Business Profile: Hansford Bell

OM Magazine, Issue 116, September 2018

30th August 2018

Business Profile: Grapevine Transport

31st August 2018

Published by on 31st August 2018

Hansford Bell are fully independent, well established Chartered Financial Planners based in Tavistock with longstanding, happy clients throughout the South West, London and beyond. Business is booming, with a steady and regular stream of potential new clients making enquiries.

The foundations of Hansford Bell are built on well over 30 years experience in the world of financial services and the company itself has grown from strength to strength since its inception 10 years ago.

Starting with husband and wife team, Steve and Nikki Marker and two assistants, it has now evolved in to a 19 strong, hand-picked team. Chris Palmer originally joined them a few years ago as a Financial Planner, and has since become a Director, with all three running the business.

Backed by the rest of the team at Hansford Bell, they are 100% committed to the benefits of a relatively new concept in financial services – Financial Life Planning.

Financial Life Planning is based on the premise that we should first work with our clients to much more depth than before, by investigating and exploring their personal aspirations and goals. This helps us agree a much stronger plan to meet their own unique needs, wants and goals, in any given situation, that can effect each of us as our lives role on.

Steve explains “it is perfectly normal to live your life, concentrating on the here and now, constantly distracted by the day to day stresses and problems of business, relationships etc. Unfortunately, this often means that opportunities are missed or we have to play financial “catch up”.

“Many people do not then get to be, have or do stuff, that actually is really important to them. Financial Life Planning, when done well, helps make sure you get the best out of life; to have, be or do those special things”.

Chris outlines the three stages. “We start with the “Life Planning Stage” which is a series of discussions and exercises designed to uncover vital information that will provide the foundations for the entire process (clients tell us that this stage is the most enlightening to them, often having never been given the environment and help to concentrate so much on themselves).

“Whether it has been a lifelong dream to live in France, a decision to lend a family member a large sum of money or simply peace of mind to retire with financial stability, it is important that we and the client understand what and why they have that specific goal”.

“Then we move to the Second Stage, the “Financial Planning Stage”, where we drill down into their current financial arrangements with an eye on the requirements gathered from the first stage. We stress-test and challenge those ideas and goals, using cutting edge cash flow modelling systems, enabling us to forecast the financial effect of any given scenario, giving the client the confidence to live the best life they can”.

Chris continues “The key to this is to get right down to the detail of what income clients have, whether it be employment, pension or investment. At this same time, we look in great detail at what you are spending, from monthly utility bills to how much you spend at the theatre – even your daily newspaper charge! This is because each and every one of us is different and spend according to our lifestyle.”

“When analysing how spending may change over time, it is important to use a series of financially prudent assumptions on things like inflation and growth rates and, just as importantly, to review the whole thing every 6 to 12 months. This keeps everything on track, tweaking things as necessary”.

“Finally, the “Financial Advice Stage”, we have all the resources and technical back up necessary to ensure that a client’s specific financial portfolio fits”.

Speaking to Steve and Chris, it is clear to see that they are extremely passionate about the service they provide for their clients. Both have put themselves through the Financial Life Planning process and know from personal experience the benefits of living a much better life with effective and personalised financial plans.

We take pride in helping our clients through a process that we’ve both been through ourselves. We are passionate because we’ve been there, and see the desired results.

The three Directors are very proud of the team they have put together at Hansford Bell. All have extensive knowledge of their individual specialisms and make sure they are always up to date with the technical and regulatory details.

“One such person is Emma Jones, who heads up our Commercial and Domestic Finance Department” Chris explains. “She is a real asset to us and is passionate about making sure she does a great job. We all have to concentrate on the numbers but we never lose sight that we are dealing with individuals”.

“For some people, getting a mortgage is a stressful or confusing process. Emma makes sure this is not the experience they have with Hansford Bell, as is endorsed by her glowing client reviews”.

Hansford Bell offer a free, no obligation initial meeting. Steve explained that this is necessary so they can discuss the process more tailored to the individuals own requirements.

He also says that “our ideal client is someone who doesn’t prefer to just live life as it comes – we attract people who want clarity, financial stability and a plan to follow. We also try to make sure that on any financial decision, we prune through the technical detail, so the client knows everything they need to know, how it applies to them and with full understanding”.

Will your next 5 years be just another 5 years or the best 5 years of your life? Your future depends on what you do today.

As Hansford Bell continues to grow, and to ensure they keep surpassing the demands of their client base, Steve explained that they are always interested in speaking to anyone who may be looking in to a career in Financial Life Planning or anyone already qualified as a Financial Adviser who may be interested in the concept of Financial Life Planning.

Chris adds that it isn’t a necessity to be qualified already – if you have the right character and personal skills, Hansford Bell will happily see you through the training process. You will need to be passionate about helping people to live their lives the way they want to and have an eye for detail. We are essentially looking for the right people, with the right attitude and if they can show they follow our values as a business, there is a career waiting for them here.

If you would like to know more about the services on offer at Hansford Bell, have a look at their website and read their “Little Book of You” – a no nonsense guide to Financial Life Planning. Alternatively, if you are interested in working with Hansford Bell, get in contact with Steve or Chris on the email address below.