"The journey! Well this year 2008 has been in two parts for me.

The first half was increasingly frustrating not only losing money faster than I could replenish it, but actually faster than I could earn it. I have many other things to worry about and my attitude to my pension has always been relatively 'hands off'. The frustration came from being able to see - on a daily basis almost - how the portfolio was performing. It was bombing in the face of blind optimism.

It has been a relief, therefore, to come into the second half with your full explanations and advice which is tailored to what I might want and need even when I was not sure what I needed. From the outset I have used the 'steady as she goes' analogy, and feel comfortable that that is what we are achieving now. And all this with minimal involvement from me which is what I need! I'm better at my job than pension planning.

In spite of the continuing roller-coaster ride for stocks and shares, my portfolio has been steadied and I am now pretty much able to put my head back in the sand and leave you to run it for me, with confidence that I won't lose my shirt."

Barry Unwin

"I value your care, your willingness to listen; to accommodate 'difference'. Your patience with me as I struggle to comprehend what you do for me, the results, the language, the nature of your business (my awful spelling!) Your patience with me Nicola in trying to help me to understand your work; and the numbers involved, which as you know, always cause me confusion. Thank you."

Hilary Davenport

"From the start of my involvement with Trentham Invest I have been delighted by the personal service I have received. I had never consulted professionals regarding financial matters before, and the whole subject of financial management filled me with dread as I knew absolutely nothing about it. It was vital that the right decisions were made for me, and Nicola's calm, reassuring and professional manner, meant I was able to leave the problem with her, which was a great relief.

I do feel Trentham Invest are a great team, and Vicki did a wonderful job chasing my ex husband's pension fund providers. I feel well supported and confident that you are all trying to do your best for me."

Claire Fulston, Reigate

"You often wonder what motivates people to write testimonials until you find yourself in such a position.

I've been a client of Trentham Invest now for the past 18 months having had two disappointing IFA experiences over the course of the past five years.

It was immediately obvious from my first meeting with both Nicola and Vicki that this was a business built with first class, professional client service in mind.

In fact over the course of the past 18 months they have delivered and done everything they said they would (a rare thing these days), which as a result has spurred me on to dealing with my finances far more effectively.

With Nicola's help I'm financially now in far better shape and genuinely feel that she'll be there to work with me to help me achieve my goals.

If you're looking for an adviser that understands the true spirit of partnership, who's professional, knowledgeable and places you at the centre of her business then look no further than Trentham Invest."

Julian Hince, Gartmore Investment Management Ltd

"Thanks again for all the hard work you and your team are undertaking on my behalf and I am very pleased to have taken the opportunity of asking you to handle my pension investment."

Morton Corbitt, Civil Engineer at Costain

"Having carefully considered whether to engage the services of a large well established company of Financial Advisors, which were recommended to me by my bank, or to come to Trentham Invest, I am delighted that I chose you. Trentham has made the whole minefield of pensions and the passing through A day both understandable and much easier than originally expected. The efficiency and care shown to bring about a satisfactory conclusion has been appreciated, as has the fun element along the way."

Hugh Evans, Evans Autos

"I am writing to formally thank you for taking over the administration of my pension scheme which, prior to your controls, was difficult to understand and manage. I congratulate you that your estimates both, financial and in timing of completion of the first part of the scheme, have been accurate. I look forward with confidence to the smooth, successful running of the ongoing aspects of my pension."

Richard J Evans, Evans Autos

"When I met Nicola I knew that she would provide impartial, 'up to date' advice as a result of her obvious care, her attention to detail and her commercial approach to life. I have not been disappointed myself and have been able to recommend Trentham Invest to many of my clients. Without exception, they are delighted with the support she provides in this otherwise confusing area."

Robert Frith FCA, Principal, Frith and Co

"I just wanted to say I have just spent the last hour reading that one inch thick document that you sent to me. I just want to say how thoroughly impressed I am with you. You get better every moment. I loved what I read. Thought it was clearly written. You are a most fantastic woman, nice and clear and to the point."

Raymond King, Leadership Management (UK) Limited

"We came to you because we wanted a local adviser who has a proactive approach and knows what she is doing in the complex world of pensions. Each of the Partners had their own IFA adviser from the past, but none of us felt that any had the right mix of skills and approach. We have been particularly impressed by your professional knowledge in the pensions field, but even more so by your ability to communicate complex issues clearly and in a human way, treating each of us as individuals. Getting six lawyers to move in the same direction is not easy, and you have just the right mix of assertiveness, determination and grit to take our project forward to a successful conclusion, at the same time looking after each of our individual interests."

Christopher Shipley, Downs Solicitors

"Thanks to Nicola’s input, I now have a pension plan and structure that deals with most of my concerns. I now have the confidence that the funds are being tended by someone with experience and expertise and who will be proactive in reviewing my pension planning in the future."

Graeme Jones, Chasophie Ltd

"Pensions have become so complicated that I have erred on investing in things I understand. Since my discussions with Nicola, overall I feel much clearer about my general financial picture."

Rick Parish, Ellis Atkins Accountants

"I knew my pensions were in a mess and that something needed to be done, but I was disillusioned about the whole process. My main concern was that each pension used different jargon. I could not really make any sense of what it would mean to me at age 60 or 65. I needed someone who engaged in the process of support, and could give me a clear view as to what can be achieved in language I could understand. I am now feeling very confident that for the first time in years I know exactly where I am and what I need to do to achieve my personal financial goals."

Andrew Sales, Bettamark Ltd

"From my initial meeting with Nicola 12 years ago, a good working relationship has developed. I have no hesitation recommending Nicola to friends and colleagues. I do this knowing she will provide a knowledgeable first class service."

Michael Cross, Miguel X Enterprises Ltd

"Meeting you was the turning point for me and I have taken all your advice. You were very inspirational. A big thank you for your time."

Sue Redmond, Wandsworth Borough Council

"We were introduced to Nicola by a client of hers that had spoken highly of her work. Due to her wide ranging knowledge we consider ourselves to be very lucky in working with an IFA that can provide extensive advice. We are extremely pleased with Nicola and would recommend her without hesitation."

Richard Parsons, De-Ann Kember, BJK&E, HSBC

"Over the past couple of years since you have been helping and advising us, our financial affairs have been very much simplified and now also gives us a far better return than we had before. You always manage to explain what you are proposing in words that we can actually understand! For this we are most grateful and look forward to many more fruitful years from your advice."

Richard & Janet Punnett, The Visionary Company

"We felt that our investments were not being reviewed, so therefore not realising their full potential. We were recommended to Trentham Invest and found someone we could trust, a true “Independent Financial Adviser”. We came out of our first meeting with Trentham Invest and both remarked “What a breath of fresh air!”. Our investments have only been with Trentham for 4 months and already we can see the financial rewards for making our move."

David and Elaine Pierce, Pierce & Street Car service

“I recently approached Nicola to review my own pension arrangements. I found her to be extremely competent in her subject. With her in depth knowledge of both the pre and post A-Day regulations, she was able to rearrange my pension policies to take maximum advantage of the rules in order to provide better benefits on my retirement. Everyone should have their pension arrangements reviewed to see if any action is required now. I can thoroughly recommend Nicola for the job."

Arthur Ives, Ellis Atkins Accountants