Christian Lloyd-Williams

Review from verified client

September, 2024

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

I wanted a review of my own plans and circumstances.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Clear advice on pensions investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

N/A - His advice provided reassurance and direction for my plans.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Richard. It's great to hear you feel we couldn't have done anything better and we provided reassurance and direction for your plans. We rely heavily on client recommendations to grow our business. Comments help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

September, 2024

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

Holistic financial advice.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Put together plan with modelling on when money would run out.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Kim. It's great to hear you feel we couldn't have done anything better and you have seen the outcome you were hoping for. We rely heavily on client recommendations to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

September, 2024

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

Retirement approaching a few years ago

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Hé manages our pension finances and ensures that we fully understand where we are and where we are going

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Christian has exceeded our outcome hopes

What could they have done better?

Christian is a thoroughly professional, highly conscientious and very trustworthy person. He articulates complex (to us) scenarios in language we understand and it allows us to feel confident as we move forwards in retirement.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Jim. It's great to hear you feel confident as you move forward in retirement and we have exceeded the outcome you were hoping for. We rely heavily on client recommendations to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

September, 2024

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

I was not satisfied with the advice that was being provided by my previous advisor.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian has helped simplify my investments and has provided good advice in how to maximize my income for when I retire whilst giving advice as to inheritance tax implications in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I have been fully satisfied with the advice given.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Michael. It's great to hear you have been fully satisfied with the advice given and you have seen the outcome you were hoping for. We rely heavily on client recommendations to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

August, 2024

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

Reaching 55 and looking for pension advice for future

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Manged pensions and set out plan for future with view on retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

All advice has been exceptional

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Nick. It's great to hear you think our advice has been exceptional. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the future. We rely heavily on client recommendations to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

I contacted Christian about a concern I have relating to pensions and tax. Christian was extremely helpful over the phone and gave me his initial assessment. He also put me in touch with a technical team and a chartered accountant who provided further reassurance.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Bassam. I am glad you found our conversation helpful. Hopefully, we get to work together in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Christian was friendly and helpful and explained everything I needed to know in language I could understand.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Wendy. It's great to hear you thought I was friendly and helpful and explained everything you needed to know in language you could understand. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

May, 2024

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

I was fortunate to have a very good financial adviser for over 25 years. However, in 2021, he sold the business to a larger financial services company and then retired in 2022. While the new business did nothing wrong I felt uncomfortable with the situation and began to research alternatives. My search led me to Smith and Wardle and specifically, Christian Lloyd-Williams, as my point of contact.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

I had an initial interview/chat with Christian and then formally engaged for him to prepare a financial plan based on the information I provided.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A simple answer - Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Ralph. It's great to hear you don't think we could have done any better, especially as you had such a brilliant relationship with your previous adviser. I look forward to continuing our relationship going forward. We rely heavily on client referrals to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

I initially required advice on some pensions from old employers that needed resolving.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Yes most certainly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have and more.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the service I receive and, I don't think they could have done any better.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Linda. It's great to hear you are happy with the service you receive and you don't think we could have done any better. I look forward to continuing our relationship going forward. We rely heavily on client referrals to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Retirement of both myself and my spouse

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian was able to explain some of the more complicated areas of retirement and give us advice to think about depending on how we wanted to enjoy our retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of at the moment

Christian's reply

Hi Denise, thank you for leaving me a review. I am glad I was able to help you feel confident going into retirement and you are taking full advantage of the extra time you now have.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Getting close to retirement

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian is a caring, dedicated adviser who I trust and feel has our best interests at heart. He is alway honest and listens to what matters to us. This is a first for us, as we have felt we were getting ‘generic’ advice in the past.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Christian's reply

Hi Andrea, thank you for leaving me a review. It's great to hear there is nothing I could have done better and you are getting advice that is personal to you, exactly what it should be.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Planning retirement in the context of early retirement due to health issues

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Gave reassuring sensible advice, and helped in rationalising pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Ave. It's great to hear there is nothing I could have done better and you have seen the outcome you were looking for.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Private money investments

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

He firstly understood what I wanted to do, the best options for me but also gave me strong advice on life which will help me going forward. He wrote me up a document to decide my options for final and gave me another zoom video call to invest and talk about money/life. 10/10 Experience he clearly cares about his clients and not only getting the job done.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Christian helped me step by step and used his time and knowledge for us both to come to a conclusion on investing and delivering.

