Craig Atkins

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

Craig has provided sound advice over a number of years now in managing my personal finance in respect of pension planning. He always gives clear and comprehensive guidance on an investment plan that best suits future financial expectations on reaching retirement.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Craig Atkins helped you since your last review?

Keeps me informed about my pension

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

gives a thorough explanation of what you are taking on in a friendly relaxed manner

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

Regarding pension advice for my retirement

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Fully understand my pension and the best way that was best for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Retirement pending

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Offered advice on Annuities

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 had a number of different pension funds and no clear plan on how to best use these

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig helped me to consolidate my funds into a better earning and more manageable plan. In recent years he has offered very sound advice on my retirement planning and assisted me in drawing an income from my funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now semi retired and with Craig’s assistance am able to draw a good income from my investments. I am very happy with his advice and help and consider it money well spent

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

Pension transfer and advice

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig discussed advised me on retirement, pension planning and transfer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Craig advised on the best pension transfer

What could they have done better?

No, Craig was extremely helpful, patient and professional

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

I have a number of pensions accumalated from different jobs and needed advice as to how to best manage these

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig made anumber of recommendations which I followed such that my pensions were better managed and controlled for my future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Advice about making a will

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Great advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing could have been better

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

Redundancy payout

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has helped me plan for the here and now and my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

My divorce regarding my ex husbands pension

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Setting me up with an investment and drawdown pension, and recently setting my monthly pension up.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing all went well.

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

Needed help and advice concerning my pensions

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Amalgamated my pensions into a more manageable environment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than my expectations

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Inherited monies needed to be invested.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has advised on the make up of my investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have taken a long term approach and in the last six years there have been highs and lows. These however have been a reflection of market conditions and currently there is a promising improvement. I hope that over ten years I shall see a healthy return.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. Craig has met with me twice a year when a review takes place. This allows for regular monitoring of my investments.

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

My previous advisor sold their company to a large group and I was not particularly happy with the new company. There was no personal touch and I felt like a number. Since I have been with Craig Atkins you are definitely treated as an individual and certainly get the personal touch. Craig is very easy to contact and if he is not available he always comes back to very soon.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He has transferred my holdings from my old advisor to him. He has kept me informed on progress and lets me know what is happening in simple English.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far everything has worked out for the better. I know investments rise and fall but to date I am pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I cannot really think of anything they could have done better.

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

I had been putting of a pension review for several years; I approached Craig to go through my various personal pensions I'd collated over the course of 25 years of working for advise on what I should be done with them.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig contacted my various personal pension schemes, reviewed them and recommended the best/financial course of action (which was to amalgamate them all).

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 had a company pension and wished to have more flexibility. Therefore we contacted Craig who helped us take the company pension out and put on a platform, where we could access the money more easily, which has really helped change our lives.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

By putting onto the platform we can access as and when we need some extra money with Craig's advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

I wanted a review of my pensions and investments

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has carried out a complete review of several pensions and the funds and has made a plan moving forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Craig was very helpful and informative

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

I've been a client of Craig's for over 13 years now. My Initial reason for contacting an adviser was for my retirement and what best to do with my pension pot.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

The company I worked for had a problem maintaining the deficit in it's pension scheme, like so many companies at the time. Craig advised to transfer my pension pot out from the trustees and invest my pension pot. This I agreed to. The transfer was taken care of by Craig and recommended a well known and respected investment management company in London. After a consultation with Craig an assessment of my circumstances and attitude to risk was carried out. The transfer out was swift and I was appointed a fund manager and a discretionary run portfolio with Quilter Cheviot .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I now have a draw-down pension whilst still keeping my money invested with a reasonable return on my investment.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, I have access to his advise when ever I need it. Although thankfully not that often. We have a yearly review to make sure all is going to plan and make any adjustments if required.

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

My pension scheme i was in was stagnent

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig moved my pension to a sceme that was vastly better than my existing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it improved vastly , the last few years been up and down due to world economy

What could they have done better?

