Twenty years ago, Mike Phillips was MD of a group of timber companies. In 2007, Mike’s financial adviser merged with Bluefin Wealth Management, and Mike was first introduced to Belmore.
“There must have been chemistry at the start,” Mike says. “Through meetings and discussions, I discovered who and what Belmore is. Since then, they have become closer to me and I’ve become closer to them. There is mutual trust.”
Mike describes himself as careful by nature. He was always mindful of the security aspects of choosing an investment adviser. “I’m not a massive risk-taker and I didn’t want a company with no track record”, said Mike.
When his wife became ill, Mike retired early to spend time with her. Meanwhile, he took various non-executive director roles which continued after she passed away. These responsibilities finally ended about ten years ago and he met his current partner Jan about 15 years ago. Together, they have a total of four children and nine grandchildren.
All Mike’s investments are still with Belmore, and he is happy that everything we do is transparent. He meets Jonathan regularly for frank discussions. Mike says: “I’m able to have a look at the up-to-date situation with my investments on the Internet, but if I want Jonathan, I can get hold of him.”
Mike talks freely and openly to Jonathan about all sorts of things, what to do about Wills, how to protect his assets including the cash invested in his main residence and a property he rents out, and how to deal with inheritance tax.
“No-one knows what’s going to happen, so we’ve discussed various scenarios in total confidence – such as what happens if Jan or I need long-term care. Jonathan makes very good suggestions. Some I like; some I leave. He never pushes me. If I’m uneasy about anything, we leave it and talk again another time. I know I can go back over the same track on a number of occasions to re-challenge the advice given.”
“I want to touch and feel where my investments are,” says Mike, I can do that with confidence, thanks to Jonathan and the Belmore team. They are very professional and supportive, and always on time. They ‘do what it says on the tin’. They perform.”
Mike would rely on Jonathan if anything happens to him.
“He knows my solicitor and accountant, and I trust him to help sort out my estate – assuming he’s still around then!”
Mike’s advice to you…
"If you haven’t looked for investment advice before, you might have a natural fear factor. If you don’t have the experience, there’s enough going on in the finance world to make you think it’s dangerous. You do have to be careful in this rip-off world of scams and people trying to get the edge on you.
"That’s why I recommend you first understand what you’re trying to do. If you have property or cash or shares, sit with someone and tell them all the facts and your concerns in a friendly way. Clearly, I’d recommend Jonathan at Belmore. They are a good listening ear and they won’t make you feel stupid".
Your journey starts by contacting us for a free no obligation chat to see if what we offer is right for you.
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https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk