How we are paid

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 consultation, we will agree with you how we will be paid for the services you instruct us to provide, both in terms of the amount or hourly rate and the timing of the payment, which could be upfront, when you invest, over time to provide a service to you, or a combination of these.

Previously, financial advisers could also be paid by way of commission based on a percentage of the premiums payable or sums invested. 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. We will now explain to you exactly how much our advice will cost and reach an agreement over how you will pay for it.

Fees will usually be calculated and based on time spent doing the work, the complexity of the work and the experience and qualifications of the adviser involved. Fees may be subject to VAT at the prevailing rate, depending upon the type of work undertaken.

The fees we charge will be a matter for discussion and agreement and no charges will be made without prior notification in writing.