Black Swan named as one of the UK’s Top Rated financial advice firms

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Today the VouchedFor Top Rated guide, distributed by The Times, has been released. We’re delighted to announce that not only have four of our advisers qualified. But, we’ve also qualified as a Top Rated firm!

This is a huge honour, as there are just 20 firms that have qualified throughout the UK, with just 3 of those being in London. We’re also London’s largest firm to be involved, as well as qualifying as Top Rated.

VouchedFor’s Top Rated guide aims to identify and celebrate the UK’s best financial advice firms, based on client feedback. We couldn’t be prouder to have been selected in this group.

We’d like to congratulate our advisers that have qualified for the Top Rated advisers list; Andrew, Jim, Rob and Steve. This is a true moment of recognition for the service they provide to our clients.

VouchedFor – Online scoring for financial advisers

If you’re unfamiliar with VouchedFor, it’s an online system created to review financial advisers. Reviews are completed by clients only, as this is the best way to get accurate feedback, from people who have first-hand experience.

Advisers are based on three key criteria on VouchedFor: Service, advice given and value. These criteria are then used to create an overall score out of 5 stars for each and every adviser.

What Andrew’s clients are saying?

Currently, Andrew has a score of 4.7 from over 50 reviews. His clients have commented on his down to earth approach and his fantastic communications skills. Staying in touch as little or as much as possible, depending on what is suitable for them.

Click here to visit Andrew’s VouchedFor page and see what his clients are saying about him. Or, for a quick insight read the review below:

“Andy keeps me up to date, he is always available, conscientious and explains things in a sensible matter of fact way that make life more straightforward. I am very happy to recommend him to family and friends.”

What Jim’s clients are saying?

Like Andrew, Jim also has a rating of 4.7, presently from 20 reviews. The majority of his clients have said they find Jim very easy to get on with. They have also commented on his ability to explain solutions clearly and answer any questions.

Click here to visit Jim’s VouchedFor page and see what his clients have to say. Alternatively, scroll down to read one of our favourite client reviews regarding Jim:

“Jim listened to my objective and explained the options. He was very easy to understand and very helpful. He regularly keeps in touch and is very responsive to my questions and is always just a phone call or email away. Jim is able to explain matters very well and I am more than happy to recommend his services.”

What Rob’s clients are saying?

Rob has a score of 4.8, from 28 reviews at the time of writing. Clients have stated that he’s very helpful and approachable, finding the right balance of giving enough information without being overwhelming.

Click here to go to Rob’s VouchedFor page and see what his clients have to say. Alternatively, scroll down to read one of his favourite client reviews:

“Rob Young was extremely helpful in providing us with a sustainable and sound financial plan, enabling us to continue our retirement with our financial concerns largely taken care of.

Our financial situation is under control and we are so pleased to have followed the invaluable advice given by Rob.”

What Steve’s clients are saying?

With over 40 reviews, Steve has a rating of 4.7. Steve’s clients have commented on his trustworthiness and highlighted the knowledgeable advice he provides.

Click here to visit Steve’s VouchedFor page and see what his clients have to say. Alternatively, scroll down to read one of our favourite reviews about Steve:

“Steve has given honest and knowledgeable advice on the best investment plans for my circumstances along with the backgrounds of the funds, advised on different approaches to saving, kept me up to date with performance of funds and advised when and where I might consider adjusting investments for the best result. This has been backed up with keeping me well informed throughout all the procedures.”

What it’s like to work with Julie?

Julie has a score of 4.8 from 35 reviews. Her clients have commented on her patience when explaining the plan and it’s process.

Click here to visit Julie’s VouchedFor page and see what her clients have to say. Alternatively, scroll down to read one of our favourite reviews:

“Julie was regularly updating me with suggestions on moving investments around and these have always been successful movements. Julie has been a joy to deal with since the move to Black Swan and her knowledge of the markets far exceeded any of the advice her peers had previously supplied.”

What do clients think about Maureen?

So far Maureen has a score of 4.9. Her clients are always impressed by her knowledge of the financial sector.

Click here to visit Maureen’s VouchedFor page and see what her clients have to say. Or if you prefer, scroll down to read one of our favourite reviews about Maureen:

Maureen did a review of our circumstances and set us on the path to various investments and savings. Maureen has also been involved in areas such as power of attorney and our first will. It has been good to have advice as the financial world has a language of its own. Maureen has steered us through this minefield for 25 years.”

What do Chris’ clients think?

Chris also has a score of 4.9. His clients appreciate his attitude towards building a relationship and the advice he provides.

Click here to visit Chris VouchedFor page and see what her clients have to say. Or if you prefer, scroll down to read one of our favourite reviews about Chris:

“I received a very healthy bequest on the death of an employer and friend which added to my personal savings was enough for me to consider something with a better return than a savings account at my bank – and whilst I didn’t want to make money on investments – equally I didn’t want to take any risks. Chris Teasdale immediately understood my wishes and acted accordingly. I’m very happy with all the arrangements Chris has made for me ……. the return tops of my existing two pensions whilst I know I have safety of back up – should I need it

What do our clients think of Jessica?

Jessica has a VouchedFor score of 5 out of 5. Clients know they can rely on Jessica and always look forward to their annual review.

Click here to visit Jessica’s VouchedFor page and learn what it’s like to work with her.

“Jess has helped me with my investment portfolio. We have an annual meeting to go through my account and decide what changes, if any, should be made. I can rely on Jess and I have confidence in her ability.”

Who our advisers work with

All of our advisers work with predominantly three groups of people: Those building their wealth, those thinking of retiring soon and people that have already retired.

Our advisers provide expert advice to make sure every single one of our clients receives the service expected and much more. We’ll work with you to create a holistic plan to provide you with financial security, for now, and the future.

