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"I am “moved” ; incredibly grateful; and thank you to you all for your incredibly clear report received by way of your letter of 1/2/12. Exactly what required – utterly faultless and clearly you know me very well."
John W, Director, Real Estate
"We have worked with Nicola over the last 5 years. During this time Nicola has been Financial Advisor to my husband and I. Each year we have a annual review with Nicola where she spends often in excess of 3 hours discussing our ever changing lives and financial situation. This last year we suggested we do the meeting by video conference as we are overseas a lot of the time. Nicola and her team responded well to this request and were more than adequately set up for us to have a successful video conference. We have an extremely high regard for Nicola as our Financial Advisor. She is confident but not arrogant with her advice and talks through the rational in a clear, easy to understand language. She explains to us at our pace and we feel that we can ask her to explain something again if we've not quite understood. Nicola remembers details about our lives and our business and shows an authentic interest in what we've been up to. Because of this she is able to genuinely challenge us. For example, during our recent review session she reminded us that during our previous review session the year before, we had issues with one of our service providers. We were still having issues and so by effective questioning she challenged us to do something about it. Nicola took on the role of our "Financial Coach" which was very therapeutic. Nicola also helps us to regain focus and does this by helping us set realistic targets. She challenges our often over ambitious targets by breaking them down into what it means in money terms per month. It is extremely useful for us to have someone who can break down our "big picture" thinking into the daily, weekly, monthly detail.
Nicola also shares with us the growth of her business and uses this type of conversation to give examples of where she has learnt along the way which helps us with our business. We feel that Nicola is always looking for ways to improve or grow her service without losing the personal touch. We like the ideas and initiatives she introduces. Nicola comes across as being very up-to-date, not just with the financial world but our evolving world.
"We enjoy working with Nicola as she engenders trust which enables us to be open with her. We can personally recommend her as a Financial Advisor and "Financial Coach."
Gabrielle Ramsay-Smith, Director of Thism Ltd
"I feel the need to retain this relationship with Trentham Invest as I like to keep abreast of the legislation and so-on but can’t do it myself. In order to do so I would need to turn into IT or PC nerd and life is too short for that! I feel that I need an expert to take away all drain and detail so that I can live my life!"
John Rix, Retired
"Please thank Nicola for the review, turnaround of the report and quick action in changing my pension portfolio."
Brian Harris, 17th August 2011
"You say that 'without your input I am handicapped', suffice to say I trust you implicitly to look after my interests in any way you seem fit so please do not feel that I have to have the final word on any alterations you feel should be made. You have my objectives and these I feel are sufficient blank cheques for you to act upon."
Chris Heath, Retired
ASP - Scheme Pension – Annuity
Choosing Which and When
As if reaching 75 was hard enough…. I then had another round of pension decisions to make.
This is a complex problem. A problem which has many facets and those facets then need to be ordered into your own priorities.
And if that isn’t enough……. you then need to try to understand the jungle of legislation to allow you to come up with the most cost effective solution.
This is truly time consuming and mind boggling for mere mortals; help is really needed.
During a recent meeting with Nicola Downs, because of her very careful preparation with personalised notes, data and a spreadsheet, Nicola was able to make the option clear and show how they could be interlinked and even overlapped.
Knowing much more however does not necessarily mean that my final or ideal solution has been found. And, because of my new found knowledge, it then becomes possible to ask even more intelligent questions (Sorry! Nicola).
I now feel that thanks to Nicola that I will settle on the very best of solution to the original conundrum. Even though the solution may not exactly be the one that I originally dreamt of, I will however accept that it is the very best available given the multitude and complexity of the regulations that apply to pensions for the oldies that are over 75.
William T Mackridge, Director of Corban
"My money came from my late mother and father’s estate. It means everything to me to preserve the capital value as I know how hard they worked to earn it in the first place. Also, I will never have the opportunity to have this money again so it is vital that it is looked after year after year.
I recall the help that Nicola gave me at the beginning of our working together. Nicola helped me so much at the beginning; her help and support made a horrible situation so much easier. I don’t know what I would have done without that help and guidance. Nicola also realised the need I had for a professional solicitor to help with the estate and probate and literally took me step by step to him. Her honesty and professionalism gives me the trust I need to know that Nicola makes decisions for me and my husband’s best interest. My trust in her judgment has been very fruitful.
Five years on I had my review with Nicola. This was my first review from overseas. To be honest, I was dreading it. Simply because I thought my worst nightmare was upon me; losing the capital I hold so dearly. I know over the last year or so there has been one of the worst global financial crisis ever experienced.
My expectations are not to get huge returns but to simply retain the capital value. I was preparing myself for the worst...
I couldn’t believe it when Nicola advised me that not only was my capital ‘safe’ but I had also achieved a total 20% growth over the period.
I was even more pleased and grateful for the investment guidance Nicola has provided.
We concluded by agreeing a ‘steady’ investment programme for the next 6 months. But more importantly, I was able to return to my family with the delightful news and be a happy wife and mother."
Sarah Jarvis, Trustee of The Laurence Alexander Family Trust
"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
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