What could they have done better?

Nothing better he was 10/10.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review Liam. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and I am excited to hear how you continue to progress personally and financially over the coming years.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Setting up own business and Upcoming retirement

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Given us the best advice on how to maximize our pension planning and supported me through unexpected and early retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Carol. It's great to know you felt supported through your unexpected early retirement. I look forward to our continued relationship. We rely heavily on client referrals to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Planning for retirement

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Financial planing that enables us to achieve our objectives, clearly explained with great service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Outcomes have been excellent, exceeding our expectations

What could they have done better?

Nothing that we can think of

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Gordon and saying your outcomes have been excellent and exceeded your expectations. I look forward to helping you with your financial goals going forward. We rely heavily on client referrals to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I took early retirement and wanted some reliable advice to secure our financial future.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Our finances are now well-organised and monitored. We have a clear idea of the income available to us and confidence in our level of expenditure versus future security. He answered all our questions clearly and implementation was seamless and worry-free.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My wife and I are very happy with the information and communication. We now are very comfortable with our arrangements and Christian’s diligent, efficient and knowledgeable approach is greatly appreciated. The regular reviews are reassuring as is the relationship that he has built with us.

What could they have done better?

We were very happy with everything.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Stewart. It's great to hear you feel very comfortable with the position you are in and that you find the regular review reassuring. I look forward to continuing our relationship going forward. We rely heavily on client referrals to grow our business. Comments from our existing clients help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Wishing to take early retirement

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Providing a clear financial plan in line with our attitudes to risk - he's facilitated the realisation of our early retirement goals and encourages us to maximise and enjoy our retirement spending

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Christian's reply

Hi Helen, thank you for leaving me a review. It's brilliant to see you enjoying your early retirement and feeling confident to spend more.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Realized that this new world of 'Pensions' was outside of my experience and understanding although the success of a Pension is critical to my future well-being.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian took considerable time to establish how he could help my forward Pension planning and then offered his recommendations in a clear and understandable way. He questioned why I had made some decisions and suggested amendments/improvements based on his analytics and knowledge - all his advice has proved invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definately

What could they have done better?

No idea

Christian's reply

Hi Karen, thank you for leaving me a review. It's brilliant to hear you feel confident that you are on track and that you have found my advice invaluable.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

To sort out my pension options

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Advised on investment options and on inheritance options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Christian's reply

Hi John, thank you for leaving me a review. I am glad you feel confident in the financial decisions we make and you would be happy to recommend us.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I already had an IFA and have interviewd 4 others. There were all well paid to give advise. The reality is few beat the market so Smith and Wardle ideas for simple investment for low fees was attrractive.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian runs the regular reviews and he is professional and to the point.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its only been a year but plenty has changed. Instead of my investments with 3 platforms, I have everything on HL and can easily review every month.

Christian's reply

Hi Charlie, thank you for leaving me a review and saying you find our low-cost passive investment strategy attractive. I look forward to continuing to work together.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I wanted advice from a qualified specialist

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

He recommended different options and put together a financial plan accordingly to my circumstances and risk profile

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Perfectly happy

Christian's reply

Thank you for the review, Rachel. I look forward to continuing our working relationship and am happy you couldn't be more confident that you're on track.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Planning for retirement

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Very pleasant to talk to. Put across a plan without jargon or hard sell

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It will take time to be confirmed but the information provided and the comparisons look promising.

