Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Financial Advisers in Cheltenham
Established in 1995, Direct IFC has built a reputation for delivering tailored financial solutions to both individual and corporate clients. Our practice is founded on over 50 years of combined experience from directors Forrest Wheeler and Nick Hutton, who remain committed to providing independent, client-focused advice. As an independent firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, we maintain the freedom to select from a comprehensive range of market products to meet our clients' unique needs. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to guide clients toward achieving their financial objectives while safeguarding their futures. We prioritise long-term relationships, evidenced by our enduring client partnerships and consistent positive feedback.Our team stays current with financial market developments and legislative changes to ensure our advice remains relevant and effective. We utilise sophisticated analysis tools to identify optimal solutions, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of client circumstances. Our commitment to professional excellence is reflected in our industry qualifications and regular participation in continuing professional development. We maintain transparent communication with clients, ensuring they understand the rationale behind recommendations and the potential risks involved. Our practice continues to evolve while maintaining its core principle: placing client needs at the heart of every financial decision.
Services
Retirement Planning
Investment Management
Inheritance Tax Planning
Corporate Financial Protection
School Fees Planning
Divorce Financial Planning
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 30 years of combined experience from Chartered Financial Planners
- Independent product selection from comprehensive market analysis
- FCA-regulated advice ensuring professional standards
- Personalised financial strategies tailored to client circumstances
- Proven track record in successful retirement and tax planning
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Personal Finance Society
What people say
Expert guidance
Longstanding relationships
Tailored solutions
Regulated professionals
Services
Retirement Planning
We develop comprehensive retirement strategies tailored to individual circumstances, considering pension schemes, investment vehicles, and tax implications. Our approach evaluates current financial positions, future income requirements, and risk tolerance levels. We specialise in executive pension plans, stakeholder schemes, and self-administered arrangements while ensuring compliance with Pensions Regulator requirements.
Investment Management
Our investment planning service creates diversified portfolios aligned with client objectives and risk profiles. We analyse market opportunities, ESG considerations, and fee structures to optimise returns. Services include ISA management, unit trust selection, and offshore investment solutions while maintaining transparency about market risks and potential capital fluctuations.
Inheritance Tax Planning
We help clients structure their assets to minimise inheritance tax liabilities through strategic trust arrangements and will planning. Our approach considers individual circumstances, family dynamics, and legislative changes while maintaining compliance with non-regulated tax planning guidelines.
Corporate Financial Protection
We provide tailored protection solutions for businesses including key man insurance, partnership protection, and executive pension schemes. Our services address corporate responsibilities to employees and shareholders while ensuring financial continuity during unforeseen circumstances.
School Fees Planning
We create structured savings plans to meet educational expenses while maintaining financial flexibility for family needs. Our solutions consider various investment vehicles and payment structures to ensure consistent funding for private education costs.
People
Forrest Wheeler
Director
Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society with over 30 years' experience. Specialises in complex financial solutions and ethical investment strategies.
Nick Hutton
Director
Financial services professional with 32 years' industry experience. Focuses on corporate protection solutions and pension scheme evaluations for business clients.
Questions
What financial services do you specialise in?
We specialise in retirement planning, investment management, inheritance tax mitigation, corporate financial protection, and school fees planning.
Are you regulated by financial authorities?
Yes, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and operate as appointed representatives of 2plan wealth management Ltd.
How do you select investment products?
We conduct comprehensive market analysis to select products that best match clients' risk profiles, financial goals, and ethical considerations.
Can you help with business financial planning?
Yes, we provide corporate protection solutions, executive pensions, and succession planning tailored to business owners' specific needs.
How are your advisers qualified?
Our directors hold Chartered Financial Planner status and Personal Finance Society fellowships, with over 60 years combined industry experience.