Not much due to fluctuating markets

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

Pension advise

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has listened to what my wife and I wished to achieve regarding pension and retirement, kept things simple for us in a very complicated environment; and exceeded our expectations with desired outcomes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Far exceeded what we expected

What could they have done better?

Craig supplies a very personal service which I cannot fault

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

Needed help with my pension and the options available to me .

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig was able to go through my options in a non technical way so that I had no problem understanding what I do regarding my personal pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have seen the outcome .

What could they have done better?

Craig was always very helpful and professional in his advice.

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

I have a few personal and work pensions that I wanted reviewed and advice on what to do with them.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig completed a thorough review of all my pension and advised what could be done with them. He calculated how much income I would have as and when I retire and provided me with options. Craig came up with a plan to consolidate my pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I achieved the outcome I was hoping; I now have a financial plan and peace of mind for my future retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

After looking for Equity Release adviser was recommended to use Craig Atkinson.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Very helpful with advice we could understand. Very professional throughout the whole process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, have seen the oucome we were looking for.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Advice on equity release for the second time.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He advised, sought and found a release scheme suitable for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely. Very helpful and understood our needs.

What could they have done better?

Nothing we can think of.

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

I required professional advice when looking at equity release

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig was very helpful with the advice gave helped us to make our decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

I can not think of a thing to improve.

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

I needed professional advice on my private pension

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has been immense help over the years always advising on the best way to manage my funds and always explained everything about my investments in a way that I can understand. I would highly recommend Craig to anyone who needs financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am very happy with the service I have received.

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

I was retiring early and needed to take my private work pension early so I needed the pension fund converted into an anuity.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has thoroughly investigated our circumstances and options and made the process and pain free and simple as possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, the outcome was exactly as I had hoped for.

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

Pensions advice and needing money for our retirement.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Giving us great advice in a friendly way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we got the deal we wanted

What could they have done better?

Nothing kept us informed all the way

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

I was saving regularly to pay off my mortgage and wanted low risk investments to get growth over a period of 10 years or so without significant risk.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig advised me on what investment products were suitable, including changing them when appropriate as well as providing a number of ad-hoc pieces of advice on financial issues. I've always been happy with Craig's advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not quite as the markets are sliding and I need to liquidate while I had originally intended to invest for a while longer - but that's due to investment conditions and is no reflection on Craig.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Look after pension portfolio, and general financial advice

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He oversees pension investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, very pleased with performance & outcome

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

Pension

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Understanding my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

More contact

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

Needed to clarify my pensions

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Has reviewed and advised my pensions. Including consolidation

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?

My pension wasn't doing very well

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig advised changing provider to improve my pension pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I did

What could they have done better?

Not much more , good advice in a volatile time

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

x

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

x

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

x

What could they have done better?

x

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

Retirement information

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Gave me good advice on Pension and investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , so far so good

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Retirement

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig explained my options, advised in the pros and cons of each, and then oversaw the smooth transfer of my various pensions into one pot. The process was simple and efficient

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Subject to COVID and Ukraine, my investments have fluctuated markedly. They were doing well then fell back, recovered and fell back. I don’t know that I would have been any better off elsewhere

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

Cold call intruduced us to Craig who pulled together a host of seperate savings and investment accounts onto one manageable platform .

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Firstly he re-couped the losses we had endured with Abbey National/Santander and has since steered our funds through sustained modest growth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was initially self employed and then changed to permanent employment but had several unfortunate redundancies, therefore had multiple pension plans and wasn’t happy with the advice I was receiving from my accountant.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig consolidated my pensions and made sense of them for me, advising clearly what I can expect in my retirement, what I can do with my pension pot and made sense of my desires and facilitated them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes fully achieved my financial goals

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints, friendly knowledgeable advice from a person who listens and understands your requirements, rather than other financial advisers who tend to dictate direction of planning and try to baffle you with jargon.

