Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Advisers in Manchester
Established in 2008 by John Stevenson and George Chantry, we are an award-winning financial planning firm named in the FTAdviser Top 100 Advisers in the UK. Our team of over 75 professionals, including 23 qualified advisers, operates from Manchester city-centre, delivering independent financial advice tailored to individual and business needs. We combine technical expertise with a client-centric approach, focusing on long-term relationships and evolving financial strategies aligned with legislative changes and economic shifts. Our services span investment management, pensions, tax planning, business protection, and employee benefits, supported by advanced systems ensuring consistent service excellence.We prioritise transparency, reliability, and trust, maintaining authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our values-driven culture fosters diversity and inclusion, enabling our team to deliver positive client outcomes while contributing to community initiatives like our recent charity skydiving event for The Christie cancer centre. With over 15 years of continuous growth, we remain committed to responsible investing and financial vulnerability awareness, adhering to the Financial Vulnerability Charter.
Services
Investment Planning
Pension Solutions
Tax Efficiency
Inheritance Tax Planning
Business Protection
Succession Planning
Employee Benefits
Cash Flow Modelling
Financial Education
Wealth Management
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Award-winning financial planning firm named in FTAdviser Top 100 Advisers in the UK
- Team of 75 professionals including 23 qualified financial advisers
- Specialise in long-term financial strategies aligned with legislative and economic changes
- Values-led culture prioritising transparency, reliability, and client trust
- Committed to responsible investing and community impact initiatives
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
Services
Financial Planning
We create tailored financial strategies addressing short, medium, and long-term goals. Our process begins with understanding client circumstances, risk appetite, and aspirations before delivering customised advice. Services include investment management, pension planning, and tax-efficient wealth preservation.
Business Protection
Our business protection solutions safeguard companies against financial risks from key person loss, shareholder changes, or operational disruptions. We implement tailored insurance policies and succession plans ensuring business continuity and stakeholder security during critical transitions.
Inheritance Tax Planning
We help clients mitigate inheritance tax liabilities through strategic asset structuring and trust arrangements. Our approach balances tax efficiency with wealth preservation, ensuring smooth intergenerational transfers while complying with evolving legislation.
Employee Benefits
We design comprehensive employee benefit packages including pension schemes, life assurance, and health screening programs. Our solutions enhance staff retention while meeting regulatory requirements and promoting workplace financial wellbeing.
Cash Flow Modelling
Our cash flow modelling visualises financial futures using dynamic projections. This tool helps clients understand how investment decisions, market fluctuations, and life events impact long-term financial security across multiple scenarios.
People
John Stevenson
Founder & Independent Financial Adviser
Co-founder with 17+ years' experience in financial planning. Specialises in strategic wealth management and business succession planning. Holds MBE for services to financial services. Leads client relationships and firm strategy.
George Chantry
Founder & Independent Financial Adviser
Co-founder instrumental in establishing Pareto's values-driven approach. Focuses on business protection and corporate client solutions. Over 15 years' experience developing risk management strategies for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Paul Stones
Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser
Leads day-to-day operations and technical strategy. Chartered Financial Planner with expertise in complex inheritance tax mitigation and pension consolidation. Oversees investment committee and client service standards.
Lauren McHenry
Chartered Financial Planner
Specialises in retirement planning and income drawdown strategies. Provides tailored advice to high-net-worth individuals. Active in financial education initiatives and community outreach programs.
Stuart Carswell
Director & Independent Financial Adviser
Responsible for business development and partner relationships. Focuses on employee benefits and workplace financial education. Ensures service delivery aligns with firm values and regulatory requirements.
Questions
What financial planning services do you offer for businesses?
We provide business protection, succession planning, employee benefits, and corporate cash flow modelling. Our solutions address risk management, tax efficiency, and long-term sustainability for SMEs.
How do you approach investment management?
Our investment committee evaluates funds based on responsible investing principles. We create diversified portfolios aligned with client risk profiles, regularly reviewing performance against financial goals.
Can you help with inheritance tax mitigation?
Yes, we specialise in inheritance tax planning using trust structures, lifetime gifting strategies, and business property relief optimisation while maintaining wealth accessibility.
What makes your employee benefits packages unique?
We combine traditional benefits with financial education programs, offering tailored pension schemes, health screening, and protection policies that enhance workplace wellbeing and retention.
How are your financial planning fees structured?
We offer transparent fee structures including fixed fees for specific services and ongoing advice retainers. Initial consultations are free with no obligation.
Do you provide financial education for workplaces?
Yes, our financial education programs cover budgeting, pensions, and tax efficiency. We deliver workshops and one-to-one sessions to improve workplace financial literacy.
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