Information for solicitors

We are always looking to develop links with local law firms. We are aiming to build up a network of relevant contacts to whom we can pass clients when a particular area of expertise arises; naturally, we hope to receive introductions in return. To us, the relationship is the most important thing, as well as knowing who to turn to when a particular need arises.

We believe that by working together we can build on our mutual strengths and improve our offerings to our respective clients. Hopefully, by working with us your clients can get the reassurance that you can handle all their needs, which in turn should lead to improved client retention and repeat business. Clients obviously come to you at important points in their lives; we feel that financial planning can also be of use to them in many of these situations. Click here to read a Law Gazette article on the changes affecting our respective businesses.

Why should you refer your clients to us?

We offer a range of services which are designed to meet the key financial needs of our typical clients:

• Business owners and professionals looking to secure their financial independence
• Investors looking to maximise returns, while managing risks with their money
• Those looking for unbiased, reliable and proactive advice to help them to make and save money

See below to find out more about how we can work together. Alternatively, click on one of the links below to review your area of specialism and how a relationship with a financial planner could help you and your clients.

-- About us -- Our philosophy -- Key staff -- Why advice? -- Advice process -- Our fees -- Research tools -- Our location -- Testimonials --

How we work
We offer a fee-based, professional service based in attractive offices in Colchester, Essex. Our first consultation is free and without obligation, and we guarantee our advice.

• Fee based
  We feel that commission can ultimately lead to claims of a conflict of interest between advisers and their clients. As such we offer clients a choice of services on a fixed fee basis, so that they can be sure that they are paying us for our impartial advice and expertise, rather than product sales.
  
• Professional qualifications
  Our Principal Dan Woodruff has an array of legal and financial qualifications, and is a Certified Financial Planner (which is training to a much greater standard than the basic level of most financial advisers.
  
• Membership of a professional body
  We are members of the Institute of Financial Planning, which is the leading professional and ethical body for financial planning practitioners. The IFP certifies, upholds and monitors the professional standards of Financial Planning Practitioners to protect the interests of members of the public, thus ensuring that they receive proper Financial Planning advice from its members.
  
• Consultative services
  We offer 3 specialist services, which are designed to meet the needs of your typical clients, particularly in the areas of financial planning and investment management. These are built around holistic advice and regular contact with clients to review their progress.
  
• Independent
  We are independent from all product providers. We offer a whole of market approach, which can be distinguished from banks, and tied or restricted advisers such as St. James's Place.
  
• Directly authorised
  We are authorised directly by the Financial Services Authority, and handle our own compliance work. This is important since many firms do not have the capability to do this themselves, and instead run as agents of 3rd party networks (who you have no relationship with).
  
• Research tools
  Research is the cornerstone of our services. We use a variety of specialist research tools to provide you and your clients with the security that every financial angle is covered.
  
• Communication with you
  We recognise that you need to be kept informed about the progress of our relationship with your client. Therefore, we can schedule joint meetings as appropriate or copy you in on reports to your clients.
  
• Ability to advise on a variety of areas
  As financial planners we can offer a advice on a range of subjects, including investments, pensions, mortgages, protection and inheritance tax planning. This is not available from all firms, and would not be available from stockbrokers or discretionary managers.

How can we help you and your clients?

Click on your area of specialism to find out more about how we can help.

• Company/commercial
• Conveyancing
• Civil litigation & personal injury
• Family
• Private client

If you specialise in another area, we may be able to help. Why not contact us?

Next steps

Why not meet with us to discuss our mutual businesses, and work out whether we can work together?

Click here to download our client brochures.

Please contact us to arrange a meeting or to ask us a question about how we work.