First Steps…
Initial meetings with any prospective new client are usually carried out on a 'no cost no obligation basis'. Indeed, it is vital for both parties to understand the immediate and future work that will need to be carried out. Only at that stage can any indication be provided of future services and the charges for these.
It is also important that both parties are comfortable working together, be this on a one off project, or as is more usual, a longer term strategic planning journey. Trust has to exist for both parties to move forward, as only then can the working relationship develop and grow for the benefit of all.
At the end of the first meeting, we will agree if we are to move ahead, the work we are to transact and any charges that may then become payable. At all times, any fees will be explicit and agreed before they become due.
Moving Forwards…
Occasionally we work for clients on a one-off project which will be on a purely transactional basis. However, for both our private and corporate clients, our advice is generally much broader and holistic. All clients need their strategy reviewing and refining as circumstances, aims and objectives change. It is vital that we understand not just our clients current asset position and needs, but also their longer term goals and objectives. Only by monitoring these over the years can we ensure best use of all relevant tax planning strategies, investment opportunities and available solutions. Minimising tax on the journey is vital part of all strategic planning and as legislation and products change we need to work with our clients to achieve the best results.
Our Investment Process…
Having run a very successful investment process internally for many years, Heritage now enjoys the added benefit of discretionary powers. We work closely with our partner Square Mile, a respected fund research house that builds bespoke, risk rated portfolios for and in conjunction with selected IFA firms.
This link enables discretionary changes to be made to our portfolios, within the permitted and pre agreed mandates. It gives the ability to react to and align with market and fund manager changes in a timely manner.
The majority of our clients stay with us long term and it is not unusual for us to look after several generations of the same family. We are therefore used to, and would always recommend, that we work hand-in-hand with clients’ other professional advisers (accountants, lawyers etc.) so that advice from one party does not crossover or contradict that of another.
Businesses
We offer corporate benefit and corporate pension services including group risk. However, planning pension provision for business owners forms a larger part of this work and tends to fall more towards self invested pensions, mitigation of corporation tax and understanding the link between an individual's value in their business and their personal wealth. Joined up thinking is key when assessing how best to mitigate tax, maximise business profit and provide for an individual and their family's longer term security and business succession.
Awards
The quality of the advice and personnel at Heritage is best confirmed by the Industry Financial Awards of 'Group Pension Adviser of the Year’ and ‘Overall Individual Independent Financial Adviser of the Year’ being presented to John Shackleton in the year of establishing Heritage – two awards rarely seen to be given to a niche IFA business such as Heritage.