An entire team effort

We couldn’t qualify as a Top Rated firm with our advisers alone, it has truly been a team effort from everyone here at Black Swan. This is why we’d like to take a moment to thank every single team member.

Thank you to our administrators, paraplanners and of course our advisers. It’s thanks to all of you our clients receive the fantastic service they do.

Thank you to our clients

Lastly, we’d like to thank our clients. Without you, our team wouldn’t be able to the jobs they love. Thank you for trusting us with your finances and for providing us with the opportunity to work with you. We look forward to many more years working with you and your families.

As well as thanking our clients, we’d like to take this opportunity to ask a small favour. If you haven’t already left a VouchedFor review, would you mind doing so? The process takes less than 10 minutes and helps all of us.

A review lets us know what we’re doing right and where we can improve, to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible service.

To leave a review, simply click on your adviser’s name below and you’ll be taken to their VouchedFor page. From there, click the “leave review” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Andrew

Jim

Rob

Steve

Maureen

Chris

Jessica

Julie

We’d like to thank you in advance for your time in leaving a review, it really does help us.

If you’re looking to secure your finances, let us help. We’ll work with you to create a financial plan that suits you immediately as well as providing long term peace of mind. Contact us today to speak to an adviser and see how we can help.

We aim to keep our clients up to date on interesting and relevant financial news.

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Client testimonials

I have always found Black Swan to be caring and understanding of my quirky lifestyle. I always feel they try to get me the best returns while respecting my current needs.

Sally Muir

A client since 2011

We would be very happy to recommend the support and service we receive.

Valerie Locks

A client since 2010

I have always been completely useless regarding finance - thankfully our financial adviser is not! I've retired with far more than I ever expected and investments continue to grow safely. So - thank you!

Bernadette Jane Warner

A client since 2000

Very happy with the professional service I have received and feel a lot happier now with my finances put in order.

Martin Field

A client since 2011

Julie Cooper was recommended to me by a work colleague. She has been very helpful, professional and has explained everything well. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone else who are interested in a financial review.

Steven Rooke

A client since 2018

…Service has been first class.

Hugh Fells

A client since 2012

My face to face meetings with Rob Young and Jessica Lyons have always been very open and understandable. My questions have been answered clearly and I have left feeling that my financial matters are in good hands.

Sandra Jack

A client since 2000

[A] safe pair of hands in a complex financial world.

Gary Middlehurst

A client since 2003

A reliable company with good communication skills and good knowledge of the financial markets.

Alan Evetts

A client since 2014

Maureen Pembridge is a long-time trusted advisor to our family. The market might fluctuate but her attention to detail is consistent.

Linda Burnard

A client since 2000

I am pleased to recommend Julie as a trustworthy financial advisor. She explains financial jargon in plain language, and always listens carefully to my particular financial needs and has helped me make the best of my savings.

Carolann Samuels

A client since 2010

I have always been satisfied with the way that Black Swan has handled my account. And I have always found the staff very helpful whenever I need to call the office.

Robert Anthony Matthews

A client since 2012

An excellent personal service from a person I know and trust.

Michael Dalton

A client since 2010

I am getting a very good services from Black Swan, they have got my investments sorted out which was in a bit of a mess.

Roy Jakens

A client since 2012

A good, efficient team providing clear ideas to shape a winning strategy.

Adrian Michael Levenstein

A client since 2011

Black Swan is a company to be trusted, with friendly staff and professional advisors.

David Brian Jennings

A client since 2017

I have been with Black Swan for many years. I have never wished to change anything. They give a good straight forward service.

Martin Barrett Brooks

A client since 2010

Andy Peters has been invaluable in firstly combining several pension pots and then giving excellent investment advice. It has given us a great deal of comfort to know that our financial affairs are in such good hands.

James Guillum Scott

A client since 2014

I find my financial advisor easy to talk to and feel that she understands my lifestyle. She is always available for help when I need her and explains in words that I can understand.

Margaret Ena Glasgow

A client since 2000

Andy is a first rate Director, excellent communicator and leader.

Ross Perry

A client since

Black Swan Financial Planning and Andrew in particular, are very clever at working out how risk averse we are, and coming up with solutions that we feel comfortable with. We are happy in the knowledge that we can continue to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Andrew Peters is a very, very friendly person who is great to chat to and easy to deal with. He explains things very clearly in layman’s terms, and if we still don’t understand, he explains it until we do!

Alan & Jane Dyer

Clients since 2012

We have always found Rob [Young] to be very approachable and knowledgeable. We have every confidence in the advice given and feel comfortable with the decisions we’ve made. There are certain opportunities that we wouldn’t have known about if Rob hadn’t brought them to light, which makes the advice good value for money as far as we’re concerned.

Peter & Pauline O’Halloran

Clients since 2013

Rob [Young] is extremely knowledgeable. I knew nothing about the different types of trusts which will not only secure my income in retirement, but also leave a legacy for my children. I’m glad that I sought his advice when I did.

Sarah Wilson

A client since 2015

I am extremely happy with the service afforded to me by the company and my adviser Julie Cooper.

Geoff Coxell

A client since 2010

My wife and myself have been dealing with Black Swan for a number of years. We have met with different representatives from the company over the years and have found all very helpful in their own way. We met with James [Anderson] a few years ago and found him very helpful and knowledgeable. He keeps in contact with us on a regular basis. We find the Company information very helpful and we feel very secure with our finances.

Andrew Kirchen

A client since 2015

I have always found my adviser to be easy to contact, very professional in his approach, yet friendly and understanding. I have a sense of an experienced company behind him, really on the ball financially and with good standards.

B McBean

A client since 2011

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