Anthony Ward

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

I wanted to retire, Anthony has assured me and sorted out everything

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony has been brilliant explaining every aspect of pensions and saving

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely, just hope I can take to retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, time has been taken and enough time to understand what has been set up.

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

Because I needed financial advice and was given Anthony's name by my insurance broker

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

With advice on pensions, investments and inheritance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I do not think so

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

Approaching retirement 13 years ago my company stopped the final salary scheme and introduced a defined benefits . Anthony was employed by the company to give advice to those affected.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

After the closure of the final salary scheme I asked Anthony to act as my advisor for investing my pension going forward and he has helped me ever sincTher was some confusion around the possibility of purchasing an annuity to e

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In general yes. I am a low risk client and because of unseen event like the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and now the war in the middle east Anthony has kept pace with events and kept my pension investments on an even keel to my satisfaction

What could they have done better?

There was some confusion at understanding the pluses/minuses of turning my pension into an annuity. It took me a long time to understand the risks / benefits of that action and come to a satisfactory decision

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

To manage effectively my income and savings made complicated by share options, final salary pension and the tax implications

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Advised on suitable savings plans that are tax efficient, supported the clarification for loss of fixed protection on my pension and advises on financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, things are working out well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Retirement and ongoing pension fund

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Advised on impact of taking money from my pension fund then making the necessary arrangements for me to do so

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

To achieve my retirement goals

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Understood my retirement requirements and helped to put into place the framework to achieve this.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and probably exceeded

What could they have done better?

Nothin particularly. I'm very happy with the outcome.

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

Inheriting investments

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Advising on investments to suit our needs for the future

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?

At start of retirement - how to invest lump sum and also invest money from inheritance.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Advised on life-time guarantee income from Axa and ensured ISA's ongoing annually. Invested capital from which monthly income can be drawn. Ensured additional funds available when needed. Assisted with negotiating purchase of new car. Responds swiftly to messages and will arrange visit to discuss queries.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The investments in my portfolio provide additional monthly income which has become increasingly necessary.

What could they have done better?

Satisfied that I can contact and seek advice when needed.

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

Tax free income from savings

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Given advice and invested for me giving me a tax free income. Also advising short term income bonds which he didn’t benefit from when I sold some rental properties. Invaluable help and advice at a very difficult time when my husband died and helped with the legals. Anthony is only a phone call away when I need help and advice. He is highly valued.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Not applicable

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

Pension advice

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

20 years of supprort

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Don’t know

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

Tired and bored with looking after myself

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Knowledge of options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in process - not at the end game yet

What could they have done better?

If I knew that would have done it!

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

Looking to plan for the future wrt to pension and investments

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony has provided stellar services in all aspect of our financial planning both for ourselves and our childrens future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the investments have grown and we have a healthy pension pot

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

In November 2007 I received an unexpected inheritance. My wife, who was a legal secretary in a medium sized local legal practice, suggested we speak to Anthony Ward who had advised many of the clients of the legal practice who had placed their trust in him and his advice.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Seeking Anthony Ward's advice turned out to be an excellent idea as he was not only able to give us sound, practical advice on the inheritance, but was also able to review several work-based pension schemes my wife and myself held. This led to us making sensible amendments to out work-based pension schemes which were far more suited to our own personal aims and ambitions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly yes! The world of finance and investment can be very complex and Anthony walked us through all his suggested advice making sure we understood exactly what our risks and benefits were likely to be.

What could they have done better?

This is a very difficult question to answer as I really don't believe he could have 'done better'. The bottom line is that since November 2007 Anthony has always had our complete trust. On the odd occasion that we may have had a question or a query of any sort, a quick email resulted in matters being sorted out to our total satisfaction.

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

Retirement advice.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony has safeguarded my savings by astute management of my funds. I completely trust him to do the best for me.

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?

Use of savings and pension planning

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Making recommendations and general advise on long time planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Very much so.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with all actions recommended and taken.

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

Recommend

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Looked after my investments

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 Anthony

I approached Anthony as he came very highly recommended and I needed a second opinion regarding when to take my pension. This was probably one of the most important financial decisions I will ever make, the impact of the decision affecting me for the rest of my life. Within that context Anthony gave me a very comprehensive, broad and balanced view regarding the best approach. Not only thinking about the figures but also about the all important emotional side. By asking the right questions he was able to give me all my options to navigate the best way forward. Anthony was very personable and professional and clearly at the top of his game.

