Transparency
How we work and fees
We follow a clear, structured process to understand your needs and deliver advice that is right for you. All fees are explained and agreed in writing before any chargeable work begins.
Our advice process
Free initial meeting
We meet to discuss your circumstances, what you need help with and how we can assist. There is no charge and no obligation to proceed.
Agree the scope and cost
We confirm the work required and the fee in writing before anything chargeable begins.
Research and analysis
We review your existing arrangements and research suitable options based on your objectives and circumstances.
Written recommendations
We prepare a personalised report setting out our recommendations and the reasons for them.
Implementation
If you wish to proceed, we arrange everything with the relevant providers and keep you informed throughout.
Ongoing service
We offer an optional ongoing service with at least annual reviews, updated recommendations where appropriate and continued administrative support.
Fees and charges
The cost of advice depends on the work required and the complexity of your circumstances. At the free initial meeting, we will discuss what you need help with and explain which fees are likely to apply. The scope of the work and exact cost will be agreed in writing before any chargeable work begins.
Initial meeting
Your first meeting is free, with no obligation to proceed. We discuss your circumstances, how we can help and what the relevant services would cost.
Financial review and recommendation
Our fixed fee of £1,000 covers reviewing your circumstances and existing arrangements, researching suitable options, and preparing and discussing your written recommendations. It is payable when we provide your report, even if you decide not to proceed with the recommendations. If you ask us to put our recommendations in place, this fee is reduced or waived to the extent covered by the implementation fee. You do not pay both fees in full.
Lump-sum investments and transfers
If you ask us to arrange a lump-sum investment or pension transfer, our fee is calculated in bands: • 3% on the first £50,000 • 2% on the next £50,000 • 1% on any amount above £100,000 The financial review fee counts towards this charge, giving a minimum total fee of £1,000 for the review and implementation. For example, investing or transferring £120,000 would cost £2,700 in total for the review and implementation. This includes arranging the investment or transfer, dealing with providers and keeping you informed of progress.
Regular savings and investments
Our fee for setting up a regular savings or investment plan is £600, payable when the policy begins. If a financial review is also required, we explain how its fee is reduced to reflect this arrangement charge and confirm the total cost before you proceed.
Arranging an annuity
Our fee is 1% of the amount used to purchase your annuity, capped at £2,000. This covers the advice and administration needed to arrange it, from researching suitable options until the annuity is in force.
Arranging insurance policies
You can choose for us to receive commission from the insurer. You then pay no separate advice fee directly to us, although the commission is reflected in the policy's pricing. We disclose the amount before you proceed. Alternatively, you can pay an agreed fee for our advice and arrangement service, with the premium reduced to reflect the commission forgone.
Ongoing service
Ongoing advice is optional and charged separately from the initial work. Our fee is 0.5% of your investment value each year, subject to a minimum of £300 a year. This covers reviews at least annually, updated recommendations where appropriate and ongoing administrative support. For example, investments worth £120,000 would attract an annual fee of £600. The charge changes as your investment value changes. You can pay directly or through deductions from your investments, and you may cancel the service at any time by giving written notice.
Hourly and fixed fees
Hourly charging can be agreed as an alternative where appropriate. Our rates are £300 per hour for financial advice and £75 per hour for administration. We agree the scope and estimated cost beforehand, or confirm a fixed fee for specified work. Complex cases may require additional work outside the standard service. Any extra charge will be agreed with you in advance; hourly fees are not automatically added to the other charges above.
Arrange a free initial meeting
There is no obligation to proceed following the initial meeting.
Get in touchUnderstanding the risks
Financial products can provide valuable benefits, but they also involve risks. We explain the risks relevant to any recommendation before you decide whether to proceed.
Investments: All investments carry an element of risk and investment returns are not guaranteed. Values can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest.
Pensions: Pensions are long-term investments. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. The income available when you take benefits will depend on factors including the fund value, interest rates and legislation at that time.
Protection: A protection plan has no cash-in value. Cover will lapse if premiums are not maintained and will normally end when the policy term expires.
Estate Planning: Estate planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.