FAQs

Where are meetings held?

Most clients prefer to meet us at our offices, free from distractions, to discuss their financial plan. We can meet virtually via Zoom or Teams as well. We visit clients at home or at their place of work upon request.

Do you have parking?

Yes we have parking for visitors at the front of our building with easy access to our offices.

Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?

No – an initial meeting is free of charge and without obligation. This is your chance to discuss your requirements and get to know us. It’s an opportunity for us both to see if we’re a good fit for each other. You can expect to understand how we work, our fees, timescales and what happens next at this meeting.

What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?

Prior to the initial meeting there will have been a conversation to discuss your requirements, during this meeting you will be asked to bring any relevant information. In addition, we may ask you to complete a short questionnaire in advance to get the most from our time together.

How long should I allow for an initial meeting?

It depends, in most cases we find that an hour and a half is enough but depending on the flow and the complexity it could be up to two hours.

Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?

Not at all. The initial meeting is designed to see if we are a good fit. There will be a follow up email and time for us both to reflect before any commitment.

How can I book an initial meeting?

Please refer to the ‘contact us’ section of the website or call our offices on 01484 608095.

Are you independent?

Yes, we are independent, ensuring we act with the best interests of our clients not tied to certain products or services, giving our clients peace of mind.

Are you regulated?

Yes – by the Financial Conduct Authority, our details can be found here: https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=001b000000MfYHtAAN

Can you advise on Final Salary/Defined Benefit transfers?

No. We have specialist firms that we work with that can provide advice on Final Salary / Defined Benefit transfers, whilst we look after all your other financial needs.

What happens if my Financial Planner is away on holiday?

We operate a collegiate approach. At any one time you will be looked after by three members of our team. There will always be someone qualified to help if your adviser is away. Ongoing work will be handed over with a full debrief and you will be informed who you can contact.

What do you charge for a financial plan?

This will depend on the complexity of advice required. Should you wish to come on board with us, you will expect to pay a fixed initial report fee, followed by an ongoing servicing fee, both of which will be fully and clearly disclosed at the outset.

Do you get commission?

No, we are paid by our clients only not by product providers. All fees are clear transparent and explained at outset, prior to any work being undertaken.

Do you charge VAT?

Yes – in some circumstances which will be detailed in full if appropriate.

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Awards we’ve received along the way

2024 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalist in 2 categories - Adviser of the Year (North East) - Gillian Shirt and Team Leader of the Year (Small Firms) - Helen Morgan and Joanne Vaughan

2024 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Winner - Financial Adviser Team of the Year

2024 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Winner - Director of the Year

Joanne Vaughan

2024 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Director of the Year

Antony Barton

2024 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Independent Financial Adviser of the Year

Antony Barton & Gillian Shirt

2024 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Trainee of the Year

Luci Tinsley

2023 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalist - Team Leader of the Year (small/medium firms)

2023 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalists - Financial Adviser Team of the Year, Financial Adviser of the Year and Director of the Year

2022 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalists - Role Model of the Year (small/medium firms) and Team Leader of the Year

2022 – Professional Adviser Awards

Finalist - Best Adviser Website

2022 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Independent Financial Adviser of the Year

2021 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalist in 3 categories - Team Leader of the Year, Role Model of the Year (small / medium firms), Woman of the Year - In-house Adviser Support

2021 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Winner - Rising Star of the Year

2021 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Financial Adviser Team of the Year

2020 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalist - Financial Adviser of the Year - North

2020 – Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards

Finalist - Woman of the Year - In-House Adviser Support

2020 – Professional Paraplanner Awards

Finalist - Paraplanner of the Year (In-house)

2020 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Customer Service Award

2020 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Financial Adviser Team of the Year

2020 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Rising Star Award

2019 – Yorkshire Financial Awards

Finalist - Financial Adviser Team of the Year