Gillian Shirt

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

Prompt response followed by in depth discussion on service provision and costs of service. Offer of further follow up meeting on business premises at no additional cost.

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

Retirement and the need to invest

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

She understands my requirements and explains all options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I request funds each year and these have been managed with remarkable tax efficiency. A draw down of £40,000 incurred a tax demand of 34 pence!

What could they have done better?

She couldn't!

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

Financial management needs a sophisticated professional, which is why we use Gillian

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian is a very user-friendly empathetic financial adviser, always concerned for the individual and their unique circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress, but no issues so far

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Wealth management

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian has been my adviser for several years now. She is the utmost professional, prompt and reliable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am pleased with progress

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

I needed advice on how to invest my pension contributions in the context of a SIPP

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian has helped me select a suitable risk profile for my investments, and given me general advice as to whether and when I should update that risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am very pleased with the way in which Gillian has handled my affairs.

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

I had a large amount of cash following a bereavement and needed advice on how to invest it to provide for retirement and reduce risk of loss to inflation.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian listened carefully to everything I had to say. She took time to find out about my ethical positions and attitudes to investing in various sectors. Robertson Baxter has a really robust process for assessing a client's appetite for risk, which helps narrow down the options, but that's followed up with a real conversation and adjustments are made in a more human way. Gillian took away all the information she'd gathered about me and found options that fitted with my views and risk appetite. The information she provided was comprehensive and explained all the risks and potential rewards in plain language. Gillian took me through the information and answered all my questions. I didn't expect to feel as confident and comfortable with the process as I did. The whole Robertson Baxter team have been extremely helpful in getting my investments in place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too early to tell. I would generally expect to feel more anxious than I do after taking a first step into stock market investments. However, I know there will be regular opportunities to review performance with Gillian and consider my options in the future and that is reassuring. I'm able to keep an eye on my investments in the meantime via an online platform.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure Gillian could have done anything better. She's extremely good at her job.

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

We had an amount of money that we didn't have any immediate plans for, and with no previous experience of investment we wanted someone to guide us through the process.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian has been exceptional throughout. The relationship we have with her is friendly yet professional. We always start our meetings asking how one another are and catching up on life - this is integral to Gillian understanding our needs and aspirations and it always feels incredibly comfortable. Gillian has helped us invest in portfolios that are suited to us and with her guidance, our confidence as investors has grown. Whilst we have been clients of Gillian we have made various substantial financial decisions and she has always given us the information we need for us to make the choices that were right for our family. We are perhaps only in the early stages of our journey with Gillian still, but we hope we can continue working with her for long term, pension and retirement planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our investments are very much for our future and so for now we and confident that Gillian has best advised us on them. We receive regular updates, and regular meetings help Gillian assess if our needs or risk perception has changed. Overall we are happy with their performance.

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

i was at the age where i had started to make some excess money and was aware that my future needed financial security

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian explained what was the best way to invest and tailored a plan around my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

i have and % rates of interest have been surprisingly good.

What could they have done better?

nothing, everything i've asked for has been actioned.

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

We needed help to look after our investments

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Yes she has

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yrs

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

I wanted to ensure that I had sufficient information to ensure financial security for me and my family when the opportunity to take early retirement arose.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian seamlessly took over from my original adviser and has continued to provide proactive and reassuring advice to ensure my financial wellbeing and ability to live the life I want for me and the family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the SIPP recommended has continued to perform well enough to meet my current financial needs and give me reassurance that it will continue to do so in the future.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything they could have done differently to improve the outcomes seen given the market conditions over the last few years.

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

Retirement - wanting to move from defined benefit company pension to private drawdown

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Sound advice in a friendly manner

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Times are tough - moved to RB just before Covid and international war. But, ok.

What could they have done better?

I believe anything not Ok is out of their reach

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

I have been a client of Robertson Baxter since 2011 when I was looking for professional help with my portfolio.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian understands my requirements and offers appropriate advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The financial markets have been unpredictable recently, but I'm satisfied with the performance of my portfolio.

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

Financial planning.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Excellent advice and management of my financial affairs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very happy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

I have been a client of Gillian and Robertson Baxter for many years - they have helped me and my family build wealth for the future.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian has a really great style of working with us as clients - she takes time to understand our financial goals and helps navigate us along the journey. She is always available if we need to discuss our latest plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we have an investment portfolio which has grown significantly over the last 10 years. The advice we have received is well tailored to our long term needs.

What could they have done better?

The overall service is excellent - I don’t really have anything to suggest here.

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

Retirement

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

She clarifies everything I need to know. She is patient and knowledgeable and keeps me informed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

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

Death of husband

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian has a wealth of knowledge in various areas. Gillian takes the time to explain things in simpler terms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Our relationship is ongoing.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I became a client of the Firm at inception and have been a client ever since

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

She has been a highly professional advisor with a very friendly approach

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, subject to the caveat that existing investment conditions are very difficult

What could they have done better?

Very little

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

Need to consolidate pensions and savings and get the best flexibility and returns for those savings.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Monitored our portfolio, advised on use of funds, etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Investment returns have been universally low for a few years and our portfolio is not exempt from those market conditions, but we have discussed whether our investments are well positioned for the future and any recovery that will hopefully come.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of.

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

Getting older

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Finding the right pension and investment isa

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 capacity of Professional Deputy.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Provided financial planning and investment 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?

