Darren Bilkey

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

A pension review was long overdue

How has Darren Bilkey helped you?

Darren helped plan the way forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have the growth has been higher than forecast so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, the yearly reviews give us the information we require.

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

As we are approaching our retirement, needed to get our financial affairs in order, wanted to ensure our wills reflected our wishes to ensure our respective children inherited appropriately. We have rental properties to support our day to day expenses, then the investments are to give us financial security on top

How has Darren Bilkey helped you?

Always on hand with any concerns - just send a message and he responds swiftly - really reassuring as feel he cares and is doing his best for us. He listens and then advises accordingly, always taking into account our goals, and doing his best to implement the appropriate scheme He has brought all our various 'bits' of pension together, and simplified our investments, so we each have one lot of paperwork/company to liaise with - which is brilliant! We are really confident Darren has our best interests at heart, and no sleepless nights!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, fortunately the markets are working in our favour, currently - who knows how the Budget may affect things, but can't worry about that until it happens! Our investments are the 'cherry on the cake' with our retirement planning, so in for the long term and thus will ride out any storms with markets fluctuating.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Darren is everything anyone could possibly want from a financial advisor He is open, honest and so approachable

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

My initial search for a financial advisor was brought about as a result of a need to find an improved investment for my Defined Contribution pension fund. Unfortunately this was being held with Scottish Widows at the time and was under performing.

How has Darren Bilkey helped you?

Following a strong recommendation from a friend, I contacted Darren in the hope that he could help with finding an investment opportunity which would give me an improved performance and return for a Defined Contribution fund. Darren successfully arranged the fund transfer and to date has exceeded my expectations. In addition to which Darren has provided some excellent advice across a range of financial topics, including Inheritance taxation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely. My previous experience with financial advisors had not been great but this most certainly changed for the better when I started dealing with Darren.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything which would have improved the experience to date or the ongoing service

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

I received an inheritance which required financial advice on how best to make tax efficient investments

How has Darren Bilkey helped you?

He has provided advice on portfolios which will protect my inheritance allowing it to grow and also be tax efficient maximising the annual amounts into ISA’s.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am very pleased with his recommendations.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I was approaching retirement in 2017 and I needed financial advice as I had a number of company pension pots and I wanted to maximise the potential income.

How has Darren Bilkey helped you?

Darren has always provided good, sound advice liaising with a number of pension providers. During the initial discussions Darren determined that there were funds available to me that I was not aware of. Darren always looks to optimise my returns and as such has suggested that I change one of the providers which will reduce the fees I pay. I have always had a low risk approach to investments but following discussions with Darren based on the current market we have agreed that over the long term I would benefit from slightly increasing my level of risk assessment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not much.