How we’ve helped Bridget

My name is Bridget Watts. I’ve been a client of Lawrence Clarke for 20 years, and my current adviser is Simon White. However, Larry had been advising me up until six months ago.

I knew nothing about money. I knew the day-to-day banks and building societies, but when it came to pensions, I had absolutely no idea. Although the company I worked at was advising their staff generally, I wanted somebody personal to me to give me personalised advice. So, as Larry was my family adviser, it made sense to go directly to him and for him to give me advice.

Initially, I was dealing with Larry when it came to general savings and future planning for pensions. I was made redundant, so Larry helped me with investing the redundancy money. My father passed away 15 years ago, and he helped us with that; then recently, my mother passed away, and Simon took over and helped us with the Inheritance Tax and things regarding my mother’s estate.

Dealing with Lawrence Clarke, I find it’s very personal; they’re very friendly; they know my situation, and I don’t have to provide information over and over again. I just feel well reassured.

I have great faith in Lawrence Clarke as a company. They will look after my money and give me the best advice. Larry is approaching retirement and handing my caseload over to Simon. The handover is taking a long time, so I know that Simon will get all the support from Larry and will understand my situation and be able to deal with it.

The three words I’d use to describe Larry are friendly, trustworthy, and reassuring.

The advice they have given me has reassured me, so I don’t worry about my investments or the future.

I would recommend Lawrence Clarke as a company, whether it’s Larry or Simon, to anybody. I’ve already recommended several friends to them who are concerned and don’t understand, which is exactly how I was, and they have received professional advice and, like me, don’t have to worry anymore.

The support from the company, if I have to phone up with any questions or need to speak to Simon or Larry in between the reviews, is excellent. They answer the phone straight away, they pass on messages, and the advisers return the calls within an hour, or a day or a time suited to when you’re available. So, the office staff really support the advisers themselves.