Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Financial Planning Solutions
At Gillingham's Financial Advisors, we prioritise understanding our clients' unique financial needs and life goals to build long-term relationships founded on trust. With extensive experience in financial planning, we specialise in crafting tailored solutions for investments, retirement, and wealth management. Our team combines technical expertise with a personal touch, ensuring clients receive strategic advice aligned with their circumstances. We are committed to continuous professional development, maintaining high standards of service while adhering to regulatory requirements. Our approach focuses on simplifying complex financial decisions, empowering clients to make informed choices about their financial future.We serve individuals and businesses across the UK, with a particular emphasis on the Dorset region. Our office in Bridport provides accessible, face-to-face consultations, complemented by home visits for added convenience. Recognised for our ethical practices and client-centric ethos, we strive to deliver exceptional value through transparent communication and dedicated support. Our qualifications and authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority underscore our commitment to professionalism and regulatory compliance. By combining technical knowledge with a deep understanding of client needs, we aim to be a trusted partner in managing financial wellbeing.
Services
Wealth Management
Investment Advice
Ethical Investing
Family Protection
Equity Release
Later Life Advice
Long Term Care
Business Advice
Tax Planning
Retirement Planning
Highlights and features
- We build long-lasting relationships based on trust and tailored financial solutions
- Our team holds advanced qualifications including Chartered Financial Planner status
- We specialise in planning, structuring and managing financial needs across life stages
- Our advisors combine technical expertise with over 25 years of industry experience
- We provide accessible face-to-face consultations with home visit options available
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Professional and highly recommended
Portfolio is safe in his hands
Excellent customer service
Delighted to have found Gillinghams
Nothing is too much trouble
Services
Wealth Management
Our wealth management service helps clients optimise their financial resources through strategic investment planning and portfolio management. We create customised solutions aligned with individual risk profiles and financial goals. With a focus on long-term growth and capital preservation, we provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure continued alignment with changing circumstances.
Retirement Planning
We specialise in comprehensive retirement planning, helping clients maximise their pension benefits and create sustainable income streams. Our approach considers tax efficiency, lifestyle aspirations, and longevity to develop realistic financial plans. We provide expert guidance on pension consolidation, drawdown options, and lifetime care planning.
Family Protection
Our family protection services ensure financial security through tailored insurance solutions and estate planning strategies. We help clients safeguard their loved ones against unexpected events while minimising tax liabilities. Our approach balances immediate protection needs with long-term wealth preservation objectives.
Equity Release
We offer specialist equity release advice for homeowners seeking to access property wealth while maintaining financial security. Our solutions consider inheritance planning, care funding requirements, and overall financial wellbeing. We provide clear explanations of lifetime mortgage options and home reversion plans.
Business Advice
Our business advisory service supports entrepreneurs with succession planning, tax-efficient structures, and employee benefits strategies. We help business owners navigate financial decisions while aligning personal and corporate objectives. Our expertise includes pension planning for business owners and exit strategy development.
People
James Hewitt
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
Qualified Chartered Financial Planner with over 20 years' experience, specialising in retirement planning and investment management. Holds multiple advanced financial qualifications including AF3 and AF5 certifications. Previously worked as an accountant before transitioning to financial advice in 2008.
Jonathon Sear
Consultant
Experienced financial adviser with 25+ years in financial services, including senior roles in banking. Specialises in mortgage advice and later life planning. Holds DipFA and CEMAP qualifications. Joined Gillinghams in 2011 following a career transition from retail banking.
Claire Keepax
Paraplanner
Qualified financial planner with a law degree and over 10 years' industry experience. Specialises in technical research and equity release solutions. Holds DipPFS and certificate in mortgage advice. Joined Gillinghams in 2015, progressing from administrator to paraplanner.
Courtney Tuck
Administrator
Administrator supporting financial planning operations with a background in law firm administration. Currently studying for a Diploma in Regulated Financial Services. Holds Certificate in Financial Services qualification. Joined Gillinghams in 2021.
Sharon Donovan
Office Manager
Office manager with marketing and business administration qualifications. Brings 15+ years' client services experience from international companies. Specialises in operational management and client administration. Joined Gillinghams in 2022, overseeing day-to-day office operations.
Questions
How do you tailor financial advice to individual needs?
We begin with a comprehensive fact-finding process to understand your personal circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance. This enables us to create bespoke financial plans that evolve with your changing needs.
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
Our team includes Chartered Financial Planners with advanced qualifications like DipPFS, AF3, and AF5. We maintain ongoing professional development to ensure our expertise remains current and relevant.
What services are available for retirement planning?
We offer complete retirement planning services including pension consolidation, income drawdown strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and long-term care planning to ensure financial security throughout retirement.
Can you provide face-to-face meetings?
Yes, we offer in-person consultations at our Bridport office with accessible meeting facilities. We also provide home visits for added convenience, particularly for clients with mobility requirements.
How are complaints handled?
We follow a formal complaints procedure outlined in our terms of business. Unresolved issues can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as detailed in our regulatory disclosures.
What investment approaches do you use?
We employ diversified investment strategies tailored to individual risk profiles, using a range of platforms and funds. Our approach focuses on long-term growth, capital preservation, and regular portfolio reviews.
