James Sinclair

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

I wanted to restructure my investments to negate any Inheritance Tax liability and to simplify my portfolio to make it easier to deal with my estate when I die.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

I provided him with full details of all my assets and explained what outcome I wanted from his review. He explained his investment philosophy verbally and provided booklets which I could read at my leisure to ensure I understood what he intended to do and why. This enabled me to ask any questions I had on his modus operandi before our next meeting to discuss his report.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

While his report suggested major alterations to how my portfolio was made up, the reasons for these changes and the benefits they would provide going forward were clear to see. There was a lot of paper work straddling two tax years to ensure sales of my current investments did not lead to any tax liabilities but now that everything is in place I am very pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Not much to be honest. They prepared all the paperwork for me to sign and return where necessary to ensure all sales and purchases went smoothly. Their communications were timeous and instructions clear as they worked methodically through the recommended changes to my portfolio.

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

Imminent retirement

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Set up SIPP and advised on transfer of funds from occupational scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, investment is now growing steadily after expected downturn due to COVID-19 effects.

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

My former adviser was a 'one man band' who no longer met new industry qualification requirements. He suggested I move on and we agreed to part company.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

To find a new local IFA I interviewed James Sinclair and another short-listed IFA and discussed our circumstances and objectives with them both. I was impressed by James's qualifications, and by his office support, and the fact that he had assistants who were making good progress with securing their professional qualifications. James came out as my choice. He was then very thorough in investigating our aims, attitude to risk, and in selecting the right investments for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We joined only a few months before Covid-19 struck. I was expecting the value of our portfolio to drop significantly, but at our annual review meeting in November 2020 I was pleasantly surprised to find how small the loss of value was.

What could they have done better?

We have a financial adviser because we do not have the knowledge and skills to manage our savings/investments adequately ourselves. In this situation trust and confidence are the most important factors. We are happy with the service provided, and have no suggestions other than to keep things up.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

No comment as present.

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

Came into retirement with considerable funds after selling company at age 66

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Explained best fit for our long term lifestyle funding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not really, but Brexit, followed by coronavirus has interfered adversely. Up to that point all was going well. He has been very honest and upfront about issues and has advised probable outcomes.

What could they have done better?

I don’t know. He is the only financial advisor that I have had. I cannot believe that there are many better. Some of the attachments that we are mailed are difficult to merge with the requirements. As example, we are asked to sign document “abc”, but documents are not named “abc”, so a search of attachments is required. Not really an issue though, just annoying.