Mystery Shopper: Ashton-under-Lyne

The company she works for is three-strong and there is no pension scheme. She is not sure how much to save or how to choose from all he different types of pensions.

IFA Broadbent Mawson Financial Consulting 111-113 old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6

Speed of Response: Time of call: 11.20am. Two rings and a receptionist answered. 5/5

Telephone Manner: Very chatty and friendly. 4/5

Relevant Qualifications: The receptionist said the adviser was “fully qualified” but had no further knowledge. She said the adviser could explain his qualifications in their initial meeting or initial phone call. 1/5

Payment Method: First free meeting. The receptionist said the adviser could explain charging in the meeting or initial phone call. 3/5

Guidance Given: The receptionist said the firm could definitely help with pensions inquiries. She explained that either an initial phone call or meeting could be set up with an adviser. 1/5

Knowledge: The receptionist showed no pensions knowledge. She was fairly unfamiliar with the firm’s charging structure and adviser qualifications. 0/5

Email/Web Presence: www.broadbentmawson.co.uk 3/5

Verdict: The firm was friendly but the shopper did not get very far.

17/35

IFA Evans Benstead 4 Old Road, Whaley Bridge, Stockport SK23

Speed of Response: Time of call: 11.25am. Three rings and an adviser answered. 5/5

Telephone Manner: Very professional, polite and helpful. 5/5

Relevant Qualifications: Diploma. 4/5

Payment Method: First meeting free. The adviser said he would explain the charging structure face to face. 3/5

Guidance Given: The adviser said how much the shopper had to invest would determine generally what pension product would suit her. More than £100 would lean towards personal pensions and less than to a stakeholder. The adviser explained briefly about stakeholder and personal pensions. He said roughly 5 to 7 per cent of her salary would be a good benchmark. 4/5

Knowledge: Very knowledgeable about pensions and relating it to the shopper’s needs. 4/5

Email/Web Presence: kbenstead@twpwealth.com 3/5

Verdict: The shopper felt very well informed by the adviser. She also found him easy to talk to.

28/35

IFA The Mortgage Centre 16 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6

Speed of Response: Time of call: 11.35am. Four rings and a receptionist answered. 5/5

Telephone Manner: Very chatty and friendly. 4/5

Relevant Qualifications: The receptionist was unsure and said the adviser could explain. 0/5

Payment Method: First free meeting. The receptionist was unsure and said she could ask the adviser in a pre-arranged call. 0/5

Guidance Given: The receptionist could not give the shopper much guidance. She said a phone call could be arranged with an adviser to see if the firm could help her. She added that pensions were within the firm’s remit. 1/5