Obtaining financial advice can be a daunting process and we want to make it as easy and straightforward as possible for you. Our aim is to ensure that you are kept informed at each stage of your discussions with us, and we only move forward when you are ready to.

We guarantee that:

1. The initial consultation meeting for a new client is at our expense and you are under no obligation to proceed further. 
2. You will be made aware of our charging structure prior to any subsequent work being undertaken.
3. Whether we work for you on a fee or commission basis we will be open and transparent about our charges.

We have defined our process for giving financial advice into a number of distinct steps, which are explained in detail here. You may wish to look at our options for providing ongoing service here.

Our fees

We try to offer a service that will not only meet your needs but be affordable and competitive in the current marketplace. To this end we offer you the choice of paying by either fee or commission (via product charges).

• If you choose to pay by fees we cost each stage of the advice process along the way so that you can see what the charges will be at each stage before you commit to go ahead. You will be asked to agree in writing that you are willing to pay for any work undertaken, whether you go ahead with our advice or not.
• If you choose to pay us using the commission method, this doesn’t mean that someone else is paying for your advice. Charges are deducted from the financial products you buy to cover the cost of the commission payment, and may prove more expensive in the long run. We may also charge you more for commission-based advice because we take on the risk that we only get paid if you go ahead and purchase a product.

We are happy to discuss which option is likely to suit you best. Contact us now to discuss your options.

Is it expensive?

We like to think that we provide a value for money service. However, with long-term planning the results of our work may not be apparent for many years.

Our charges reflect that we offer a full financial planning and advisory service. This means that we take time to get to know you, your circumstances, and financial goals. this guided process is inevitably more expensive than the self-select offers you will find online that give you no help or advice, and with no recourse if things go wrong.

We guide you through the advice process from beginning to end rather than offering you options and expecting you to choose. We are therefore liable for the suitability of the advice you receive, and we take this responsibility very seriously. However this does mean that we have to maintain strict standards of documentation to meet the requirements of the Financial Services Authority, and Indemnity Insurance just in case things do go wrong. Furthermore the majority of our advice is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Compared to other professional advisers we consider our charges to be competitive.

For example, employing an accountant can cost £100 per hour or more, and there is no requirement for accountants to be professionally qualified. Employing a solicitor costs upwards of £180 per hour, reflecting the skills and qualifications needed to practice.

Independent Financial Advisers are also legally required to be qualified to Certificate standard, plus additional qualifications for specialised advice areas, and then maintain regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD). From 2013 the minimum threshold qualification will increase to Diploma standard with a requirement to maintain structured CPD.

Ensuring that we are properly equipped to look after your lifelong capital has led us to make a significant investment in technology, which enables us to keep you informed of the progress of your plans 24/7 and offer each client a personalised website.

Our rates also reflect the time needed to maintain the skills of the advisers and support team. 

Contact us to fund out about how we can offer you a value for money financial advice service.

You can view our products and services brochure by clicking the icon.