Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Advisers in Coventry
Cotswold IFS has been delivering trusted financial advice for nearly three decades. Established in Earlsdon, Coventry and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, our firm operates with complete independence to provide whole-market solutions tailored to individual client needs. Our reputation has been built on three core principles: integrity, professionalism, and impartiality, with a focus on cultivating long-term client relationships through ongoing support. We specialise in retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, life cover, mortgages, and equity release, serving individuals, families, and businesses across the Midlands.Our approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of client aspirations, ensuring financial plans align with both short-term requirements and lifetime goals. With a team of Chartered Financial Planners and qualified advisers, we maintain rigorous compliance standards while prioritising clear communication and client education. Our commitment to excellence has been recognised through industry awards and consistent client referrals, reflecting our ability to transform complex financial concepts into practical, actionable strategies.
Services
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Wealth Management
Life Cover
Mortgages
Equity Release
Pension Reviews
Inheritance Tax Planning
Income Protection
Commercial Mortgages
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 30 years of independent financial advisory experience
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Whole-market product access with no restricted panels
- Chartered Financial Planners with industry-recognised qualifications
- Client-first approach with documented long-term relationship focus
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Highly professional service
Patient and thorough explanations
Excellent financial solutions
Organised and knowledgeable
Trusted financial advisor
Services
Retirement Planning
Our retirement planning specialists help clients create comprehensive strategies for financial security in later life. Using advanced cashflow modelling tools, we assess pension performance, explore annuity options, and develop tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. With expertise in workplace pension schemes and self-invested personal pensions, we ensure clients achieve their desired retirement lifestyle while maintaining flexibility for changing circumstances.
Estate Planning
We specialise in minimising inheritance tax liabilities through tailored estate planning solutions. Our advisers implement trust structures, gifting strategies, and life cover arrangements to protect family wealth. With experience in complex asset protection and probate planning, we ensure clients' wishes are documented through updated wills and power of attorney arrangements while maintaining compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management service creates diversified investment portfolios aligned with clients' risk profiles and financial goals. We combine ethical investment options with tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, while maintaining rigorous risk management protocols. Through regular portfolio reviews and access to specialist fund managers, we optimise returns while ensuring alignment with clients' long-term financial objectives and changing market conditions.
Life Cover
We design comprehensive protection strategies including life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection policies. Our advisers assess clients' specific needs to recommend appropriate coverage levels, considering family requirements and existing financial commitments. We specialise in placing policies in trust for tax efficiency and provide ongoing policy reviews to ensure continued suitability as circumstances change.
Mortgages
Our mortgage advisers offer whole-of-market access to help clients find suitable residential and commercial mortgage products. We specialise in first-time buyer schemes, buy-to-let financing, and complex cases requiring specialist lenders. With expertise in remortgaging strategies and new build purchases, we provide comprehensive affordability assessments and application support without charging broker fees.
People
Stuart Startup
Director & Chartered Financial Planner
With over 25 years in financial services since 1999, Stuart specialises in retirement and estate planning. He oversees compliance and manages complex inheritance tax cases while maintaining Chartered Financial Planner status through continuous professional development.
Robert Boland
Director & Chartered Financial Planner
A Fellow of the Personal Finance Society with 18 years' experience, Robert focuses on creating tailored financial strategies. Recognised as PFS Education Champion of the Year, he combines technical expertise with practical implementation of financial plans for individuals and businesses.
Saime Dodwell
Independent Financial Adviser
Diploma-qualified with 20 years' experience since 2002, Saime specialises in holistic financial planning. Her expertise spans pensions, protection, and mortgage advice, with a client base built entirely through referrals due to her ethical approach and comprehensive service delivery.
Daniel Humphreys
Independent Financial Adviser
Holding Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, Daniel specialises in pension transfers and retirement strategies. Recognised as Young Adviser of the Year finalist, he combines technical knowledge with client-focused communication to deliver tailored financial solutions.
Paul Corden
Independent Financial Adviser
With 35 years' industry experience since 1988, Paul provides comprehensive financial planning services. His approach focuses on understanding client goals to create sustainable financial strategies, with particular expertise in complex case resolution and intergenerational wealth planning.
Questions
What financial services do you specialise in?
We specialise in retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, life cover, mortgages, and equity release solutions tailored to individual client needs.
Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 08423995.
How do you differ from restricted financial advisers?
As independent financial advisers, we have access to the whole market and aren't limited to specific product providers, ensuring truly impartial recommendations.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Coventry, we serve clients across the Midlands and can provide remote advisory services nationwide.
How are your advisers qualified?
Our team includes Chartered Financial Planners, Fellows of the Personal Finance Society, and Diploma-qualified advisers with decades of combined experience.
Do you charge broker fees for mortgage advice?
No, we don't charge broker fees for mortgage advice as our remuneration comes directly from product providers.
