaken with Pensionwise and Unbiased.com.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

In these "unprecedented" times I was finding it very hard and very frustrating trying to get connected and to actually speak with someone at my original pension savings provider. From the outset, I found it very easy to speak with Mr McNicol. I was able to explain in my own terms what I was looking for, and receive a response back in terms that I was able to fully understand - and if I did not understand, he would take the time to break things down to a level that I did understand. I explained that I was looking for a modest monthly retirement income from my pension pot (though I didn`t want to live like a monk), but was hesitant in buying into an annuity, as I wanted to ensure there was something left from my years of hard work, for my kids, when I was gone. Brian went through a risk assessment with me to see where I stood with investments, he then identified options available to me to choose from. He arranged the transfer of funds from my previous provider and set up my current fund (which is monitored). I have at all times throughout the process had great access to contact with Brian within a timely manner, and throughout the whole process he has kept me up to speed with progress on a regular basis - I appreciate this is a service that I am paying for, but I consider this to be a hugely valuable asset.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has only been a month, but things are certainly moving along nicely in the right direction at this time.

What could they have done better?

I cannot actually find fault with any of my dealings to date with Brian McNicol and the ArmstrongWatson team.

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

I'm 8ish years from retiring and wanted to ensure I was invested in the right funds for my attitude to risk

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

He undertook a full fact find and attitude to risk assessment and then reviewed all my existing pensions and investments before making recommendations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I'm very happy with outcome.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

Brian has been very clear in explaining my options and spent considerable time detailing these options on a subject I had very little understanding of.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

No issue with Brian during our initial conversations

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

Had a few pensions not making me any money

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian combined them to an better investment. He also gave me advise on a small investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Brian

A good open discussion on my financial plans and how Brian was going to help my portfolio achieve its goals.A local contact is crucial in thee matters.

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

Looking to transfer old pension to new workplace one

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Provided advice on the best option for old pension as well as Income insurance. He also gave me general advice about managing my finances and also what changes I should consider if I want to meet my retirement goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, exactly as we had agreed.

What could they have done better?

Brian is a little forgetful so does need to recheck information but it wasn't a major burden. He managed our interactions reall well and accomodated remote working really well.

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

Pension advice required

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Brian took the time to understand my circumstances which was very important, very easy to deal with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Totally happy/satisfied with the advice/investment fund provided

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

Wanted to make my pension work better for me.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

After discussing everything fully with Brian the advice given gave me the information I needed to make financial changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

So far I’m satisfied with the help & advise given.

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

I wanted to consolidate work pensions with my private pension. Also wanted to ensure risk profile was correct

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

He provided advice on best pension product and undertook to transfer all pensions into one new pension product. Adapted my risk profile based on questionnaire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to notice any changes in pension value

What could they have done better?

They didn't advise in advance that I could not continue to have my employer pension paid into my new pension, therefore leaving a smaller pension pot with a provider I did not choose.

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

I needed support in accessing my pensions from 3 financial sources, to allow me to drawdown part of my pension, as I didnt have the drawdown option with my providers.

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

I needed someone I could trust, would be able to give complex advice at the same time, breaking it down into simple understanding. Brian was very proficient in achieving this Goal. Meetings were held in a timely manner, with regular communication either by email, text or personal phone call with latest updates. In dealing with financial private matters, Im well aware of companies or persons ,who may provide information not necessarily suited to the individual. On this occasion, Brian fully understood my expectations, explained the risks in a step by step guide each time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the final stages of completing the process. Im well aware of my expectations and await final instructions.

What could they have done better?

Cliche, but in some aspects if the financial world, I believe there us self gain for advisors when giving out advice. In my situation, yes I was fylly briefed by Brian on fees etc, guidance on risk factors etc. On each occasion tge level of honesty and trust, gave me piece of mind I was in safe hands. This alone is valuable and very fortunate to have people like Brian avaiable to give advice.

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

I was looking to review my retirement planning and optimising my deposits

How has Brian McNicol helped you?

Developed an overall strategy for me based on risk appetite and personal aspirations for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the advice provided and strategy met what I was looking for and more.

What could they have done better?

Couldn’t fault Brian, always on the ball.