Working with Bowmore over this 10-year period has helped me with my entire financial situation – I would have to say they've pretty much transformed it.

I have gone to Bowmore for advice through almost every element of my career over that period of time. And whatever the situation or kind of financial question I had, I found them so useful when asking for advice or guidance, whether it be sorting out my self-assessment, looking at my pension, understanding where to invest, how to invest, whether I should be in the share scheme, or use the employee contribution scheme. They really have advised me on every kind of financial situation. They were even able to introduce me to someone to help when I needed a mortgage on my house.

Over the 10 years working with Bowmore I have predominantly worked with Mark. I find him an absolute joy to work with and really straightforward. He baffles me with his knowledge of finance, which is exactly why I love working with him. More recently, I've done some work with Charles, as I've got to look after my daughter, who's had some questions around her investments after receiving an inheritance. I now tend to work with both Mark and Charles, who look after me and remind me what to do with my ISAs and things like that.

The main thing that I like about working with Mark and Charles is that I don't have to worry about my finances. When I'm reading The Sunday Times, I can put the money section to one side, because I know that they are looking out for me, and making sure that if any important news comes along, they would let me know, particularly when the pension laws change. That was a biggie for me, as they explained that situation. I would say they make me feel secure. I trust them and I know that they've got my future in mind. I don't really have to worry about it as much as I would have done.

The words I'd use to describe Mark would be knowledgeable; I don't think there's anything to do with finance that he doesn't know. He also gives me confidence, and I trust him. So probably “security” would be the second word. Then I'd say something along the lines of “friendly”, because he puts me at ease. I have to admit, finance is not my top topic, but he doesn't make me feel like I don't know anything. I can ask him any question and no question is stupid. He'll just take me through it, explain the situation and enable me to make my own decisions when it comes to what I'm going to do with my money moving forward.

The best thing about working with Bowmore, for me, is without a doubt the security it gives me about my future, as these times are really difficult. I don't think you know where you're going, or what you're doing. I remember at the beginning, I set Mark a target to get me to a position where I could retire when I was 55 and now, I'm nearly there – it's just around the corner. I know I could do that if I wanted if times change, but I don't want to. I can trust him to look after my interests and he's always delivered on what he said he would do.

I would, without a doubt, recommend Bowmore to anybody. I find them so easy to work with and trust them implicitly. They always guide me in the right direction but enable me to make my own decisions. I have, over the years, introduced them to my friends, family and work colleagues. They particularly know how to deal with people in my industry, which is technology, and so I would recommend them to anyone that I work with. They really are a safe pair of hands.

If I were talking to someone who were questioning whether to go to Bowmore or not, I would say that feedback from other people is they initially hesitate about using a financial adviser but that it's absolutely something that pays for itself. I would not be in the situation I am now with a secure future if it weren't for Bowmore.