Business Details
33 Years
experience
Independent Financial Advisers in Bolton
Established in 1993, we have built a reputation as trusted independent financial advisers serving clients across Bolton and the wider North West. Our firm was founded on principles of integrity, professionalism, and reliability, values that continue to guide our approach to client relationships. With over 40 years of combined experience, we specialise in providing tailored financial solutions for business owners, professionals, high earners, and those approaching retirement. Our services encompass comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and protection insurance, all delivered through a client-centric methodology.We prioritise long-term relationships over transactional interactions, ensuring our advice evolves with our clients' changing life circumstances. Our team holds Chartered Financial Planner and Certified Financial Planner designations, placing us among the top 5% of qualified professionals in the UK. We maintain transparency through publicly disclosed fees and have consistently achieved 98-100% client recommendation rates in annual surveys. Our office in Bolton remains our headquarters, reflecting our deep community roots and commitment to local clients.
Services
Financial planning
Investment management
Retirement planning
Protection insurance
Tax planning
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in financial planning
- Our team holds Chartered Financial Planner and Certified Financial Planner designations
- We maintain 98-100% client recommendation rates in annual surveys
- We offer transparent fee structures with publicly disclosed pricing
- We specialise in long-term financial relationships rather than one-off transactions
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Feel in control
Personal element
Simple objectivity
Delighted with support
Tackle any problem
Services
Financial planning
We create comprehensive financial plans tailored to individual circumstances, covering investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. Our approach considers clients' specific goals, risk tolerance, and financial capacity. We provide ongoing reviews to ensure plans remain aligned with changing life circumstances.
Investment management
We offer independent investment advice covering the full range of retail investment products. Our recommendations focus on long-term growth and risk-appropriate solutions. We provide regular portfolio reviews and tax-efficient strategies to optimise returns while maintaining alignment with clients' objectives.
Retirement planning
We help clients achieve their retirement goals through comprehensive pension reviews and income planning. Our services include assessing pension provisions, optimising tax efficiency, and creating sustainable income strategies. We specialise in helping business owners and high earners maximise retirement outcomes.
Protection insurance
We provide tailored protection solutions including life, critical illness, and income protection insurance. Our recommendations focus on safeguarding clients' financial well-being against unforeseen events. We source policies from multiple providers to ensure optimal coverage and value.
Tax planning
We incorporate tax planning into all aspects of financial advice, utilising available allowances and reliefs. Our services include investment structuring for tax efficiency, inheritance tax mitigation, and income tax optimisation strategies for business owners and high earners.
People
Chris Taylor
Founder
With over 40 years in financial services, Chris established the firm in 1993 after starting his career at Hambro Life in 1977. He transitioned to independent advising in 1989 and remains actively involved in client relationships.
Ross Taylor
Director
Joining in 2016, Ross became co-owner in 2020 and holds Chartered Financial Planner status. He specialises in working with business owners and high earners, bringing modern financial planning techniques to the firm.
Lucas
Financial Planner
Certified Financial Planner and Chartered status holder since 2025, Lucas focuses on retirement planning and investment management. He provides technical expertise and modern planning tools to enhance client service.
Hilary Smith
Client Services Manager
Managing client relationships and service delivery, Hilary ensures smooth operations and client satisfaction. She coordinates the team's efforts to maintain consistent service quality across all client interactions.
Karen Malin
Compliance Consultant
Overseeing regulatory compliance and quality control, Karen ensures all advice meets the highest standards. She maintains our FCA authorisation and implements best practice procedures across the firm.
Questions
What financial services do you specialise in?
We specialise in comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, protection insurance, and tax-efficient strategies for business owners and high earners.
How are your fees structured?
We charge an initial planning fee starting at £3,000 and ongoing fees of 0.75% of assets under advice (minimum £2,250/year), with transparent pricing disclosed upfront.
Which areas do you serve?
While based in Bolton, we serve clients across the North West including Manchester, Liverpool, and Kendal, with many services available remotely to wider UK locations.
What makes you different from other advisers?
Our combination of 40+ years experience, Chartered status, and client-centric approach creates long-term relationships focused on achieving personal financial goals.
How do you ensure ongoing service quality?
We conduct annual reviews, maintain regular communication, and hold industry-leading qualifications including Chartered Financial Planner and Certified Financial Planner designations.