Discretionary Services

In this increasingly complex and fast moving financial world, many investors do not have the time, inclination, or knowledge to develop and maintain a full understanding of the complexities of potential investments and financial markets. Our investment management service is an ideal solution for those who want to reap the rewards from long-term investing without having to be involved in the day-to-day decisions.

Personalised Service

Every client is allocated an investment manager who will work with you to understand your individual circumstances, clarify your investment objectives, attitude to risk, time horizon and take any specific stock instructions including any restrictions. We then devise an investment strategy that meets your objectives for total return on capital at an acceptable level of risk. We will then make the investment decisions for you, tailored to your own particular requirements.

Asset Allocation

A major contributor to meeting investment objectives is correct asset allocation. This consists of dividing appropriate proportions invested into equities, fixed interest, cash and alternative investments such as hedge funds, commodities etc. We use a structured approach to portfolio construction where we select the asset classes such as equities and fixed interest, determine the proportions in each of the classes, identify the appropriate geographical areas and markets and choose the specific sectors/stocks to invest in.

Investment Style

In general, we believe in buying investments and holding them for the long term. Our style is to take mainstream exposure to the stock market via core holdings in blue chips, and then to diversify with exposure to smaller companies and overseas markets through exchange traded funds. For risk-free and low risk income-producing investments, we look to AAA rated money-market funds and gilt-edged securities.

Research

We have an in-house research team that is responsible for making objective recommendations on asset allocation and stock selection. In aiming at decisions the team is assisted by access it has to data provided by leading investment houses and research on the UK and International markets from a variety of external sources.

Portfolio Review

Portfolios are reviewed quarterly to ensure they continue to achieve the client's goals. Face-to-face communication is important and meetings with your investment manager take place at least once a year to review performance and ensure that the instructions you have given us continue to reflect your circumstances. Your relationship manager can also be contacted at any time to deal with any queries you may have.

Reporting and Performance Analysis

Regular reporting is an important part of your relationship with us and comprehensive reports are sent every six months that include a valuation, cash statement and a performance analysis with a suitable benchmark.

Advisory Services

Tailored Advice

If you prefer to be involved in the decision making process our advisory service provides you with expert and personal investment advice. We will make recommendations based on our knowledge of your individual requirements and complete financial background, and will act only once you are in agreement with our recommendations or, alternatively, you have given us instructions of your own. Your portfolio will not be kept under continuous review, but we will advise you on the merits of a particular investment at your request, as well as on its suitability to your portfolio as a whole. There is no additional charge for the advisory service.

Quality of Advice

Our advice is based on quality research and the skills, knowledge and experience of our professional brokers. We ensure that we receive research on the UK and International markets from a variety of external sources.

Profitable Opportunities

We aim to provide the advice clients need to improve the return on their investments - whether they are short-term traders or long-term investors. We advise clients of potential opportunities, place orders once a course of action has been agreed and will monitor subsequent performance. You will benefit from our experience, investment ideas and access to market information, whilst retaining control over the final decision on any action.

Scope of Advice

There are a growing number of investment products available hence good selection is vital. With the ever increasing complexity of these investments professional help has never been more essential. Your broker is there to build a relationship with you, as your trusted advisor, exchanging ideas and keeping you informed. You can discuss everything from risk management and achieving your investment goals to how to best buy or sell shares. We are pleased to offer our opinion on all investment matters, including take-overs, mergers, rights issues and forthcoming new issues.

Investment Bulletins

An investment bulletin is published regularly outlining our thoughts on markets generally as well as giving specific recommendations.

Execution Only Services

For those investors who are happy to make their own investment decisions, our execution-only dealing service is a comprehensive and efficient method to buy and sell securities with the following benefits:

• As a member of the London Stock Exchange we have direct access to the markets and guarantee best execution and timely execution of orders.
• Trades may be placed via telephone where qualified dealers will often execute the transaction while you are on the line. Alternatively trades can be placed by the client themselves via our robust and efficient online dealing platform.
• Prices obtained are reported back promptly to clients and contract notes issued promptly (immediately if received via email).
• We can provide up-to-date market information, keep you informed of news on particular stocks and take limit as well as market orders.

Clients can be assured that they will be dealing with experienced professional brokers who understand the investment instruments they are trading as well as the need for efficient execution and settlement of trades.