FTAdviser.com

Advertising

Plus points...

First impressions of this website are that it is smartly designed, clear and easy to navigate. There is an immediate sense this is quite a distinguished firm and the website is informative. The firm's independent status and that it is FSA regulated is highlighted. There is a section that gives a biography of each member of the firm, including qualifications. There is also a contact details section and an online enquiry form. Along the side there is a list of the numerous different services the firm offers, including a separate section for mortgages. In turn each of these sections are divided into subsections, which in the case of the mortgage section lists the different types of mortgages available. There is also a useful mortgage calculator and links to various useful external pages. An additional bonus to the website is there is a section that maps out the requirements of the FSA on treating customers fairly and the guidelines to which the firm adheres. The website is also easy to find and appears top of the list when searched for using Google, Yahoo and Ask.

Could do better... Although the website looks like it has covered everything, it does fall down in certain areas. For example, the subsections explain the different types of mortgages reveal very little information at all. There are no client testimonials and there is no mention of payment methods.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Grange Financial Services, Brighton, www.grangefinancial.co.uk

Plus points... This website might appear a bit basic but this is deceiving as it is in fact extremely informative and covers pretty much everything needed. It is clear and easy to navigate, not remotely overwhelming and full of useful information. There is a list of all the services on which the firm gives advice, including mortgages, and a section that lists the names of the advisers and their qualifications. The mortgage section is extensive and covers all the necessary information. Terms of business are detailed and available to download. It clearly lays out payment options and the guidelines to which the firm works. The website shows the firm is FSA regulated and is also adorned with a IFA Promotions symbol. The website appears top when searched for using Google, Yahoo and Ask.

Could do better... Although this website is packed with useful information, the design comes across as being quite amateur and the colour scheme is rather garish. There are no client testimonials and while it is good to give an in-depth explanation of mortgages, it could be construed as being a bit too extensive and tedious to read.

Rating: 4/5 stars