Chris Thorpe

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

Initially my decision to find an IFA was based on needing pension advice. I moved into contract work 5 years ago and singularly failed to sort out ongoing pension arrangements/planning. Additionally I had a few old work pension pots, the performance of which left me with questions. I was also conscious that I needed to sort out my will/estate planning and make my savings work harder so, when selecting IFAs for my shortlist, I was looking for one that could cover all aspects of my finances, competently.

How has Chris Thorpe helped you?

First and foremost, Chris made it really easy for me to choose him as my IFA. I was extremely impressed by Chris from the start in the first face to face meeting, prior to formal engagement. The focus wasn't on selling me his services, it was entirely focused on my financial situation. He got really stuck in and openly discussed his opinions and ideas on my full situation covering pensions, insurances, savings and estate planning - as it stood and what could/should be done differently. Furthermore, when I signed up and got my report through, it was clear he had actively listened to everything I had discussed with him. We've sorted out my pension mess, savings, put appropriate insurances in place and we're just finalising my will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I feel everything is in hand now. I feel much more organised. More than that, I actually feel I have found the support my family and I need going forward. Chris has exceeded my expectations in terms of responsiveness, knowledge and ideas. He is a fantastic sounding board for thoughts and concerns surrounding my finances which I feel is really important.

What could they have done better?

Nothing! The whole team at Agile have been great.

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

Having worked for 40 & 31yrs respectively, my husband and I were planning for our retirement. One of us had received bad advice from the administrators of our employers pension scheme & as such our retirement financial planning & tax implications had become disorganised & costly to us. We desperately needed someone we could trust to assist us through the complexities of our pensions, tax & investments. We were fortunate enough to meet Chris just before he started up his own independent company.

How has Chris Thorpe helped you?

Chris takes the time to get to know you, what your current needs are & your plans for the future. He assessed our appetite for risk & tailored everything to suit us as individuals. He is extremely patient, explaining everything in simple terms, including the various implications of each decision. He advised on the most efficient & profitable options, allowing us to make informed decisions on our finances. Chris has simplified everything to do with our pensions, tax & investments. He has taken a weight off our minds. He, and now also his team, are always available, we have regular update meetings & email updates. The finance portal, available as an app, gives immediate access to all up to date information, valuations, etc, all in one place. On a personal level, Chris is a gentleman, he is patient, understanding and ‘knows his stuff’. We have already recommended Chris to our friends & would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of financial planning advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The initial and ongoing advice & support from Chris has enabled us to exceed our expectations.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing that we could suggest that Chris could do better.

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

Being made redundant and also wanted to look at my pension to see what options were available to me.

How has Chris Thorpe helped you?

Reviewed all my pensions and given advice on what to do with them. Full financial review to help me decide on my future plans. Wills & estate planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely - pension transferred and my pots increased in value. Wills & POA’s now in place.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Great service - so glad I reached out, as this was the first time using a financial advisor.

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

Having never utilised a financial planner before, but nearing retirement, I decided to explore if a tight Yorkshireman, with some commercial acumen would benefit from investing in the advice and management a planner could deliver.

How has Chris Thorpe helped you?

The first part a general but very detailed discussion exploring what value Agile could potentially deliver to me, followed by an audit of my spending, investments and pension pots. This was followed up with another long meeting, this was presented information, including some very impressive modelling, to decide if I would engage their services. I did as it was clear, even to a tight Yorkshireman that the benefits far outweighed the cost. Aside of cost, Chris and his team handle all the communications with my investments. I also have a dashboard where I can track everything. Lastly, a big thing for me, I trust them to act in my best interests and they are nice people!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes, all requests speedily and professionally implemented.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, nothing.

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

I formerly had a large national IFA and was unhapppy with their prices and service. I found Chris through an online finder and set up an initial meeting. I was attracted to Chirs becauase he is local to me, straightforward and competitive.

How has Chris Thorpe helped you?

Initially, Chris negotiated a better platform deal for my investments and produced an initial report preparing for my last few years before retirement. At the outset, I challenged him to demonstrate that he could save me money over my previous IFA - a test he passed with flying colours! Chris has continued to help me over the last 6 years, during which time I have fully retired.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am happy with how Chris has structured my retirement planning and has been very responsive to my requests. He is always very accessible.

What could they have done better?

I am fully satisfied with Chris Thorpe and the staff at Agile.