Project Description
DipPFS, Independent Financial Adviser
Areas Covered: West Lancashire, Preston and Chorley
Mark believes that clients would prefer to receive excellent and well-thought out independent financial planning rather than simply being sold a standard product. He feels his success is based on careful listening, considering all the possible solutions and never pre-judging a client’s financial needs.
After graduating from Chelmsford University with a BSc (Hons) degree in Land Management, Mark felt that he had more empathy with helping individuals plan for their future. Mark has worked in financial services for nearly 20 years and has been an Independent Financial Adviser based in the North West since 1999. By working as an IFA, Mark is happy that he is able to offer a more tailored financial solution to his clients.
As Senior Financial Adviser at his previous firm, Mark advised high net-worth personal clients throughout the UK on a range of financial areas with particular focus on wealth management, pre- and at-retirement planning and inheritance tax solutions. After almost 10 years with his previous firm, Mark decided to develop further his experience and was introduced to True Bearing Chartered. During his first meeting with George Critchley he immediately connected with the firm’s approach to financial planning, finding it both refreshing and visionary.
Living in Preston, Mark is married and has two boys. In his spare time, Mark manages the ‘Under 9s team at Walton-Le-Dale Football Club’. He enjoys keeping fit, has run numerous half marathons and to date he has completed two full marathons! He is currently working to achieve Chartered status as an Independent Financial Adviser.
Corporate Financial Planning
At Retirement Options
Protection Planning
Protecting Income
Investments
Qualifications:
CF2 – Investment & Risk
CF6 – mortgage advice
CF8 – Long Term Care
ER1 – Equity Release
FPC1 – Financial Services & Their Regulation
FPC2 – Protections, Savings & Investment Products
FPC3 – Identifying & Satisfying Client Needs
J05 – Pension Income Options
G10 – Tax & Trusts
G20 – Investments
R02 – investment principles & risk
R08 – Pensions update
“His friendly approach really helped to create a relaxed atmosphere in a room full of colleagues all of whom were somewhat apprehensive and who had many questions. From start to finish Mark was able to explain and answer questions with confidence and a clear knowledge base of the specific subject matter. He was able to judge when to intervene and when to let the discussion flow so that everyone felt they had been given the opportunity to have all their questions answered.
“The most helpful part of the presentation was enabling us to evaluate what exactly our needs were and what they would be if we did indeed take the opportunity to retire early. Through discussion and clear examples of how our money could be utilized to work for us Mark was able to suggest ideas and ways forward on an individual basis.
“This has been invaluable on a personal level during the last year since I did make the decision to retire early last July.
“We were not pressurized to sign up to anything and indeed the follow up meeting offered after this session was really useful as it allowed time to digest all the information given and really think about what is a major decision for anyone.
“Mark has continued to touch base with email information and many more colleagues have taken the opportunity to sign up for what was an invaluable session.”
Diane Vaukins
Pre Retirement Workshop Attendee
“My husband and I had our second meeting with Mark on the 8th May 2014, as, in our previous meeting with Mark a year ago, he encouraged us not to hesitate to contact him further should our circumstances change, as indeed they had. In both meetings we found Mark advised with upmost professionalism. We found him very friendly and approachable, explaining quite complex scenarios in terms we could easily understand, his knowledge of Financial Planning advice is clearly extensive , as he was able to advise on a variety of issues we raised. We would have no hesitation to contact Mark in the future and would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues.”
Caroline and Stuart Pearson, Manchester
Mobile: 07919 277 200