How we work
As Independent Financial Advisers we are free to advise on financial products available from all product providers. We use advanced computer software to research, compare and select the most suitable deals currently available. We are thus able to make arrangements to maximise the benefits to our clients.
You'll get our help to review your existing financial situation and reach a realistic assessment of your likely needs. For this, you'll need to set aside some time to talk to us - the first consultation is free. There will be no charge, and no obligation, while we find out together what may need to be done.
Depending on your instructions we will carry out a needs analysis based on your current situation, and taking into account any specific plans or targets you may have. We will then advise you on anything from a short term financial objective to a lifetime financial plan, followed up with regular reviews.
You will receive professional advice about where your financial arrangements are already good, and where they're inadequate (or not covered at all).
You'll also have our help to decide how much provision you need to make, and the order of priority in dealing with your finances. And of course it will all be sensibly balanced in relation to your current income and your prospects.
In almost all cases we are able to make arrangements which clients would be unable to make for themselves. All our proposals will be fully explained and costed so that you know the reasons why Kellands Cotswolds have made a specific recommendation.
Statement of Business Practice
Mission Statement
The goal of Kellands Cotswolds is that, following the completion of one or a series of meetings and/or transactions, the client should be absolutely confident that their financial needs and aspirations have been discussed and reviewed, and that any advice offered or business undertaken has been carried out in an appropriate and suitable manner, with their best interests at heart.
Treating Customers Fairly means that:
· The Firm offers one initial obligation-free consultation, during which prospective clients can discuss their objectives and understand how the firm could help in their achievement.
· Using the Key Facts ‘CIDD’ and Keyfacts Combined Client Agreement Letter and ‘Menu’ advisers will explain the range of advice that is offered and the available payment options. The purpose of an initial meeting is to place the client in the position to decide whether and how to proceed.
· Advisers offer advice only on services and products after they have gathered sufficient relevant information about a client’s financial situation to establish the suitability of any recommendation. Particular attention is paid to the clients’ objectives, attitude to risk and ability to afford a financial product.
· Advisers explain in person, either by telephone or by appointment, the recommended products and services, using the Key Features Documents and personal illustrations to highlight benefits, costs and risks.
· Advisers offer advice only about services and products that they understand and where they are qualified to do so.
· Advisers recommend only products and services that are suitable.
· ‘Suitable’ means that the recommendations are designed to achieve the clients’ objectives affordably, without incurring undue risk and in a way that the client can understand.
· Advisers offer help in completing application forms, if that is useful.
· Administration staff check the accuracy of application forms and pass them on to investment and insurance companies as soon as possible. Every effort is made to ensure that documents are sent on the same day that they are received in the office. However, it is inevitable that from time to time this may not be achievable.
· Advisers confirm suitability in writing. The ‘Suitability Report’ is written with the intention of making it easy to understand. It avoids the indiscriminate use of ‘jargon’. It also complies with the rules laid down by the Financial Services Authority.
· Advisers send the Suitability Report so that the client may read it before any statutory opportunity to change their mind or ‘cooling off period’ expires.
· Administration staff check the accuracy of policy documentation and pass them on to the client as soon as possible. Every effort is made to ensure that documents are sent to clients on the same day that they are received in the office. However, it is inevitable that from time to time this may not be achievable.
· Administration staff are trained to sufficient levels of competence to ensure that the implementation of financial products is efficient and timely.
· The Firm is available to help clients in the future to answer questions about any existing financial arrangements or on future plans and objectives.
· The Firm provide portfolio valuations and financial reviews on request.
· The Firm endeavours to contact clients should there be changes that affect the on-going suitability of any recommended contract.
· The Firm holds information about their clients securely and the information is used only for the purpose of providing suitable financial advice and ongoing service.
· Should the Firm write to its clients to promote a financial product, it first ensures that the offer is clear and does not mislead. In addition, care is taken to ensure, as far as is possible, that an offer is made to people who would benefit from the product and who could reasonably be expected to understand it.
· If a client should make a complaint, the Firm will act fairly, adhering to the Complaints Procedure. The Complaints Procedure has been designed with the help of the Financial Services Authority to ensure a fair outcome, and includes recourse to the Financial Ombudsman Service if an objective arbiter becomes necessary.
· Clients can expect support from the firm even if their particular adviser is away on holiday, sick or if the adviser leaves the firm suddenly.
· While doing this all advisers and staff at Kellands Cotswolds LLP are expected to act efficiently and fairly and to treat clients courteously.