Sam and Tina’s story

We were referred to Mark in 2012. My wife and I moved to the Middle East in 2008 but at that time we weren’t sure how long we would be staying, so we needed to make sure that all the ‘i’s were dotted and ‘t’s crossed. 

I had also invested some money while being out here, so things were starting to get complicated. That complexity would need to go back to the UK at some point, and I didn’t want anything to be untoward. 

We had been mis-sold a few things in the past, so we were very cautious about who to choose. I wanted to work with someone who was used to dealing with expats and who also had a UK connection. 

When we looked at other advisers, Mark seemed to be less transactional more strategic. He wasn’t doing what most others do here, which is to sell the latest product or ‘flavour of the month’. That’s why we chose him.

Accountable and responsible

When we first moved out here it was a difficult time; we went through the economic boom and bust and were tossed and turned a bit in terms of our finances.

Becoming an expat is daunting so it’s good to have support from someone you can trust. You want someone who is up-to-date so they can max your situation without putting you in a difficult position. 

There are banks here but they’re not specialists at all, and their advice is compromised to a degree because they’re not independent. 

Mark doesn’t sell you the product with the most commission, he sells what is right for us. 

What’s even more valuable is that Mark enables us to plan for different ages and stages of our life. When we first met Mark for example, we probably had a more aggressive approach to risk. When we go back to the UK we’re going to be a bit older, so we need a more considered approach - now it’s about consolidation and starting the next stage. Mark can adjust our plan and risk appetite to suit.

Professional, knowledgeable and well connected

What I like most about working with Hebden is that they always do what they say they are going to, and they often do beyond what you would expect. 

They are also very well connected. They are part of an ‘eco system’ that encompasses Will planning, UK property and tax advice, which means you really are getting very rounded advice.

We have discussed all sort of issues that aren’t of direct material benefit to Mark, for example, recently I was wondering whether to dabble in cryptocurrency and Mark was able to give me some very informal advice. 

Exceeding expectations

We love the personal touch you get working with Mark. With something like financial planning, you really need to do it face to face. You need to sit down with someone who has the patience to listen to you properly over a period of hours. That’s hard over email when so much gets lost.

Mark has provided us with strategic guidance that has meant our relationship has strengthened over the years and enabled us to move on to the next stage in our lives.