Business Details
10 Years
experience
Independent Financial Advice in Wetherby
Wendy Cochran is a fully qualified and registered independent financial advisory firm based in Wetherby, Yorkshire. With a background in fund management for Edinburgh Fund Managers and Aegon Asset Management, Wendy brings over two decades of hands-on investment expertise to her advisory services. The firm specialises in tailored investment portfolios, pension planning, and mortgage advice, serving clients across the UK with a focus on transparency and client-centric solutions. Wendy holds a MSc, PhD, and DipPFS qualifications, ensuring a high standard of professional expertise. The firm operates under Dalbeath Financial Planning Ltd, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA no. 603653). Clients benefit from a service that combines deep market knowledge with a commitment to avoiding unnecessary fees and jargon.The team prioritises ongoing client education and clear communication, ensuring clients understand their financial options. With a track record of managing over 45 million in client assets, the firm caters to clients requiring bespoke financial strategies. Services are delivered remotely, eliminating the need for face-to-face meetings unless requested. Wendy's experience in both institutional investment management and independent financial advice uniquely positions her to design cost-effective, risk-appropriate portfolios. The firm's fee structure is transparent, with a standard charge of 0.5% for ongoing investment advice and no initial fees in most cases. Client testimonials highlight the team's responsiveness, expertise, and ability to simplify complex financial decisions.
Services
Investment Advice
Pension Planning
Mortgage Advice
Buy to Let Mortgages
Portfolio Management
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of investment management experience from Edinburgh Fund Managers and Aegon Asset Management.
- Our team provides transparent fee structures with no hidden charges.
- We design bespoke investment portfolios tailored to individual risk profiles.
- Our service operates entirely remotely, offering convenience for UK-wide clients.
- We hold FCA regulation (no. 603653), ensuring compliance with financial standards.
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Prompt service
Excellent service
Knowledgeable advisors
Stress-free process
Clear explanations
Services
Investment Advice
Our investment advice service focuses on creating bespoke portfolios aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. We specialise in pensions, ISAs, and larger investment accounts, offering ongoing management and regular performance reports. With Wendy's background in institutional fund management, clients benefit from professional-grade strategies typically reserved for high-net-worth investors.
Pension Planning
We provide comprehensive pension planning services including scheme consolidation, drawdown options, and tax-efficient strategies. Our expertise covers final salary pension transfers and retirement income planning, with a focus on helping clients make informed decisions without unnecessary fees.
Mortgage Advice
Our mortgage advisory service covers residential and buy-to-let requirements, specialising in remortgaging and competitive rate negotiations. We work with major lenders and specialist providers to find suitable solutions, processing most applications remotely through efficient phone and email communication.
People
Wendy Cochran Independent Financial Advice
Director
MSc, PhD, DipPFS qualified financial adviser with 20+ years' experience in fund management and independent financial advice. Formerly with Edinburgh Fund Managers and Aegon Asset Management, she specialises in investment portfolios and pension planning.
Matthew Harris
Financial Adviser
Experienced financial adviser with expertise in pension transfers and investment management. Provides specialist advice on defined benefit schemes and portfolio construction, known for impartial recommendations that prioritise client interests.
Questions
What areas do you cover for financial advice?
We serve clients across the UK from our Wetherby base, offering remote consultations via phone and email.
What minimum investment amount do you require?
Clients must have at least £200,000 in pensions, ISAs, or investment portfolios for ongoing advice services.
Are your mortgage advice services free?
We charge no fees for mortgages over £150,000 and offer free remortgage deal switches for eligible clients.
How are investment advice fees structured?
Our standard charge is 0.5% of assets annually, with no initial fees in most cases.
Can you help with buy-to-let mortgage arrangements?
Yes, we specialise in buy-to-let mortgages though we don't arrange holiday-let or self-build projects.
Reviews (6)
Angela Singh
Oct 29, 2021
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We have known of Wendy for the last few years now. Wendy has always been straight to the point with lots of options but the bestest advice to suit our needs. Wendy is so thorough and prompt so that we feel we can trust what we ask of Wendy. She is seriously one of the best advisors, we have used and continue to be. We were due a new mortgage fixed rate and we were only just thinking about it but coincidentally Wendy contacted us reminding us that our fixed-rate was due soon with all the information we didn't need to ask about and about the best rate going! So today, we have lesser stress at searching
David Jackson
May 04, 2021
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A telephone discussion was most useful and extremely thorough as well as clear. Wendy has patience and a professional as well as relaxed manner. I have no difficulties in recommending Wendy.
Rita Tojeiro
Feb 15, 2021
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I first approached Wendy in 2015 to arrange our first mortgage and life insurance. Her approach is refreshing - to the point, no nonsense. So when it came to moving again, 6 years later, I didn't hesitate in contacting her again. Our situation was perhaps a little more complicated this time around, but that was no bother, and the mortgage is all arranged. I highly recommend her services - very responsive, direct, and has not yet let us down. I really really have no wish to move again for a very long time, but if I do, I will definitely be reaching out for a 3rd time!
David Gibson
Aug 03, 2018
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I used the services of Matthew Harris to facilitate my DB pension transfer. I considered a number of other IFAs before I chose Matt. He impressed me with his knowledge and his approach to the process. His quote was also one of the most competitive. During the transfer process, he kept me up to date, and challenged my thinking to make sure I was aware of all factors before making a final decision. Matt completed the process in a very timely manner. Matt listened carefully to my wishes before suggesting an investment strategy to meet my future needs. I would recommend his services in this area.
Andrew Pattinson
Jan 03, 2018
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I asked Wendy Cochran to review the benefits of moving a final salary pension scheme. They provided a very quick response to my initial request, asking me to provide comprehensive details about the scheme and once I had done this they provided a detailed report on my circumstances within 2 days. The report was comprehensive, insightful and completely free. They recommended I take no action. Given this denied them an opportunity to earn a fee I genuinely believe they acted in my best interests.
Kevin D.
Dec 25, 2017
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I contacted Wendy Cochran because I was looking to transfer a final salary pension. Initially, I chose them because they were verified and qualified, and had clear details on their website that covered my area of interest. I was also keen to be able to conduct the correspondence online which I also gleaned from the website. From the outset I received very clear information from Matthew concerning fees and at what point they would be charged and a clear view of the process stages that would be required to achieve the transfer. The advice I was given was very professional and constructive and in
