Adviser (independent):
St Barts Finance Ltd, 260-264 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, BH8 9RR
Speed of response:
Time of call: 2.54pm. The call was answered after two rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Very polite and friendly. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Level 4 four diploma. 5/5
Payment method:
No charge for the intial meeting. Fixed fee of £500 for a report outlining the suitability of different investment vehicles. 5/5
Guidance given:
Buy-to-let could be a financially rewarding solution, but it is not devoid of risks, according to the adviser. He said the acquisition of a property, and the subsequent income generated from rent, is subject to taxation. The adviser said capital would need to be set aside to cover the costs of maintenance and periods of time during which the property is unoccupied. The adviser also explored cash and investment Isas. He said the latter is the riskier of the two propositions. 4/5
Knowledge:
Very good. The shopper correctly explained that a hike in stamp duty is due to come into force from April 2016 following the Chancellor’s announcement during his autumn statement speech. 5/5
Email/web presence:
john@burgessandlee.co.uk
www.stbartsfinance.co.uk 5/5
Verdict:
Impressive. The adviser was clearly knowledgeable in the area of advice. He delivered somewhat complex information in a clear and concise manner.
34/35
Adviser (independent):
JLT Wealth Management, 35 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6HT
Speed of response:
Time of call: 3.14pm. The call was answered after two rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Professional. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Chartered financial planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. 5/5
Payment method:
£250 an hour flat fee 5/5
Guidance given:
There are a host of costs to be wary of when it comes to BTL investments – including taxation and maintenance costs, according to the adviser. He added that investment Isas can be a good investment for dividends and capital growth over a medium to long term. To determine the suitability of the different investment vehicles, the adviser said that the first port of call is to explore the shopper’s sister’s circumstances, including her current credit score and capacity for loss. 4/5
Knowledge:
The adviser displayed a good level of knowledge on the topic area. He briefly explored how one’s attitude to risk determines the suitability of an investment product. 4/5
Email/web presence:
martyn_scott@jltgroup.com
www.jlt.com 5/5
Verdict:
