On receiving your enquiry we invite you to come to our offices (or if this is not possible perhaps at your place of work or home) for a preliminary meeting.
First Meeting
The purpose of this meeting is firstly to establish whether we are able to assist with your needs and help you meet your objectives, and secondly to discuss how we would be paid for our counsel and services once you have instructed us to proceed. There is no charge for this preliminary one-hour meeting, and no obligation on either side.
Our Fees
We work on a fee basis, normally at our standard hourly rate or for a fixed fee for an agreed plan of work. At all times, we will ensure that you are fully aware of any costs involved, before a commitment is made.
We also offer an 'assets under management' charge option for those clients with substantial assets.
Fees will typically be based on time spent and evaluated at a rate per hour calculated to recover our costs. Fees may attract an additional VAT charge and this will be clarified at the outset.
Commission
Where we subsequently implement a financial plan (for example, arranging an investment portfolio or pension plan) we may be offered initial commission by the product provider, usually an insurance company or an investment house, for the successful placing of business.
Such commission can often be waived and used to enhance the terms of your contract, possibly through reduced product charges or lower premiums. This option provides maximum value for most clients.
If this is not possible, any such commission received will be offset against the client's fee account, helping to reduce the fee payable. Some clients prefer this option.
We will always tell you about any commission we receive, and we always discuss the above options with you to establish your preferred choice.
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