Adviser (Independent)
SPEED OF RESPONSE: Time of call: 9.25am. Four rings. 5/5
TELEPHONE MANNER:
The adviser had a very pleasant telephone manner and was easy to talk to. 5/5
QUALIFICATIONS
The adviser explained that the seven advisers at the company all had the level four qualification. 5/5
PAYMENT METHOD
Free first meeting and the fee would depend on the amount invested and other parameters. The shopper could expect to pay roughly 3 to 5 per cent as a fee. 5/5
GUIDANCE GIVEN
No guidance was given as such, as the adviser emphasised that the first step would be a meeting so that he could understand more about the shopper’s background and her plans. 3/5
KNOWLEDGE
The adviser demonstrated his knowledge of investments by describing a number of possibilities that could potentially be appropriate for the shopper’s requirements. 3/5
WEB PRESENCE
www.carrickfinancialmanagement.net
michael@carrickfinancialmanagement.net 5/5
VERDICT
The shopper was impressed with the adviser, who came across as very competent, capable and customer-focused.
31/35
Adviser (Independent)
KSM Associates, 34-36 St Mary’s Place, Newcastle NE1 7PQ
SPEED OF RESPONSE Time of call: 10.10am. Four rings. 5/5
TELEPHONE MANNER The adviser was friendly, professional and informative. 5/5
QUALIFICATIONS The adviser said that he was qualified to level four, but also emphasised the importance of feeling comfortable with an adviser. 5/5
PAYMENT METHOD
The adviser explained that costs are completely transparent and that the shopper would pay either a percentage of the initial investment or a fee. 5/5
GUIDANCE GIVEN
While no guidance was given, the adviser explained that advice would be based on the investment term and the shopper’s attitude to risk. He said that the first step would be to have a meeting to undertake a factfinding exercise where he would also ask whether the shopper would prefer income or growth as her investment goal. He added that the outcome would be an investment portfolio. 4/5
KNOWLEDGE
The adviser gave examples of some of the investments he had undertaken for clients. He also explained that he had many years’ experience and that he now has some third generation clients seeking his advice. 3/5
WEB PRESENCE
www.ksm-associates.co.uk
info@ksm-associates.co.uk 5/5
VERDICT
The shopper liked the adviser’s emphasis on the importance of having a rapport with the person entrusted to manage her money.
32/35
Adviser (Independent)
Three Counties, 10th floor, Cale Cross House, 156 Pilgrim St, Newcastle NE1 6SU
SPEED OF RESPONSE Time of call: 2.36pm. One ring. 5/5
TELEPHONE MANNER
The adviser was polite, friendly and understanding of the shopper’s circumstances. 5/5
QUALIFICATIONS
The adviser explained that she was qualified to level four. She added that she was now studying for further qualifications. 5/5
PAYMENT METHOD
The adviser explained that the fee would be up to 3 per cent of the investment amount, either to be paid direct or deducted from the amount invested. 5/5
GUIDANCE GIVEN
No guidance was given, as the adviser said that they would first have a meeting with the shopper, to undertake a factfind, which would include obtaining information about attitude to risk, what the shopper was seeking to achieve and other relevant information. 3/5
KNOWLEDGE
The adviser offered to explain details of the range of possible investment options available to the shopper. 3/5
WEB PRESENCE
www.three-counties.co.uk
info@three-counties.co.uk 5/5
VERDICT
The adviser was patient and answered questions thoroughly, which would encourage the shopper to progress with this firm.
31/35
Provider
Halifax, Unit 1 Metro Station, Haymarket, Newcastle NE1 7PF
SPEED OF RESPONSE
Time of call: 9.24am – after eight rings a message explained the branch was closed until 9.30. Second call answered after three rings. 2/5
TELEPHONE MANNER
The representative was friendly, helpful and answered questions clearly and confidently. 5/5
QUALIFICATIONS
The representative explained that all advisers were fully qualified. 3/5
PAYMENT METHOD
The representative was not sure if the advisers would charge for their advice. She said that she did know that they would tell the shopper upfront at the meeting. 2/5
GUIDANCE GIVEN
No guidance was given. 0/5
KNOWLEDGE
The representative showed she had listened to the shopper, asking questions pertinent to the her circumstances. She showed in-depth knowledge of the range of advice that the advisers would be able to give. 2/5
WEB PRESENCE
www.halifax.co.uk
3/5
VERDICT
Although the representative could not provide guidance herself, the shopper was impressed with her approach and would be inclined to make an appointment with the bank on the strength of the first contact.
17/35
