Adviser (Independent): Chaldon Fox Associates Ltd, 20 London Road, Bromley, BR1 3QR
Speed of response: Time of call: 2.46pm. Answered after three rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Polite and professional. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Level four diploma. 5/5
Payment method:
Initial charge of £500 for sums below £50,000. 5/5
Guidance given:
The adviser asked when the shopper wanted to purchase a property, and whether he planned on making regular investment contributions. After a moment the adviser he could not take the matter any further as he could not justify his minimum fee given the amount the shopper wanted to invest. He recommended that the shopper look into help to buy Isas. 2/5
Knowledge:
The adviser seemed knowledgeable in the area, although this was not tested as little guidance was offered. 3/5
Email/web presence:
The adviser chose not to disclose his email address, explaining it is unlikely that he would be able to help the shopper in the near future. 3/5
www.chaldonfoxassociates.co.uk
Verdict:
The shopper appreciated the adviser’s candour regarding the cost of his services, but would have appreciated some details on Help to Buy: Isas.
Rating: 28/35
Adviser (Independent): The Harvest Partnership Limited, 49-51 Homesdale Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9LB
Speed of response: Time of call: 2.59pm. Answered after three rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
To the point but professional. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Level four diploma. 5/5
Payment method:
5 per cent on initial investment.5/5
Guidance given:
The adviser asked when the shopper would be looking to purchase a property and if he planned on contributing into an investment account on a monthly basis. He said he would be required to delve deeper into the shopper’s circumstances before offering tailored advice, adding the next step would be to arrange a face-to-face meeting which would be held at his expense. 3/5
Knowledge:
The adviser appeared knowledgeable in the area but seemed reluctant to give guidance until he had a better understanding of the shopper’s situation. 4/5
Email/web presence:
daniel@income.co.uk
www.harvestpartnership.com 5/5
Verdict:
While the shopper understood the adviser’s reticence in offering advice before knowing the full picture, he would was left disappointed by the lack of guidance.
Rating: 32/35
Adviser (Independent): Charles Derby Financial Services, Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham, BR4 0AW
Speed of response: Time of call: 3.10pm. Answered after one ring. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Friendly and professional. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Level four diploma. 5/5
Payment method:
5 per cent on initial investment. 5/5
Guidance given:
The adviser asked the shopper when he would be looking to buy a property. He explained that the shopper could put the sum into a variety of savings accounts that are free from capital risk but offer lowly returns. Alternatively, he could invest the money through a stocks and shares Isa which is subject to investment risk. 4/5
Knowledge:
The adviser displayed good knowledge on the different saving and investment mechanisms available. 4/5
Email/web presence:
tom.wheatley@charlesderby.com
www.charlesderby.com 5/5
Verdict:
Very good. The adviser was clear and concise in his explanations and delivered helpful guidance in a timely manner.
Rating: 33/35
Provider: Axa SelfInvestor
Speed of response: Time of call: 3.17pm. The call was answered by an automated system and shopper was transferred to a representative within 30 seconds. 4/5
Telephone manner:
Professional and polite. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
The representative said he was not qualified to give advice. 0/5
Payment method:
It varies and would depend on the circumstances 4/5
Guidance given:
The representative stressed that he would not be able to offer financial advice straight off. He said stocks and shares were subject to investment risk but could deliver good returns over the long term, which he said was usually five or more years. The representative also gave a run-down of the provider’s products. 3/5
Knowledge:
The adviser showed a good understanding of the provider’s products. 3/5
Email/web presence:
www.axaselfinvestor.co.uk/isas-and-more/our-stocks-and-shares-isa 3/5
Verdict:
The representative handled himself well and gave useful information.
Rating: 22/35
