How we work

On receiving an enquiry, we will arrange an initial meeting which can be at our offices, your home or your place of work. The purposes of the initial meeting are to establish whether we are able to assist with your needs and objectives and to discuss the fees for our services should we be instructed to proceed. There is no charge for this initial meeting and no obligation on either side.

 

After the initial free consultation, we will agree with you how we will be paid for the services you instruct us to provide

 

Previously, financial advisers could be paid by way of commission paid by the product provider. This is no longer allowed for investment-related products under regulatory changes introduced as part of the Retail Distribution Review, which took effect on 31 December 2012.

 

In connection with investment related products e.g. pension or savings plans, a fee connected with a percentage of the amount invested will be payable (subject to a minimum fee). This can either be paid directly by your self or deducted from the amount invested. For on-going advice the fee will depend upon the level of service you require. Please see our Client Agreement and Service Proposition & Engagement documents for more details.

 

In connection with non investment products, e.g. life cover, commission will be paid to us by the provider, usually an insurance company for the successful placing of business. The commission is included within the provider’s normal product charges, so there is nothing you need to pay us in addition. The amount of commission is based on a percentage of the premiums payable and we will always show you in writing the amount of commission we earn.

 

To arrange mortgages we can be paid either purely by a fee, of 1% of the loan amount plus an administration fee of £110, or by commission from the lender plus an administration fee of £495. Please see our Client Agreement document for more details.

 

In the case where no product is required the fees will be calculated and based on time spent doing the work. Fees may be subject to VAT at the prevailing rate, depending upon the type of work undertaken.

 

Please see our Client Agreement and  Service Proposition & Engagement document under the Legal Information section of this website for more details.