Engagements
The path from first call to written advice
This page maps how a typical Holloway Pension Partners consultation progresses. It is written for clients comparing UK financial advice and consulting firms before they commit fees.
Why we publish the stages
Pension advice depends on administrators releasing statements, forecasts, and transfer values. Publishing our stages sets expectations: analysis cannot finish until those papers arrive, and we will not invent figures to fill gaps.
Most Retirement Income Reviews follow the sequence below. Consolidation and workplace health checks compress or expand individual steps but keep the same discipline around documents and written conclusions.
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Introductory call
We confirm your retirement timing, list known schemes, and say whether a regulated transfer assessment is likely. You receive a fee range before any invoice.
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Document gathering
Our coordinator issues a checklist: recent statements, State Pension forecast, National Insurance record, and any previous advice letters. You authorise us to chase slow administrators when needed.
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Analysis & draft plan
The assigned consultant models income under early, standard, and later retirement ages, noting tax bands and any guarantees that limit consolidation.
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Presentation meeting
We walk through the draft together — at Upton King or by video — adjusting spending assumptions before the report is finalised.
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Written report & follow-up
You receive the final plan in writing. Flagship reviews include one follow-up call within 30 days to clarify implementation questions with your existing providers.
What you prepare
- A rough monthly budget for life after work, even if approximate
- Dates you hope to reduce hours or stop altogether
- Notes on dependent relatives or gifts you intend to make
- Any scheme booklets mentioning guarantees or protected cash
Typical duration
Three to five weeks for a Retirement Income Review once paperwork starts arriving. Defined benefit transfer cases often take longer because valuations expire and must be refreshed.