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

Equity release to pay off mortgage

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Brilliantly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing hugely efficient and thorough

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

Needed to locate and consolidate a number of pensions as approaching mid-50s

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig advised on a suitable pension fund then located and transferred various old company pensions into 1 consolidated pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, all is going well and have now taken early retirement with the pension pot still growing

What could they have done better?

Nothing to mention

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

Had 3 different frozen pensions wanted some advice.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Had a meeting and disscused the best possible plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes better than expected.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to my mind.

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

I took early retirement at Age 61 with a excellent pension pot and redundancy package. My question to myself was what to do with my pension pot, considering it was a final salary pension, also the company I worked for had a large hole to fill to maintain the pension plan.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

The trusties gave me a reasonable enhancement if I transferred my pension pot out of the plan. On Craig's advise this was put into action and transferred out. The sum was put into investments through Quilter Cheviot Ltd financial investments and run by an investment manager. A Draw-down pension was set up through Standard Life

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes; In the passed 9 years since the original investment my portfolio has maintained a good level of income, even once running costs are taken into consideration.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure Craig can do much more for me as I'm now settled in my finances and with a regular drawdown pension. However; I've kept Craig on as he runs my pension, we also have a yearly catch up. So for the time being I decided to keep him on as my ongoing adviser at a fair percentage of my pension.

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

I was negotiating a divorce with my former partner and looked for financial help and advice regarding pensions and annuity.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig was very approachable and listened and guided me, through what was a very difficult process for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been very happy with the outcome and have been able to invest some surplus money.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure I can give an answer as I have been pleased with my outcome and decisions made for my circumstance

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

I had pension funds with various employers of the years together with a personal pension and wanted them all under one roof. I also received some inheritance money from my mother that I wanted to invest for my future

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

By looking for the best pension company to transfer them to to give me a good return and advising how and where to invest

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Top advice and couldn’t have done better

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

Pension advice and amalgamation, investing pension and general pension advice, CIC Insurance

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has assisted us over the years with our pensions moving forward into possible retirement, what funds we could take prior to retiring, investing our pensions wisely, regular meetings to discuss our financial position as it has been changing over the latter years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are seeing it currently

What could they have done better?

Very pleased with outcomes so far, Craig is attentive to our needs. There is nothing that he could have done better, it is ongoing and we all keep abreast of what needs to happen and work well together.

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

SOME ONE WITH EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

BY SORTING OUT MY STOCKBROCKER PENSIONS.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more that he did.

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

Remortgage.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Remortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No

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

I was about to retire and had multiple pensions from different employers and needed advice on how best to consolidate them to produce a retirement income.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He tracked down all the pension money and advised me on the sort of funds I needed to invest in.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my investments are doing well.

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

needed to consolidate pensions.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Good advice and service to conclusion.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

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

I received a large deferred pension and wanted to know how best to invest it for the future.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig talked me through my options with a colleague and listened to my requirements, taking into account my current financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes, good considering current climate.

What could they have done better?

Another meeting to discuss if any changes could better my prospects.

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

I lost contact with my previous adviser.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He advised on my pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so.

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

I needed to rationalise my pension arrangements and I wanted to re-mortgage to release funds.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

He found me an annuity for the pension and also a mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I thought he did a very competent and thorough job.

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

I had a savings bond that was not making any money and I wanted to place it in some other area.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig Atkins responded favorably when I phoned him and gave me some of his valuable time and not least sound advice.He sought the best deal he could find for me and I took his advice without question.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen an increase in my savings as a direct result of his advice and I am very grateful because I did not know where I should move my Bond or what commodity to invest in.

What could they have done better?

For me and my small investment amount he did every thing he could and more.

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

Coming up for tetirement.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Looked through all my pension documentation and advised accirdingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yrs.

