Small Independent Financial Adviser Firm of the Year 2002, launched a radical, brand new series of financial services, legal, tax and accountancy web sites in 2000 which have taken the market by storm winning numerous awards.
is 15 internet sites combined into one.
These include:
As well as more undisclosed domains name areas that are in development at present.
There are over 3,000 pages on the sites with interactive tools, 17 calculators, policy search databases, quotations, on line applications, contact forms, Stakeholder designation, market news, views and discussion boards including consumer and professional forums. There is even an on line diary for consumers to book virtual adviser help which can then either be handled by e-mail, chat box, live web cam interviews, telephone or full face to face advice.
It also has a secure, encrypted and password protected client centre that users gain access to other features as well as competitions for holidays and special discounts on financial services and non-financial services products. There are also plans for on line account management and single password aggregation for complete management when and if allowed.
Clarity:
In launching the sites, Joanne Roberts, Director, says: "We have noted much comment and criticism about existing financial sites using jargon, having poor navigation not having enough information to enable consumers to make informed decisions or when help is needed that it cannot be given as sites are ony direct offer sites! This has been addressed by our sites, with excellent navigation bars on every page, colour coded zones and prompt buttons for advice, quotations, calculators and search facilities. There are even site associate solicitors and accountants on the sites to handle legal, accounts and tax enquiries as well as reciprocal introducer agreements".
Networking:
Ashley Clark, Director, commented on the prospect of financial advisers being threatened by this move: " Financial services is moving swiftly toward e-commerce and advisers, particularly smaller practices, that do not plan for this or do not think it will happen are only fooling themselves. We have viewed the move on depolarisation as a significant threat. When larger institutions start to market multi-provider products or existing portals start to offer consumer facing platforms, the Independent Adviser market is threatened. We want to work with other likeminded financial advisers to establish a true independent "network", where everyone owns and runs their own business separately with the only proviso that an introducers agreement is in place where introduces business to a FSA directly regulated firm and for associate advisers to work with us to develop the sites further and to handle both electronic and face to face enquiries which, in our experience, will still be generated from the web.
This is why we have to be ahead of the game, keep moving forward and urge other advisers to do the same and talk to us. A network of truly independent advisers operating within the portal brings strength in numbers and the economies of scale to develop systems that can compete with any organisation.
Our system has been developed so that if a product, news item or other comment is made, provided it is developed electronically, it can be received, copied, verfied and uploaded to the site in less than one minute. We urge advisers who wish to become Associate Advisers of , initially to handle face to face enquiries only, to contact us.
No costs:
There are no costs for associates to register or for any site development or promotion. There are separate news columns on every page which Associates can contribute to if they wish. This may be an opportunity to promote a firms business or expertise and items that are of significant benefit to the general public with full accreditation. is also looking for discussion board facilitators to oversee certain sectors of the discussion forums. There are already Solicitors, Accountants and Tax Associates registered and is looking for a limited number of Financial Adviser associates around the country to also register.
Exclusivity:
Each registered associate firm has an entry on the site, including full contact details as well as having special discussion board privileges and being registered as a point of contact point for formal advice. There are also 'professionals only' discussion forums for exchange of ideas, contact and industry comment. There is also an associate news letter each month with items from the world of finance, tax and legal to help all associates keep up to date as well as periodic professional meetings, seminars and forums.
IFA training.co.uk:
This site being exclusively for other other financial advisers and organisations, offering a wide range of industry news, training and compliance solutions, tailored to exact needs. Fees are highly competitive with no retainers payable and delivered by working financial advisers who have hands on experience. Whether it be complaints handling, pension review, file checking or examination preparation.
is wholly owned by Internet specialist Independent Financial Advisers, and has no external investors or venture capital backing. It has been totally funded and developed by the Firm.
can be contacted by telephoning 01543 677444.
Notes To Editors: Visit the Press Centre for more on and
Contact: Ashley Clark, ACII, FSFA, FLIA(dip)Mgt. Chartered Insure , Director 01543 677444 or 07850 624530
Joanne Roberts MSFA, ALIA(dip)Mgt. Director 01543 677444 or 07887 996464