Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Financial Advisers in Truro
Watson French is a principled and accomplished independent firm providing objective financial planning and investment advice to business owners and high-earning professionals. Established in 1999, we deliver outstanding results through a commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and client-centric service. Our Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute reflects our dedication to excellence in qualifications, ethics, and business practices. Over 95% of our new business comes from professional referrals or personal recommendations, underscoring our reputation for trustworthiness and expertise. We prioritise understanding clients' personal goals before discussing financial strategies, ensuring bespoke solutions that evolve with their needs.Our nationwide client base benefits from holistic wealth management, combining financial planning, investment management, and estate planning. We operate with full transparency, offering whole-market advice without product commissions. Our team's extensive experience, including over 40 years of combined industry knowledge, ensures clients receive tailored guidance aligned with their values. We conduct regular reviews to maintain alignment with changing circumstances and goals. Our five-page code of ethics, signed by all staff, reinforces our commitment to integrity, honesty, and client trust.
Services
Chartered Financial Planning
Investment Management
Wealth Management
Estate Planning
Retirement Planning
Tax Advisory
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in independent financial advisory services.
- Our firm holds Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
- 95% of new clients come via professional referrals or personal recommendations.
- We offer whole-market investment advice without product commission bias.
- Our five-page code of ethics ensures transparent, client-first decision-making.
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Insurance Institute
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Assets safe in your hands
Exceptional professionalism
Consistently excellent
Advisor we can trust
Services
Chartered Financial Planning
Our Chartered Financial Planning service creates comprehensive strategies for individuals and families to achieve financial goals. We assess current finances, clarify aspirations, and develop tailored roadmaps while considering tax efficiency and ethical considerations. As one of Cornwall's first Chartered firms, we combine rigorous analysis with personal understanding to deliver solutions that evolve with clients' changing needs.
Investment Management
We design and manage investment portfolios aligned with clients' risk tolerance, timeframes, and ethical preferences. Our discretionary and advisory approaches ensure optimal returns through regular performance monitoring against benchmarks. With expertise since 1999, we provide whole-market advice without product restrictions, focusing on long-term wealth growth and preservation.
Wealth Management
Our holistic Wealth Management integrates financial planning, investment strategies, and estate planning to address affluent clients' comprehensive needs. We coordinate complex services like business succession planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, and tax optimisation. This cohesive approach ensures strategic alignment across all aspects of wealth preservation and growth for sustained financial security.
People
Stephen Watson
Chairman
With over 40 years in financial services, Stephen founded Watson French in 1978. He pioneered client-centric wealth management approaches and achieved Chartered status early in the firm's history. His expertise in business succession planning and ethical investing continues to shape our strategic direction.
Chris Phillips
Managing Director
Joining as our first graduate trainee in 2012, Chris became Managing Director in 2020. A Chartered Financial Planner and STEP member, he focuses on expanding our national presence while maintaining our core principles of independence and client-first service.
Questions
What services does Watson French offer?
We provide Chartered Financial Planning, Investment Management, and Wealth Management services tailored to business owners and affluent individuals.
How does Watson French approach investment management?
We create customised portfolios based on risk tolerance, ethical preferences, and financial goals, with regular performance reviews against benchmarks.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, we provide an obligation-free initial meeting at our offices or your preferred location to discuss your financial objectives.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Cornwall, we work with clients nationwide, particularly in the South West, Midlands, London, and South East regions.
How are your fees structured?
Our fees are transparent and pre-arranged, with no commissions from product providers to ensure unbiased advice.
How do you maintain client relationships?
We conduct regular reviews to adapt strategies to changing circumstances, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual understanding.
