Gilliland Neilson Brown Indepependent Financial Advice

Initially I met Steven after my previous adviser retired from the same firm. Steven was able to explain the range of products available and help me to understand the finer details of differences of products and make me comfortable with changes that were needed. Steven then left the firm and I was not happy with the standard of service provided by his replacement at my existing provider, so I sought him out to work with again. Since then, Steven has continued to give me excellent advice, and has also kept me aware of tax and pensions changes at my annual review, which, though not yet impacting on me, is keeping me up to date and helping me to consider what options I would like to take up. Steven is very good in particular at explaining the products and why he is recommending them. I am no expert but I do want to understand why one is better than another and he takes the time to explain in layman's terms the more subtle reasons underpinning his recommendations. I also find that he takes time to listen and is not fixated on a specific product, being flexible to offer alternatives if my circumstances have changed. He has also been honest enough to suggest I should pause monthly payments, when this has been appropriate over the years due to other demands and I feel comfortable in being fully open with him when discussing my financial demands. Over the years, I have been asked or his details by family and friends and all continue to work with him, something which I feel speaks for itself.

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a Financial adviser? Advice and recommendation on viability of flexible income from various pensions to allow consideration of early retirement. How did Steven Mason help you? We had been sourcing and had interviewed several Financial Advisers for several months before meeting with Steven. Right from the introductory meeting, it was obvious that his knowledge and experience in this field was extensive. He took the time to understand our requirements and sensitively acquire all the information that was required of us. He took the time to explain everything in detail and never, at any point, did we feel pressurized. This gave, not only the reassurance and comfort we had been seeking, but also the confidence to happily appoint Steven to further progress matters. He is down-to-earth, has an amiable personality and is extremely efficient. He is hard working, extremely capable, very thorough and his attention to detail is to be commended, particularly, at the analytical stage. His pursuance of pension providers was exemplary. He kept us very regularly updated throughout (and still does !) and brought the process to a successful conclusion. We are no doubt that it is as a result of Steven's expertise and competence that the pension providers responded with very little or no delay and the whole process, ultimately, was able to be completed in a reasonable timescale - whilst, at the same time, managing his full client base. We would have no hesitation in confidently recommending Steven. What is your current situation? Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? YES. Steven's recommendations were pursued and early retirement has been able to be achieved. What could they have done better? Cannot think of anything

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a Financial adviser? Divorce settlement with substantial liquid assets and property in 2012. Incorrect handling of monies taken from me by employer for pension plus issues with tax relief as a result. Lately... death of surviving parent and need for inheritance tax planning in respect of two children now in their 20s. How did your adviser help you? He has been excellent in his explanation of financial structures and implications arising from client choices. He does not dumb down his advice and I as an intelligent and well informed individual have been reassured by his accurate attention to detail. He responds to queries with a highly acceptable action time. I have valued the approach and flexibility he has exhibited wrt. meetings and mode of communication. What is your current situation? Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? He has been able to take on board some concerns I had in relation to my investments and put these right. I am in a medium term outlook as far as pensions investments and longer term ISAs so outcome still awaited. There may be no one off outcome as I am discovering that financial planning for retirement is not an all or nothing affair. The fact he has maintained my trust will be an outcome he should be commended for. This became such an issue that I moved FA providers just to stay with him as a client. I am very pleased to see his skills have been recognised by the attainment of a recent directorship. That is a 'pull' factor in this professional FA client relationship. What could they have done better? His personality is lovely. He is bright and cheery - none of this dour accountant demeanour I have witnessed in the past. If you do not get on with your FA in your interactions and therefore don't trust them.... move! Steven has done well to keep my custom and arrange meetings in person rather than in office or on phone. This is useful advice by having meetings where all the paperwork is located and the client is not knowledgeable about what documentation needs to be to hand in these meetings. He is meticulous to detail and manages his reporting timeously and efficiently. As a deaf client I have valued his one to one communications because I have great difficulty doing anything over the phone and tend to misunderstand unfamiliar speakers.

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a Financial adviser? Previously with other investment companies, I seldom saw the same advisor more than once.Steven Mason has been my advisor for the last ten years, and I was only too pleased to move with him when he joined Gilliland Neilson Brown. How did Steven Mason help you? he listened to what I wanted and happily, came up with pleasing results. What is your current situation? Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? Yes. What could they have done better? Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a Financial adviser? I had taken early retirement from my occupation and needed advice concerning investment of my lump sum. How did Steven Mason help you? Steven gave me a range of advice concerning investment, and also advice about aspects of my situation that I had not considered, such as my future State pension and inheritance planning. What is your current situation? Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? To date, my investments are performing as discussed with Steven, so I am very happy with my situation. What could they have done better? All of the advice that Steven gave me was sensible, appropriate and comprehensive.

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a Financial adviser? I needed assistance in maintaining and investment and stock portfolio. How did Steven Mason help you? Steven listened to our short term and long term requirements. He formulated a plan that would address our requirements including pension, inheritance advice and an income to live on allowing early retirement for my wife and myself. What is your current situation? Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for? The outcome we expected has been exceeded and we are confident in Stevens ability to exceed all our financial expectations. What could they have done better? Nothing I can think of, Steven listens to our requirements and provided the solutions to address these concerns.