Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Advisers in Burnham-on-Sea
Watermark Financial Services was founded in November 1990 with a clear mission: to place client interests above profit. Our culture is built on honesty, reliability, and professional service, ensuring every client interaction reflects these core values. We train our team to empathise with clients, fostering trust through transparent, long-term relationships. This approach has generated hundreds of sustained client partnerships and industry recognition, including the 2024/25 Financial Planning Specialists of the Year award.We specialise in tailored financial strategies for individuals, business owners, and trustees, combining technical expertise with personalised coaching. Our advisers focus exclusively on quality advice and client outcomes, maintaining zero complaints through rigorous governance. With a proven track record of navigating economic uncertainties, we deliver tax-efficient solutions that align with both personal aspirations and regulatory requirements.
Services
Financial Planning
Tax Efficiency Strategies
Investment Management
Pension Advice
Business Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Client-first approach with no sales targets or complaint history
- Award-winning tax-efficient planning strategies since 1990
- FCA-authorised advisers with specialist qualifications
- Proven behavioural coaching to avoid investment pitfalls
- Tailored solutions for complex financial circumstances
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Trusted adviser
Professional standards
Excellent care
Lower volatility
Impartial advice
Services
Financial Planning
Personalised financial roadmaps for individuals and families. We analyse existing assets, pensions, and insurance to create tax-efficient plans that align with life goals. Our three-phase approach covers wealth accumulation, decumulation during retirement, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Ongoing reviews ensure adaptability to life changes and market conditions.
Tax Efficiency Strategies
Specialist tax mitigation for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. We utilise legitimate allowances and structures to minimise liabilities during profit extraction, pension withdrawals, and estate planning. Strategies include carry-forward utilisation and wrapper optimisation, with documented evidence for regulatory compliance.
Investment Management
Active portfolio management combining asset allocation and behavioural coaching. We implement diversified holdings across equities, bonds, property, and alternatives, with regular rebalancing. Third-party managers are rigorously monitored, with transparent switching policies to maintain performance standards and client interests.
Pension Advice
Comprehensive pension consolidation and income planning. We assess defined benefit schemes, SIPPs, and workplace pensions to create sustainable retirement income. Services include tax-free cash strategies, annuity reviews, and phased retirement income models tailored to individual risk profiles.
Business Succession Planning
Strategic business transition frameworks for owners. We develop tax-efficient exit routes, key person protections, and employee benefit structures. Services include corporate risk assessments, share incentive schemes, and contingency planning for business continuity during unexpected owner incapacitation.
People
Mark Woods
Managing Director
With over 30 years' experience, Mark established Watermark's client-first philosophy. He specialises in multi-generational wealth planning and has led the firm's award-winning advisory team since 1990.
Michelle Woods
Chief Financial Officer
Managing financial operations since 2005, Michelle ensures regulatory compliance across all advisory services. Her expertise in investment governance supports the firm's rigorous manager selection process.
James Cannard
Chartered Financial Planner
Qualified since 2012, James specialises in complex tax planning for business owners. His strategic approach has delivered significant savings in corporate-to-personal wealth transfers.
Matt Rogers
Financial Adviser
Advising since 2015, Matt focuses on retirement income strategies. His analytical approach to pension consolidation has benefited numerous clients approaching retirement.
Ben Gates
Financial Adviser
Joining in 2018, Ben specialises in investment management. He leads the team's behavioural coaching initiatives to improve client investment decision-making.
Questions
What investment approaches do you use?
We combine strategic asset allocation with active manager monitoring. Portfolios include equities, bonds, property, and alternatives, with regular rebalancing to maintain target allocations.
How do you charge for services?
Fees are transparently disclosed during initial consultations. We use competitive, value-based pricing with no hidden charges or commission-based incentives.
Can you help with business pension schemes?
Yes, we advise on corporate pension implementation and employee benefit structures tailored to business size and objectives.
What happens during market downturns?
Our strategies include downside protection measures and rebalancing protocols. We proactively contact clients during volatility to review positions and adjust plans as needed.
How often are reviews conducted?
We schedule annual reviews but offer additional meetings following significant life events or major market changes affecting client portfolios.
Do you work with non-UK residents?
While primarily serving UK-based clients, we consider cross-border cases requiring specialist tax and regulatory expertise on an individual basis.
Reviews (5)
Richard Coombs
Mar 19, 2022
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We have been clients of Watermark for many years. Mark's advice has been invaluable and very easy to understand. Mark has helped us to consolidate our pensions and investments to suit our needs. A bespoke service from an experienced and friendly team.
David Sleeman
Oct 24, 2021
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I always find it a positive experience when I contact Watermark. The phone is always answered promptly with a cheerful greeting, this makes me feel valued as a customer. My questions are always answered leaving me assured that my wishes will be dealt with. Advice is always pertinent and up too date. This is a company that you can trust, one that has high professional standards and staff that work to that standard. If you are looking for financial advice contact Watermark, you will not be disappointed.
Gilly Pereira
Aug 17, 2021
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Having been a client with this company now for many years, I have nothing but praise for the excellent & professional service I have received. Any enquiries are answered promptly, every decision is taken with due care and diligence and nothing is too much trouble. Mark Woods is an outstanding advisor, with a superb team alongside him. Trust is so important in any relationship, personal or professional and I can assure prospective clients that this features highly in my regard for watermark wealth management. Thank you watermark for looking after my own & my mother's affairs so efficiently over the years, we are very grateful for the personal service we have received.
Clive Mathews
Aug 07, 2021
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We moved our investment portfolio to Watermark 12 months ago. Our whole experience from establishing our needs, agreeing short and long terms objectives and implementing agreed plans, was carried out with the utmost professionalism and care. Mark Woods has an excellent team behind him and in all our dealings, we have found everyone to be knowledgeable, communicative and very nice people to work with. There is a clear set of values and an excellent culture throughout the business. We are delighted to have joined the Watermark family.
Guy Wilkerson
Jul 20, 2021
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I've been a customer for five years and Watermark has been friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. They clearly know what they are doing and have provided a good return compared to the general market with lower volatility.
