Business Details
25 Years
experience
Independent Financial Planning Services
Established in 2001, Independent Investment Associates is a Chartered Financial Planning firm dedicated to delivering unbiased, high-quality financial advice to individuals and trusts. Our team of six Chartered directors and 18 staff members collectively manage over 350 million in client assets, combining technical expertise with a client-centric approach. We specialise in comprehensive financial planning, including pensions, tax-efficient investments, and estate planning, supported by our Chartered Wealth Manager and Certified Financial Planner professionals.Our independence ensures impartial advice, while our Investment Committee's monthly reviews maintain rigorous portfolio management standards. With offices in Grange-over-Sands, we serve over 750 clients across the North West, prioritising long-term relationships built on transparency and ethical practice.
Services
Investment Planning
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Pensions Advice
Tax Efficiency Strategies
Trust Management
Portfolio Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- All senior planners hold Chartered and Certified Financial Planner status
- Independently managed investment portfolios with monthly committee oversight
- Specialised expertise in inheritance tax and estate planning
- Transparent fee structure with no hidden charges
- Client-focused service with 20+ years' local market knowledge
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Chartered Wealth Manager
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Conduct Authority
Services
Investment Planning
Our investment planning service creates diversified portfolios aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. We combine capital protection strategies with tax-efficient growth opportunities, regularly reviewing market conditions and your circumstances. Our Chartered Investment Committee ensures ongoing portfolio optimisation through rigorous analysis of global markets and fund performance.
Estate Planning
Specialised estate planning services help preserve your wealth across generations. We implement legally sound strategies to minimise inheritance tax liabilities while ensuring your asset distribution wishes are fulfilled. Our planners collaborate with legal professionals to create comprehensive wills, trusts, and succession plans tailored to your family's needs.
Retirement Planning
Comprehensive retirement planning covers pension consolidation, income projections, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. We assess your current provisions and develop tailored plans to ensure financial security throughout retirement. Our approach considers changing regulations and market conditions to maintain plan viability over time.
Tax Efficiency
Our tax planning specialists identify legitimate opportunities to reduce income, capital gains, and inheritance tax liabilities. We implement structured strategies using available allowances and tax-advantaged vehicles, ensuring compliance while maximising after-tax returns. Regular reviews adapt to legislative changes and personal circumstances.
Trust Management
Trust management services ensure compliance with the Trustee Investment Act 2000 while optimising asset growth. We provide independent oversight of trust portfolios, balancing growth objectives with capital preservation requirements. Our team works closely with trustees to meet beneficiaries' needs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
People
Jason Crane
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
Jason holds triple qualifications as Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, and Certified Financial Planner. With advanced expertise in tax and trust planning, he collaborates with legal professionals to deliver comprehensive solutions. He has been with IIA since 2001 and leads complex case strategy.
Dan Birch
Chartered Financial Planner
Dan specialises in investment and retirement planning, holding Chartered Financial Planner status with advanced qualifications in inheritance tax. He focuses on creating tailored financial strategies for individuals and business owners, building long-term client relationships based on trust and transparency.
Ian Hartley
Director and Chartered Wealth Manager
Ian has over 20 years' experience in financial services, combining Chartered Wealth Manager and Certified Financial Planner qualifications. He develops long-term strategies for high-net-worth clients, specialising in complex estate planning and cross-border investment solutions while maintaining strong client relationships.
Andrew Troughton
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
With 15 years' local experience, Andrew specialises in pensions and tax planning. His expertise includes business financial planning and working with accountants to create integrated solutions. He actively coaches junior football teams in the local community.
Will Wilson
Chartered Financial Planner
Will provides holistic financial planning for individuals and trusts, holding Chartered Financial Planner status with specialisation in retirement planning. He builds long-term client relationships through clear communication and tailored investment strategies, focusing on sustainable wealth management.
Questions
What qualifications do your financial planners hold?
All senior planners hold Chartered Financial Planner and/or Chartered Wealth Manager status, with many also Certified Financial Planner designations. These represent the industry's highest professional standards.
How do you ensure investment recommendations remain suitable?
We conduct regular portfolio reviews and maintain ongoing client communication. Our Investment Committee meets monthly to assess market conditions and ensure recommendations align with current client objectives and risk profiles.
What areas do you specialise in?
We specialise in tax-efficient investment planning, retirement strategies, estate planning, pensions advice, and trust management. Our team has particular expertise in complex inheritance tax mitigation and cross-border financial solutions.
How are your fees structured?
Our fees are transparent and agreed upfront. They may be charged as fixed fees, hourly rates, or percentage-based management charges depending on the service. We provide detailed fee disclosures before commencing any work.
How do you work with other professionals?
We collaborate closely with accountants, solicitors, and other advisers to provide coordinated solutions. This integrated approach ensures all aspects of your financial affairs are considered in our recommendations.
What ongoing support do you provide?
We offer regular portfolio reviews, annual financial plan updates, and ad hoc consultations. Our team provides continuous monitoring of investments and proactively contacts clients when market changes or life events require strategy adjustments.