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

I needed advice on a divorce pension payment.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig advised on my options and efficiently dealt with paperwork and correspondence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The process is still ongoing but should reach a conclusion in the next couple of months.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I could remark on

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

Transfer of a pension fund.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig talked me through my pension fund opptions .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I'm very pleased with the outcome .

What could they have done better?

I personally can not think of any thing That would of made it better . Totally Satisfied with the services given .

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

to review and simplify investment plans, which previously had been too fragmented.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Mr. atkins brought the plans together on to one platform, for simplicity, and,with hope, growth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Probably.

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

Needed assistance with my pension plan.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Showed me the various aspects of my plan with detailed ouctome.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

n/a

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

Craig was polite, courteous, efficient and generous with his time.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

i was well informed about what pension would suite me and,explained this all in laymen term's.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

Nice man, explained all and answered all questions. Will advise by 15th Dec if will use service.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

So far I have only used Craig to maximise an annuity following maturity of a stakeholder pension. Service to date has enthused me to follow up with a review of all existing investments.

What could they have done better?

After further contact I will update this site.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

I've known Craig for 18 months, in that time his advise has been second to none. I was made redundant in early 2013. My main concerns at the time was my company pension and the defacit of the company funding it. Craig's advise was to take my pot out and invest it in a drawdown pension. Craig took care of all the transfers and setting me up with a sipp and a fund managed porfolio. Prior to this, a risk assesment was carried out with myself and Craig. He's arranged meetings with the fund management company in which I have my own fund manager . I'm kept upto date with my portfolio and it's performance. Craig has also given me sound advise on tax and investments with follow up reviews.

What could they have done better?

I have no concerns with Craig. Infact I'm not sure there's anything he could do better for me. Top Bloke.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Very prompt service, always available for advice

What could they have done better?

More regular updates

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig was very friendly and provided good advice. He was on time and very prompt at passing the information on to me. The whole pension decision was made painless and easy with a good outcome.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig has full knowledge of all the pension options in line with my long term objectives. He spent a lot of tiime walking me through the pros and cons and risk factors in plain English.

What could they have done better?

I don't think Craig could have done a better job

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Very approachable and good manner. Good summary reports.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Gives very good advice and treats you as an individual. Very easy to talk to and explains things in layman's terms. Craig sorted out the problems with my previous pension provider and I am now a lot happier with my investment. I would definitely pass Craigs number on.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I was more than happy with the service.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Really listened to what I needed very reassuring in every aspect

What could they have done better?

Honestly can't think of anything. Always returned calls and answered every query I had

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig is clearly passionate with finding the right product for his clients. He is also reasonable and upfront about any risks and you never feel that he is placing any up unwanted pressure which is rare in this field. He is a true gem and I am pleased he looks after my portfolio

What could they have done better?

He could work less during his holidays!:-)

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Since finding Craig following my redundancy in 2009 he was very helpful and professional in his manner and advise. He carried out a full review of my finances and pointed me in the right direction, since then he has helped me to transfer a company pension to a private pension scheme and will soon be organising us a mortgage. Very highly recommended and does not push particular products that are available.

What could they have done better?

More of the same as he already does.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Listens to what you need - not what he wants to sell you. Will offer a rounded advice solution based on gaining all the facts of what it is you are looking for. He has arranged insurance for an insurance-a-phobe and having dealt with the company for claims in the last year they have been extremely easy and pleasant to deal with so I am more than happy with the service provided by them and by Craig. I would recommend him to anyone looking to review their financial/insurance situation - very helpful and pleasant to deal with.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

Craig was very helpful had a very productive meeting with him and hopefully will be able to proceed and do business with him in the future.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

Craig advised me on the best ways to achieve the pension options that suited my requirements. He was prompt and efficient in a very friendly way. He listened to what I had to say and tailored things to suite. He is prompt and very helpful.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?

I would highly recommend Craig and his team for their in-depth knowledge, professionalism and politeness in helping me secure my Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover. It was swift and easy. I will continue to use CA Financial Services for all my financial decisions I need to make in the future.

How has Craig Atkins helped you?