Christian's reply

Thank you for the review, Richard. I look forward to continuing our working relationship and am happy you are confident that you're on track.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I am retiring in June2023 and have a Money Purchase pension that I required advice on and a stocks and Shares ISA

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

He has helped me to plan my retirement money Save tax on my investments and pension understand my pension options review the funds I am invested in recommend other funds Prioritise my money in terms of accessing it throughout retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the outcome was more than i was hoping for and very happy with the advice

What could they have done better?

no improvement required

Christian's reply

Hi Jackie, thank you for leaving me a review and your positive comments. I am glad the outcome was more than you hoped for and you feel confident heading into retirement.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Change of personal circumstances lead to a need for professional advice and thorough planning for the next stage of my life.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Investment advice - choice of options analysed down to the best one for my current circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are in the initial stages of the plan and things have been set out clearly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing major could have been better.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a review, Matt. I am glad you feel confident that you are on track and I look forward to continuing our relationship.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Professional, friendly and knowledgable. We were impressed by his approach to financial planning. Everything was clearly explained.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Christian. It's great to hear you thought I was professional, friendly and knowledgable and you were impressed by my approach to financial planning. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

The need for advice as I approached retirement.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian produced a detailed financial plan that I found very helpful along with advice on matters I had not fully considered.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

I was looking for a fixed-fee advisor who could provide what I wanted, in order to reduce costs without sacrificing quality of service

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

He has taken time to review and understand all my complicated finances, design a plan which works for me ongoing and for a fixed and reasonable cost. He has also been proactive in making helpful suggestions and inputting his own ideas and thoughts, and been approachable and easy to deal with. I am very happy with his service and expertise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes 100%

What could they have done better?

Nothing as yet

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Christian was super clear and to the point, immediately grasping our particular case and coming up with a plan for the analysis we needed.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Thanos. It's great to hear you thought I was super clear and to the point, immediately grasping your particular case and coming up with a plan for the analysis you needed. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Management of inheritance

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

To understand the implications of inheritance tax and the benefits of long-term planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have a long-term plan that we feel will benefit our family

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I am retired and I wanted advice on my finances and pension

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

Christian has demonstrated through his report that my husband and I are able to live comfortably with the income we have from our pensions. He will also manage , for a very reasonable outlay , manage the drawdown from my personal pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - Christian has provided me with a full report on my financial situation

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of any improvements needed to the service that Christian is providing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Christian has been extremely professional helpful and a pleasure to work with.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Ron. It's great to hear you thought I have been extremely professional helpful and a pleasure to work with. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

I had been contemplating retirement and had been recommended to contact the company Christian works for.

How has Christian Lloyd-Williams helped you?

In a very complex situation (pensions and investments are in my view extremely complicated to understand) Christian explained everything in a non jargon way and made us feel at ease. He provided such a friendly but professional manner in order for us to be able to ask questions as many times as we wished without worry. As already stated, I had a certain expectation of what monthly drawdown I required in order to maintain my current lifestyle, which he has been able to deliver for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything I asked for was put in place and I am hoping the investments recommended will continue to provide the income I am enjoying at the moment.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Even Christian can't unfortunately secure investment fluctuation!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Christian was very thorough in his approach to providing us with a comprehensive report and sound financial advice. He did this by ensuring he fully understood our needs, and discussing in detail what we wanted our end goals to be, and the options we had to achieve them.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Nick. It's great to hear you thought I was very thorough in my approach to providing you with a comprehensive report and sound financial advice. Also, you felt I did this by ensuring I fully understood your needs and discussing in detail what you wanted our end goals to be, and the options you had to achieve them. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Christian collected and clarified relevent information in advance and was well prepared for our meeting. He sought to understand my objectives and attitude to risk based on my personal in addition to my financial situation. In the initial meeting he did not attempt to persuade me to take any particular course of action or to sell me any financial products.

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Steve. It's great to hear you thought I collected and clarified relevant information in advance and was well-prepared for our meeting. Also, I sought to understand your objectives and attitude to risk based on your personal in addition to your financial situation. And that in the initial meeting, I did not attempt to persuade you to take any particular course of action or to sell you any financial products. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Christian

Found Christian very friendly and approachable aswell as knowledgeable in the areas required

Christian's reply

Thank you for leaving me a first impression, Nick. It's great to hear you thought I was very friendly and approachable aswell as knowledgeable in the areas required. First impressions help prospective clients make important decisions when deciding who to engage with when they are looking for financial advice.