Not having the expertise to be able to undertake the work on my own

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

By providing financial advice and acting as the intermediary for me with the investment manager

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, but that's not down to Gillian, it is a reflection of global events

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Upon taking voluntary redundancy from my long term employment I required advice regarding my pension. I was undecided whether to remain in my employer's final salary scheme or to change to a defined contribution pension.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian and her team discussed the options with me and my wife, along with exploring our family circumstances, attitudes to risk, goals and objectives. Following a full and detailed external analysis the pension was transferred to a defined contribution pension. Gillian has worked with my wife and I to manage drawdowns enabling us to complete home improvement projects and work in conjunction with my accountant to achieve tax efficiency. Gillian has also managed my wife's pensions by merging them into one pension pot.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been what we desired in that I have been able to access the funds when required and also to be able to leave the funds to my wife and family in the event of anything happening to me. Gillian has been a reassurance in the difficult times during Covid and this year which have seen falls in the pension funds.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

The opportunity for early retirement came up and I needed advice on the most appropriate way forward.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gilian has seamlessly taken over my account after my initial contact left Robertson Baxter providing relevant, timely advice and reassurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Clearly the last few years have seen turbulent times in the financial markets however whilst the current value of my portfolio has fallen my confidence in Robertson Baxter and Gillian remains high that my longer term financial future is in safe hands.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

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

Sale of business

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Long term financial planning enabling the release of funds to conduct major renovations and upgrades to home. Advice on the most tax efficient way of funding lifestyle.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

We were looking to consolidate my pension and our cash investments

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian provided us both with clear, concise and very helpful information on what options were available and the potential benefits and the level of risk of each option. With this informative we were able to make the appropriate financial decisions which have certainly helped us to achieve our objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, and this is still ongoing as we move into our retirement stages.

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

We realised there was a need to simplify investments through consolidation and were looking to optimise investment income due to a major life change.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Review of previous positions on multiple investment products . Recommendation for consolidation of investment and pension products. Risk profile assessment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, due to market volatility we have accrued significant losses at this point.

What could they have done better?

Earlier presentation of review report would have enabled us to make quicker decisions and realise gains in investments in 2021.

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

Retirement

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

With Gillian and other employees and partners of Robertson Baxter, I have established what I believe is a realistic and properly risk assessed plan for myself and my wife in retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in particular I have thus far safely ridden the market fluctations which have occurred.

What could they have done better?

Not in terms of my brief to them

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

Ongoing requirement to meet and exceed financial objectives

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Regular reviews - liaison with investment managers

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date so far yes - with some ambitious objectives to meet in the forthcoming 12 months.

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

Several years ago as retirement was approaching it made sense to review our plans with an adviser

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Initially we dealt with another individual, but Gillian has taken over the relationship and continued to give us good advice and assistance.

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?

For guidance with investments

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Researched different investment options and put forward a plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is very much ongoing

What could they have done better?

n/a

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

In my capacity of Professional Deputy

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Manages several investment portfolios

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very little

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

I have been looked after by Robertson Baxter for over 10 years, and by Gillian as principal advisor for the last 2 years - the service I have received has been excellent throughout this time.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian took time to listen and understand our financial planning needs - and has helped us build a robust financial planning tool to underpin our planning for the future. She is very easy to deal with and has helped us to further consolidate and focus our investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I believe my investments have always performed well (relative to the wider market) and the investment advice I have received has always been focussed on my risk appetite and future needs.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note from recent dealings.

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

Purely for pension advise and investment

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Proposing the right pension and isa advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so if not quite surprising

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Protection for my family

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

She listened to our needs then advised us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing she is brilliant.

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

We started our family & wanted to makesure we had the necessary cover & planning in place.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

She advised us on our best steps after listening to our current situation & understanding what was important to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We are pleased with the actions taken.

What could they have done better?

Nothing we love dealing with Gillian & the team at Robertson Baxter.

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

After taking voluntary redundancy from my long term employer, I required advice on whether to remain on my final salary pension or to move to a personal pension.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian provided me with the specialist knowledge and advice to assist me in making my decision to transfer my pension. Since transferring the pension, Gillian has been available for me to discuss my requirements with regular reviews and additional calls as required, providing me with reassurance during these volatile times

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am now in control of my pension pot, leaving me with the ability to drawdown as required to fulfil requirements in a tax-efficient manner

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I receive an excellent service

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

I was already a client of Robertson Baxter however my named advisor was leaving and Gillian was assigned to take over my portfolio.

How has Gillian Shirt helped you?

Gillian made the transition completely seamless and ensured continuity of the excellent service already being received.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in that my portfolio performance continues to meet my current and future needs.

What could they have done better?

In the current circumstances I cannot think of anything within Gillian's control that would have improved my situation or perception. She has maintained a calm and balanced approach to both actions and communications during the recent turbulent months.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

Great first impression, Gillian ensured she listened to our objectives and quickly gained our trust.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

It was a real pleasure to meet Gillian she was very kind & helpful in advising us on how to organise our financial plans for our future. We can now go onto enjoy the rest of our lives, knowing that our financial affairs will be well looked after by Gillian & the rest of her team at Robertson Baxter

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

Fantastic. She gave superb clarity & transparency to everything. Was friendly & very welcoming. It's a no brainer to engage with her further about other aspects.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

Really good chat. No pressure to do anything I din't want to do, and a very sensible outcome of getting my share sale done first and then re-visit everything. Thank you.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gillian

I found Gillian really easy to get on with, and she explained things clearly in a way that I could understand. Looking to the future, I am confident that as my adviser, Gillian will always steer me in the right direction and have my best interests at the forefront of her advice.