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

I lost all confidence in the provider i was using for my Stakeholder pension and life cover; I had a complex situation with a mix of schemes as I have my own business; I had a closed final salary scheme with former employer and could not trace my pension which had been contracted out of SERPS.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He was able to track down all previous contributions; take care of the transfer from my stakeholder scheme to an invested fund with low cost management fees and advise on the best course of action for my other investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Anthony provided comprehensive advice over a wider range of areas without trying to "push" any particular product.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

I wanted to consolidate numerous pensions

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Yes Anthony he has helped me with this and much more. He is always on hand to advise me and point me in the right direction based on my end goal!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

What could they have done better?

Nothing, completely satisfied and confident in my investments for the first time in a long time

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

Anthony and I met working in different aspects of Insurance ie me in general insurance and Anthony in life & pensions.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Long term knowledge of my finances and requirements during my working life and retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, allowing for the fact that I fully retired early at 58 years but got my timing wrong - 2008.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can remember. Perhaps with hindsight my Companies Pension Schemes which Anthony advised upon might have been merged earlier.

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

I was impressed with his advice provided free by the company I worked for.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

With general advice on inheritance, tax and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

We needed a safe home for our savings.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

With good advice and placing of the savings

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?

In my late 20's/early 30's I recognised the importance of saving and planning. I had a money purchase pension through work and wanted to establish whether I should put the maximum in that, to get the maximum contribution from the company or to invest/save using other products. At that time retirement seemed along way off - there was a mortgage and I wanted to still have fun and enjoy my income. So in the begining I needed advice and a sounding board.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony gives advice to me on all aspects of my financial life planning. He understands my relationship with money, my attitude to risk and my aspirations. This has been a relationship forged over 25+ years and I completely trust Anthony's advice and management of my financial portfolio. He listens, he asks questions, he educates and he is interested and responsive. In order to get the most valuable advice we have found it best to have open, honest and direct discussions. Over the years Anthony has gone above and beyond as he has advised and given financial input on areas outside his direct management eg. an invest property, bank savings accounts, aged parents to name but a few. Anthony is a specialist whom I trust completely. There are some things in life you think you can do on your own, or cut corners on, to save a bit of money. Financial planning and management, for me, isn't one of them. This is because our financial situations change throughout our lives. In summary, the specialist advice, results, relationship and peace of mind I get out perform the management fee I am charged by a long way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel that my financial portfolio is in safe hands. It is reviewed regulary and is on a good trajectory. I trust Anthony, as my financial adviser, to discuss with me any changes that he sees fit - I also would discuss with Anthony any changes in my position. I am extremely happy with the service and would not consider changing my financial adviser.

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

Improve the management of our savings

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Discusses options and provides access to available products. Anthony also transferred several small pensions to one provider

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mainly. Turmoil in the world has slowed down dome performance from exp Cree.

What could they have done better?

Fund performance reporting isn’t transparent on the quarterly reports. Should include past performances and show trends.

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

Coming up for retirement

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Open discussion on all options which helped initially on some short term decision making, with longer term thoughts.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still too early

What could they have done better?

Difficult to answer as it’s myself holding back on opportunities put before me.

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

My Company Vanderlande Industries a dutch engineering operation made the decision to pull out of the final salary pension scheme for all employees. Blackstone were approach by the UK company to provide advice in the process of transferring our pensions. Some like myself had been in the final salary scheme for some 40 years. Blackstone assigned Anthony to the task and his approach instantly impressed me

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony advised me on the options available for the transfer of my pension pot he also advised me to invest in the ISA's available at the time. His approachable manner gave me confidence in him giving clear advice which sometimes needed more of his time for the information to be clear for me. These sessions were conducted withe his professional clear advice showing patience at all times

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The relationship built up in those earl days has continued to this day to the point I like to think we have become friends. In general the plan going forward is clear. Anthony is not afraid to be questioned hard if the financial world stutters with the result that sometimes investments dro for a while until the markets bounce back again. In general Anthony has met the targets we agreed bearing in mind market volatility (Ukraine, Covid and now Gaza)

What could they have done better?

