We have celebrated more than 30 successful years supporting clients with their finances.
What our clients say
I was going to move abroad and needed advice on how to consolidate pension plans and what the best options for the future were. Paul was very supportive and understanding in terms of the level of knowledge I had, he presented me with all the options he gathered in a very calm way and made everything easy to understand. He has definitely sought to look for the best alternatives for me, and went above and beyond to adapt to my changing status and 'scarce' availability throughout this process.
Luciane Zanella, Southampton
I needed Pension & investment advice and
Paul Shorten helped my by explaining the pension market how it works and what are the pro’s & con’s. Also advised me on where to put my money for the best & safest return.
I have found Paul to be helpful & extremely knowledgeable of the industry & has fulfilled my expectations thus far.
Felicity Day, Romsey
I was nearing retirement and Paul Shorten
gave me possible options to consider and any safeguards that I needed
Kent Smith, Winchester
I required a pension and to find better use for my savings.Paul provided me with clear comparisons for insurance, isa's and pensions. I am very very pleased with the service he has provided and would recommend him to any of my family and friends that are interested.
Benjamin Bull, Winchester
We were moving overseas and needed suitable Life Cover and Critical Illness Cover, quickly. Paul Shorten searched the market and kept us up to date each step of the way, He clearly told us what we needed to do and what he was doing and open and transparent on charges. We are pleased with policies
Abby Shacklock, Southampton
I needed advice on the best way to make our capital work for me and for my existing investments to be reviewed.Paul provided good advice on updating existing investments with same provider
Celia Busby, London
I needed help setting up pension plan
Paul reviewed all available options, made a recommendation and set the plan up with a suitable provider. An excellent, timely and responsive service
Paul Dawson, Southampton
I needed to see if I could consolidate several policies & also get some idea of potential future retirement income.
He made enquiries on my behalf then explained my options.
I didn't know what to expect but I have a better understanding of my funds but thanks to Paul I now have a better understanding of my funds capabilities.
Linda Eastwood, Alresford
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
Poor pension investments
How did Paul Shorten help you?
Helped me to reinvest my pension funds and make the money more accessible
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
Simon Hart, Hampshire
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
I was unsure how to make the best of my savings.
How did Paul Shorten help you?
Reviewed my current investments and recommended a stronger growing ISA.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Not yet as only recently invested.
Sue Stephen, Chandlers Ford
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
Advice on what to do with a few small pensions started a number of years ago. I didn’t know who to ask for help and Pension-wise directed me to a selection of financial advisors in my area. I picked Paul at random based on locality and reviews and so glad I did.
How did Paul Shorten help you?
He was able to give me options I was unaware of/ impartial advice without pressuring me. I felt confident that I would be able to get the best out of my pension pot in a tax efficient way which I would never have been able to do without his help. He explained everything in an easy to understand way with a very pleasant manner.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes - I have been able to access tax free cash whilst knowing the rest is safely invested and making more than it would in a bank.
What could they have done better?
Nothing - very personable and couldn’t have been more helpful and very relieved to have found someone like Paul who I could trust
Carolyn Cosgrove, Eastleigh
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
We were looking to consolidate our work pensions.
How did Paul Shorten help you?
Paul helped us look at a financial plan for the future and did the background work in finding out the value of our current pensions. Paul is always available on email and responsive to any queries that have come up.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes and we both feel more reassured about our financial future.
What could they have done better?
We have appreciated short meetings with Paul and minimal impact on our spare time.
Helen Long, Winchester
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
Inheritance, and the best way to invest the money
How did Paul Shorten help you?
He made things very clear and easy to understand
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Too early to say at this point.
What could they have done better?
No
Jamie Robinson, Chandlers Ford
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
We needed to set up a discretionary trust after a family death.
How did Paul Shorten help you?
Paul listed the options available, clearly showing the advantages and disadvantages of each. He also sent useful links that I could study after our meeting allowing plenty of time to make a decision.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, Paul was able to provide a clear answer to our dilemma, and helped us move forward. He was always on time, and fast with answering any queries.
Helen Storr, Chandlers Ford
What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?
My previous adviser did not hold a license to provide advise for overseas clients.
How did Paul Shorten help you?
he was able to provide valuable advise and full support to my needs.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
With our so far cooperation I am fully satisfied.
Christos Gkionis, Greece
About us
The Blacktower Group was formed in 1986 to provide independent wealth management advice and a bespoke service for both individual and corporate clients.
Paul Shorten has been in the Financial Services Industry for over 22 years, working for companies such as Skandia/Old Mutual and Quilter PLC. There, Paul assisted other Financial Advisers to provide solutions that met their client’s needs in areas such as pension planning, tax planning, IHT and wealth preservation.
Our services
Areas of Expertise:
Pre and Post Retirement Planning
Inheritance Tax Planning
Lump Sum and Regular Investment Savings
Where to find us
Head office address: Fetcham Park House, Lower Road, Fetcham, Surrey, KT22 9HD