Feedback Alwyn has received
"Churchgates have provided a valued service to our family for many years. We have found the personal approach of Robin, Sam, Alwyn and the team to be particularly welcome. The manner in which they explain often complex accounting issues to a layman is useful and we have welcomed their professional advice throughout the management of our portfolio. I would recommend Churchgates as a professional personal investment advisor."
"In all my dealings with Churchgates Accountants, over some years, I have found them to be unfailingly professional and efficient. They provide a thorough and personal service, understanding my needs and explaining clearly every step of the sometimes labyrinthine processes of HMRC and other matters. Further, and I feel this is very important, their service is human, completely unpatronising, and friendly. In particular, I would single out Robert Dedman - very ably backed up by Jake Day - as being an exemplar of efficiency, relentless attention to detail and knowledge of his subject, matched only by his commitment to making me, the customer, feel involved in and understanding of the process. Their fees are reasonable and clearly explained. In terms of funds and pension management, Alwyn Evans and William Puttnam are also excellent, giving clear, sensible and reliable advice. I feel that I could not be in better hands. I cannot recommend Robert, Jake, Alwyn and Will - and all the team at Churchgates, too highly."
"My experience is that “The Churchgates Approach” is successfully delivered by truly professional staff whose team ethic and commitment to clients’ interests is clear. Thanks to first class guidance from Robin Jackson and Charlotte Wilson my pension fund and retirement investments have been established and are being very ably managed for me by Alwyn Evans. My dealings with HMRC over various personal Tax issues have been successfully resolved thanks to the expertise of Robert Dedman and Harry King. With excellent advice from Joanne Clayden, family wills are now updated. It is impossible to put a price on achieving peace of mind regarding financial affairs but, for me, Churchgates provides real value for money and I will continue to recommend Churchgates to friends and family."
"Churchgates acted for myself and my family providing full conveyancing, mortgage and financial advice during my recent first time property purchase in London. Everyone involved (Matthew, Jacqui, Will, Alwyn) have at all times been extremely communicative/available, professional and thorough in all their dealings with me, including providing the often forgotten support and understanding in a stressful and complex activity! I also found them extremely clear and accurate with initial fee estimates, and highly competitive costs wise overall, so I can think of no reason that Churchgates should not be the top of anybody's list when seeking mortgage, financial/investment or legal advice. Many thanks to all!"
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Change of employment and the limitations of my existing company pension in terms of future flexibility, as well as the purpose of ensuring I was saving sufficient for my retirement (both in terms of pension and ISAs)."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Advised on existing position regarding savings and pension funds, modelled different scenarios in terms of contributions (actual and projected) against different retirement ages to ensure I was on track to meet my own expectations for retirement. The advice led to me transferring my old company pension fund and ISAs in to a SIPP to offer greater flexibility and potential growth against my risk profile."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Yes, the transfer was handled efficiently, I have on-line access and visibility of all of my investments which is one of the objectives I was looking to achieve. I feel more in control and understanding of my investments and retirement plan,"
What could they have done better?
"Nothing particular comes to mind. The style if communication and relaxed manner gave me confidence that the advice I was being given was entirely in my own interest. I didn't feel pressured at any time which is important factor when considering significant investment decisions."
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"I was recommended to use Churchgates by a SSAS provider (who I actually did not use in the end). This was so I could transfer my final salary pension out and into my own private SSAS. To do this, you need a review by a firm approved by the pension’s regulator to make sure you are making a sound financial decision. Churchgates are such an organisation."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Alwyn was assigned to my case and was knowledgeable about how SSAS’s work and correctly questioned my intentions for my desire to transfer the funds across. He undertook (with the support of Helen in his team) a review of my financials and my plans for building my property portfolio. At the end of the process he fully supported the transfer and also offered advice of potential SSAS providers he was familiar with. Again, I ultimately did not use any of these but his support with answers to my questions in arranging this has been extremely useful and supportive."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Yes. The transfer has taken place initially to a SIPP I had in place and we are now in the final stages of transfering the SIPP funds across to my private SSAS which Alwyn's team (Helen) is again helping with."
What could they have done better?
"The process did take some time to get going and this seemed just to fall between Alwyn and the external SSAS provider I had initially contacted. However, once this was sorted out, it all progressed quite smoothly."
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"I neede to free my pension to access it"
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"He was very professional and explained things in an easy manner which was exactly what I needed"
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Yes"
What could they have done better?
"Nothing really"
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Considering options for investments and how they could ultimately provide a route into early retirement."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Alwyn helped us work through all the relevant factors, to develop an overall strategy that worked for us and to then translate it into an investment and financial management plan."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Everything has so far progressed well and in line with the strategy we developed."
What could they have done better?
"Maybe initial meetings could have been closer together, but that was down to us to drive really"
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Financial planning in preparation for retirement and inheritance tax avoidance."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"He thoroughly reviewed my financial circumstances and also my expectations for both retirement life and inheritant tax planning. Keys points from this work has enabled me to 1. Beneficially retire ahead of plan. 2. Live in retirement financially secure & without penalty, in terms of both routine and larger expenditure. 3. To schedule the transfer of benefits to my siblings during my retirement life and onwards."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"I have seen the beneficial outcome I was looking for from the financial analysis, reporting and recommendation of the work that Alwyn undertook on my behalf. I am pleased with the way that the financial plans are performing and also for the ongoing support and further recommendation along the way. Accordingly I would highly recommend Alwyn for such services."
What could they have done better?
"Entirely satisfied with the service that has been provided."
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Ongoing investments."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"By representing the interests fhis principals Raymond James."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Long term investments - no quick result expected."
What could they have done better?
"No"
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Sold commercial property and wanted to invest proceeds to provide income in retirement."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Complete financial review. Investment risk assessment. Household financial review and planning. Discussion of wants and needs. Overview of monthly cashflow. Investigate and recommend investment plans. Implement investments and monitor. Use of ISAS for tax efficiency. Guidance with tax returns. Regular update meetings. All the above for both self and wife."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Yes. In our first full year of investment we have achieved exactly the predicted and needed investment income. Also modest growth has covered fees and contributed to long term sustainability."
What could they have done better?
"We are very satisfied with the advice and service provided. There is nothing that springs to mind that could have been improved or bettered."
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
"Inheritance planning."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Comprehensive discussions on our current property portfolio and futures options."
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
"Yes, much clearer as to immediate and future decisions."
How did Alwyn Evans help you?
"Very good at listening and understanding our position and aims."