The documents provided e.g. portfolios need to be simplified for people like me. I accepted that the detail is require for your own quality rules but I agreed with Anthony that the document in future should have maybe a financial summary at the front pulling out the important information that affect my investments without all the back up detail. This was accepted by Anthony in an amicable meeting. Apart from that I am completely satisfied with Anthony as my advisor going forward into my later years of retirement

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

Needed advice on pension planning

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Always ready to provide on things financial including savings, unit trusts and pensions,

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that IO am aware of

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

Pension lump sum

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Giving advice

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?

Approaching retirement age and needed to plan well in advance.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He helped me resolve an outstanding Pension issue which impacted my Lifetime Allowance negatively. He has also discussed future ISA Investments through M&G Wealth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

He managed to get my LTA limit raised due to incorrect information provided by a Pension provider and consequently saved me from a large Income Tax bill.

What could they have done better?

I'm very satisfied with the advice and support provided by Anthony.

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

Initially, an unexpected inheritance leading to retirement planning.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Initially, careful analysis of our financial position followed by arranging investments for us which would meet our financial aims and objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly.

What could they have done better?

I can't really say as we have always been more than satisfied with Anthony Ward's level of client service coupled with the results his advice and arrangements have generated for us.

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

Needed a trustworthy advisor and Anthony was recommended.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He has increased my savings by sensible investments based on my risk preferences. He has offered advice and guidance over many years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Plus full explanations and advice.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with the service. Anthony brings a common sense and practical approach to our meetings and has my full trust.

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

I needed advice when the company I was with before ceased and wished to know how to carry on. Anthony was very helpful indeed in taking on my investments. He has continued to help me in any way that I have requested. Money investments go up and down and one has to be aware of that at all times. I have felt very secure with all advice Anthony has given me and I hope to continue in this vein.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

as above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

as above

What could they have done better?

No idea! Obviously one is never satisfied and make me more money!? I am not a demanding customer.

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

When I retired (over 20 years ago) my husband and I decided we needed advice on our savings to ensure they were best invested to support us in our retirement, and also to assist our each of our two children if possible in, for example, buying a house.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Over these years, he has always ensured that our savings were securely invested, with minimal income tax liability. He has advised on providing finance to our sons, when required, and assisted the procedure. In particular, since my husband died earlier this year, he has provided me with frequent advice on all financial matters, whenever asked and very promptly - constantly giving me much needed support and reassurance.

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?

We needed to consolidate pensions to give my husband a retirement income. Anthony was recommended to me through colleagues and he impressed us from the off.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He secured an annuity and negotiated with Aviva on our behalf.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

We both thought he was brilliant, so no.

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

Advice on pensions

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Clear advice and managed process smoothly and efficiently

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

We have known Anthony for years do was someone we could trust to advise how to invest proceeds from selling a business in 2021

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He has helped structure a portfolio of investments and pensions to ensure we are able to supplement our income and retire comfortably when the time comes.

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 unhappy with service from previous FA, so Anthony came recommended

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony has taken control of all my finances, re-investing where necessary. He also helped with investing my mothers funds following the sale of her home

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but that is due to the downturn in the markets

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Achieve my retirement goals

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Understood my requirements and helped plan a strategy to achieve my goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The advice nothing. Lower fees would help

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

Company Administration

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Personal financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s been a question of reacting to changing events

What could they have done better?

I don’t know how events of the past few years could have Ben for Seen

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

I needed to invest into a personal pension as I had left my final salary pension scheme employment .

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He reviewed my attitude towards risk and explained what my very conservative outlook would look like as I approached retirement. He gave me huge confidence in his ability to look after my pension wisely and also recommended I leave my previously built up pension in place. He has also helped advise me on smaller investments for my children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Let’s be honest the market hasn’t performed particularly well in the past 2 years plus but Anthony maintains contact - always calls me back and discusses my fears with me rationally.

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

Anthony has been my financial adviser for around30 years, beginning when I took early retirement to set up my businesses. I have been lucky that my companies have done well and Anthony has always been available to advise on financial matters affecting them. He is pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and reliable.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He helped set up company pensions, distribute dicidends and structure to achieve efficient tax ation matters

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, indeed

What could they have done better?

I am not aware of any defficiency on the support he has provided

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

I had capital I wished to invest

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

With sound advice and regular contact to review investment…

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

To my mind . Nothing.

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

Approaching retirement around 9 years ago, I was fortunate to have Anthony as pensions adviser to our company. I was so impressed I secured his services as financial advisor

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Grown our pension pots, secured long term investment portfolio and given good advice throughout especially around procuring a will and power of attorney. He’s never let us down in any area

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely grown assets and helped to protect them in the current financial climate

What could they have done better?

