The Advice Process

Our initial discussions may be in person, remotely via video conferencing, or by telephone, depending on client requirements and the service selected. During this meeting we can understand what a client needs, and the client can decide if they want to work with us. We explain our services, our costs and answer any questions.

The main purpose of our fact-finding discussion is to obtain as much information as possible relating to financial circumstances and objectives. A key area is to understand knowledge and experience of investments including attitude to risk and feelings towards any risks of losing money.

This fact-finding meeting will typically last between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the situation.

Where necessary, we provide letters of authority and upon completion, forward these to existing product providers to obtain relevant information. The details issued by the provider will be correlated and analysed together with the information gathered during the fact-finding meeting

Using internal and external technical research we will prepare a report to suit client circumstances and meet objectives.  This will be assessed against attitude to risk, time horizon, associated costs, past performance, asset allocation, expected returns, etc. It will take into account tax planning opportunities and in this respect we may wish to liaise with your other tax advisers.  (Please note that the Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice).

Our research and report preparation may take some time, dependent on the service standards of existing product providers. We aim to provide clear advice within 3-6 weeks, but this timeframe may slip if information is not provided in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, the speed and accuracy of information differs greatly between product providers and even between different departments within the same product provider.

Our report will comprehensively outline the current position and will detail our professional observations in each area. By examining these observations against stated objectives, we will recommend the actions we believe are needed to reduce the barriers to achieving the objectives and goals. These action points may cover various time horizons (immediate implementation and considerations for the future) dependent on any known or foreseeable events.

The report will contain the supporting information behind the recommendation including where applicable, illustrations and product brochures (including key features documents). It will also include the costs associated with our recommendation(s).

This second meeting will typically last between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the situation. It may last longer for multiple advice situations.

If subsequent meetings are required these will be discussed and agreed. Thereafter, during the implementation phase, relevant applications will be made.