Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP

We have always received very good service from Paul and the wider team at equilibrium. They always have something that is thought provoking to say and challenge us with whether that is from the one to one portfolio reviews or from the seminars and video's which are produced to a very high standard. It has made us change the way we think about our finances and indeed the way we have set them up gives us confidence in the future and are not concerned about the recent market dips - we are in it for the long term.

Nothing in particular stood out service wise however the investment performance for us has been extremely disappointing relative to some other financial advisors.

Myself and my husband wanted somebody that could manage our money without us having to worry about it. We also wanted the complex topics of pensions and investments explained in layman's terms and how best to make our money work hard for the future.
Equilibrium are very grounded and trustworthy in their approach and we have a great relationship with Andy Baker our adviser who is reassuring and knowledgeable. We feel our investments are safe in their hands.

Ongoing improvement in my tax position and service for my relatives.
Richard Higgs provides excellent support service.

We are very satisfied with the service we receive from Equilibrium (Andrew Hirst and Katy Littler). They anticipate our needs and are always prompt in responding to any questions we have. It is a pleasure working with them.

This is a relatively new relationship with Andy following a change in Advisor but Andy clearer explained his background and we were very quickly assured of his credentials and quickly felt confident that we were in safe hands.

Honest feedback on current fund performances and advice on various personal financial matters e.g. pensions, tax, mortgages etc.
The main thing that stands out is the overall family advice provided on all financial matters.

Ben & Rob are very flexible about our availability. Very good help and advice re dissolving my father’s estate which was mostly with Equilibrium. Recommended Paul Clark as probate solicitor who has been first class.

Prompt responses and go out of their way to make sure that you are satisfied, or do further work as necessary. Able to understand our needs and adjust plans accordingly.

Always nice, friendly, personal and goes into detail on our needs.

Very professional and clear at managing the investments, annual reviews, but having recently moved to retirement income in the last 6 months the process of setting up pmts, lump sums was very slow and longer than expected, not sure if this is Equilibrium or its partners ( Nucleus ), plus having moved to retirement income to then see the devastating impact the recent budget has had on my funds is scary but no comms from Equilibrium, yet.

Friendly advice, very good professional knowledge all delivered in a relaxed atmosphere. Plenty of opportunity to ask questions. everything explained clearly and a full report given afterwards.

We really enjoyed our annual review and found it reassuring and extremely useful. Andy is always clear and professional and Gemma takes great care to follow up any actions that are raised. All our queries and concerns were addressed and we are very grateful to have this service.

We were kept well informed throughout Covid restrictions.

I have worked with Andrew and his support team for over 10 years. Although we do not meet regularly I am confident that Equilibrium are worthy and trusted custodians of my investment. Although we do not always agree on some points of investment / withdrawal strategy, Andrew explains his position well and also understands the needs and aspirations of both my wife and I.

I have not had a review since 2021. I was supposed to have a review in May but this did not take place. I was offered on in September but I then thought that the financial situation was too volatile so I agreed to defer it until 2023.

Very friendly and helpful members of staff without exception but very much downhill after that.
Slightly too keen to increase level of investment (income) without sufficient concern as to the clients return that could be achieved.
The current costs are too great for the return being achieved.

I would have appreciated being able to come in and complete the trust registration process with some assistance. I did get a reply to my queries but found the process confusing and stressful and to date still have not finished the registration on line.

Always helpful, responsive and very professional. Ben is a delight to deal with.
In general, however, there seems to have been a policy over time to commoditise advice i.e. to lump portfolios and clients into groups or broad funds (defensive, cautious etc) rather than provide a bespoke service based on individuals needs and concerns. At least that is the perception. Given the growth of the business this is understandable but there is a danger that Colin's unique approach to financial management and adoption of lateral thinking is not being replicated - in fairness it would probably be difficult to do so. Perhaps Colin should try to review client portfolios he is familiar with say once a year?
It may also be helpful for Advisers to be more proactive - e.g.to ensure clients understand what is happening to their portfolio at times of market volatility (i.e. not just generally via mail shots)? Similarly what active steps are being taken to individual portfolios to address these issues - and to monitor and report on what effect that has had. There is little detailed analysis presented as to what investments are doing well and what is planned to turn around poor positions etc - on a regular basis i.e. between quarterly reviews.
I would recommend Equilibrium to others but with the aforementioned caveats and in the context of the current market downturn.

It has been a quiet 6 months. No urgent actions required. I am looking forward to the next review in a couple of weeks. Recent turbulence in the financial markets is uncomfortable. I just keep telling myself that we are not realising any investments at present and are there for the long term.