Perhaps some changes to the graphics on the portfolio statements to show individual asset changes rather than a pie chart of the portfolio . Also overall growth v general market, so that you can see quickly the largest areas of change and which areas are performing best and worst.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Anthony

I first metAnthony on a picnic bench beside the River Avon near Pershore on a rather depressing morning, An hour later I felt much happier and left with a much better idea of what my future held. I am looking forward to my next meeting in 10 days time. I have responded to your survey already.

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

Previous Adviser Died

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

He has advised me for over 20 years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes he has give good advice with good outcomes over the years.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

Redundancy money which needed investing

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Gave advice on how to invest fir our particular needs going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not sure he could have bettered the advice he gave fir the outcome we needed.

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

My company was in the process of changing from a final salary pension to a defined benefits pension. Anthony was brought in to give the employees advice/clarification of the possible consequences. Anthony impressed me with his approach to my finances and gave a clear understanding of the way forward

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

When the pension scheme changed I asked for Anthony to provide ongoing financial advice. That was 9 years ago and I have no regrets about that decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My challenge was for Anthony to maintain the value of my portfolio even though I was taking regular draw down sums as well as lump sums from my ISA pot to fund personal expenditure such as holidays,cars etc. Throughout the political and now pandemic challenges Anthony has generally achieved the goal

What could they have done better?

Nothing in particular. I gave Anthony a hard time in a dispute with AVIVA. I might have asked for more in terms of compensation but I could appreciate the efforts of him and his team

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

I had several pension pots and wanted to look at the benefits of amalgamating for improved returns.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony took on board my requirements and identified suitable and appropriate funds in which to combine the former arrangements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

In all honesty, with the unpredictability of the markets, it is difficult to see what could have been done better.

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

I did not have a financial advisor, Anthony came highly recommended

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Firstly organised all my investments into some form of order, so he could then advise me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Difficult times but I feel we maybe now moving forward

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

To be more effective with my investments, pensions and investment planning

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Multiple ways - from pensions and inheritance tax planning for us, long term care planning for an elderly parent and now mortgage advice for children. What is absolutely critical is the holistic approach that Anthony offers - understanding and working with all aspects of financial planning, having the big picture and now providing advice for adult children, reliability and trust is everything

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - this is a long term partnership

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

Retirement. - Pension management.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Regular contact and meetings over the past 16years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I have been very satisfied with the service and attention that Anthony award has provided

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

Originally retirement planning and long term investment advice. Anthony was contracted by my employers to supervise and advise employees about the company pension scheme and to assist with any pension related advice on an individual basis.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Recommended several methods by which taxation could be optimised, and transferring several pensions from previous employments into a single consolidated plan. I was impressed and engaged him to advise my wife and I on a private basis. He started with a full review and then recommended establishing a power of attorney by my daughter and a will, both of which were set up by my solicitor. She was impressed by the questions and briefing that Anthony had provided and our confidence in him grew. He was key to a private share sale, and placed monies into several accounts, some short term, instant access for CGT and income tax, others with long term. His estimate of tax liability was spot -on. He has also assisted with advice on car purchase.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has exceeded, way above expectation, and we have felt protected throughout. So much so that I have recommended him to several trusted friends and colleagues, something that I would not do lightly given the risk associated with personal money. We hold regular reviews and change portfolio items based around performance projections.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything

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

Transfer from company to personal pension

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony made recommendations on choice of funds and markets

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Pension planning and investments

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

Anthony goes above and beyond to assist in many areas. Anthony, has helped to get my pension accounts transferred over after a very difficult divorce and complicated financial matters. Sometimes just offering a phone call to check in and make sure I was happy with the services provided.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been very happy and comfortable with the outcome so far.

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

On being made redundant I wanted to invest my redundancy money wisely and plan for my family's financial future.

How has Anthony Ward helped you?

His advice and recommended investments have consistently generated a good rate of return and also proved to be relatively stable through the banking crisis in 2008 and the current pandemic avoiding the need for panic on my part.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes have rarely failed to meet my expectations and on many occasions surpassed them. With Anthony's advice I was able to retire when I was 50. His continued advice has meant that I have not had any financial difficulties in the eighteen years since then.

What could they have done better?

Very occasionally his administrative back-up could have been better