Investment strategy: Mike and Claire’s story
I met Ashley through the company he was originally with, because I was looking for someone to take over my investments for me.
I used to manage my own portfolio because it was easier to do then than now. It started off as a hobby and I was fortunate enough to build it up well, but eventually it got to the stage where it became unmanageable and I needed professional help.
I went to a seminar run by the company where Ashley worked and they explained they could manage sophisticated investments, pensions etc, which was just what I needed. So I signed up.
I was introduced to Ashley and explained that I wanted growth over the long term, to diversify my investments and to get the best return while paying the least amount of tax.
Open, positive and reassuring
Ashley has been very good; he’s very open, positive and reassuring, particularly with my wife Claire, who isn’t as close to the details as me.
He gives us confidence in what he’s doing and combines that with a personal and relaxed approach. He’s not trying to meet targets because he’s not part of a big organisation. With other advisers you might not always be aware that they are in fact representing a particular provider, which means you don’t get ‘whole of market’ advice from them.
But Ashley is completely independent, which means he can see things from both sides of the fence. He knows the corporate message, but also what the individual person wants, and he can skilfully merge the two.
We’re in a strange situation now with the markets, but having invested for so long now, I’ve seen how the market moves. In the ‘dot com’ bubble one of my investments did well while the other didn’t, but generally everything bounced back over a period of time. So you’ve got to look at how the markets perform going back – if they dip down, you have to think long term, and ride them out.
You’re not going to change it, but if you make a silly decision and react it will change – and not for the better!
“Ashley gives us confidence in what he’s doing and combines that with a personal and relaxed approach.”
Friendly, confident and professional
Ashley is a friendly guy; he reminds me of members of family and friends. His confidence and personality always comes over. He can explain things to us that we’re interested in, and leave the details from those we’re not.
The main advantage of working with Ashley is the continuity. With other companies we’ve worked with, we’ve found that you only just get set up with someone before they move on. You’ve got to start again and win that confidence with them and work out if you can be open with them.
A long-term partnership
We know we’ve got a future with Ashley and this is important because we don’t really see our investments as ‘ours’ as such; we’re merely custodians of them so we can help our children in the future.
When you’ve got continuity with one adviser, it gives you confidence that you’re going to continue with that strategy and be able to help your loved ones in the most tax-efficient and savvy way.
Ashley is more than just a money cruncher, he also cares about you and your family. He’s professional, helpful and a good friend.