Knowledge: The adviser offered an extensive amount of knowledge during their discussion about Isas and other savings vehicles. 5/5
Website: https://three-counties.co.uk/
Email: martin.howe@three-counties.co.uk. 5/5
Verdict: The shopper had the best experience speaking to this adviser as he devoted a lot of time to her enquiry (shopper’s choice).
35/35
Adviser: Richardson & Associates Independent Financial & Mortgage Services (Independent)
Address: West Walk 1A, Bowes Offices, Lambton Park, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 4AN
Speed of response: The shopper was connected immediately to the adviser at 2:20pm. 5/5
Telephone manner: The adviser had a very friendly attitude. 5/5
Relevant qualifications: Level four Dip PFS. 5/5
Payment method: The adviser said the first meeting was free of charge. He said the advice company does not charge a fee for cash Isas, but typically charges a 3 per cent fee on money managed up to £100,000. If the shopper required an annual review, then a 0.6 per cent management fee will be charged, or a minimum of £750 (whichever amount is greater). 5/5
Guidance: The adviser said it did not make sense for the shopper to be paying those types of fees if the shopper still wishes to stay with a cash Isa, given the money may be required in the short term. He suggested the shopper looks at Isas online. 4/5
Knowledge: The adviser demonstrated a very good understanding of risk and return attitudes. 4/5
Website: http://www.richardsonassociatesifa.co.uk/.
Email: The adviser suggested the shopper look online on the company's website for his email address. 3/5
Verdict: While the shopper would have preferred more guidance, she was happy that the adviser suggested she should save on fees.
31/35
Adviser: D Westwood (Independent)
Address: 15 Clifford Road, Stanley DH9 0AB
Speed of response: 2:40pm. The shopper was connected to an adviser after five rings. 4/5
Telephone manner: The adviser sounded impatient and slightly grumpy. 2/5
Relevant qualifications: CeMap. 5/5
Payment method: The adviser said the shopper would be charged a 3 per cent fee for the advice and a 0.5 per cent fee for a regular review. 5/5
Guidance: The adviser said he would prefer to have a face-to-face chat to discuss. He said that cash and deposit Isas are not keeping up with inflation and it may make sense, depending on the shopper’s attitude to risk, to invest a small portion in equities. 4/5
Knowledge: The adviser had very good knowledge about what else the shopper could invest in. 4/5
Website: https://www.dwestwood.co.uk/
Email: dave@dwestwood.co.uk. 5/5
Verdict: The shopper was happy that this adviser mentioned an asset class she could invest in, but he did not make any reference to whether this was a good idea, given that the shopper may need access to her money in the short term.
