Client Testimonials

Gilbert Stephens Financial Services come out on top as the ‘Shopper’s Choice’

The Financial Adviser magazine is a national publication for UK based financial intermediaries. Each week a team of mystery shoppers seek professional advice from independent advisers in the UK to evaluate the advice process. The results are based on the initial telephone conversation between the client and the adviser and highlights their strengths or shows constructively any weaknesses.
The shopper is a 48-year-old woman who has a lump sum of £100,000 from the sale of a buy-to-let property. She wants to mitigate capital gains tax via a pension and wants to know how much to invest to do that and how she should invest what is left. She has a mortgage of £150,000 on her main home and £35,000 in ISA’s, where she is about to invest a separate sum of £20,000.
When Wyatt Loake was contacted by their mystery shopper, he ‘spoke in a professional manner and sounded confident’ resulting in Gilbert Stephens Financial Advisers being awarded ‘Shopper’s Choice’ amongst four financial services firms in Exeter.

Wyatt scored highly for his relevant qualifications, a Diploma in financial planning, his efficienct and friendly telephone manner, transparency of hourly fees, his knowledge on the products available and his confidence in being able to assist the shopper fully once they had the chance to discuss the complete circumstances in more detail face to face.

The only constructive criticism offered by the shopper was that she would have liked more information over the phone. However, due to the complex nature of the situation it would be impossible to impart all the correct information over a brief telephone call.

The feedback received was gratefully received and we are extremely happy that we came out on top. If you instruct Gilbert Stephens Financial Services to act on your behalf you can be confident that we will advise you in a friendly and professional manner, getting to know you and your circumstances fully first.

Great work from Wyatt Loake, a true asset to our team. To get in touch with Wyatt call 01392 346464 or email

Wyatt and Carrie are so professional. The work they did for me was just what I wanted. Nothing was too small for them. They didn't rush me into making a decision. Kind and caring. Thank you both.
Carol Grice
We wish to thank you for all your kind attention. As you know, the financial world is like a minefield to us... It is both a relief and comfort to know that we are in such capable hands. We have been so fortunate to have your advice and friendship over many years, it is highly valued and much appreciated.
Mr and Mrs P
Dear Marcus, I would also like to thank you for all the hard work that you carried out last year, which enabled the Trust to help towards buying my new property. It was a good move as I become increasingly less mobile this bungalow allows for much better independent living.
S M - South Devon
Dear Marcus, we would like to thank you for your help and advice over several months, and do appreciate all you have done for us, including the capping of your firm’s fees. Can I add for us on a personal note that it is so nice to have a friendly voice at the end of the phone who is invariably one step ahead of things and never needs chasing, all too rare these days, it seems!
Mr and Mrs F - Sidmouth