Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Independent Financial Advisers in Folkestone
Established in April 2012 by Andrew and Sheila Parmenter, Forward Plan provides independent financial advice tailored to individuals, families, and businesses. Our fee-based model ensures transparency, with charges disclosed upfront to guarantee clients receive impartial recommendations aligned with their unique circumstances. We prioritise jargon-free communication, delivering ethical advice that empowers clients to make informed decisions about pensions, mortgages, insurance, and long-term financial planning.Our commitment to annual reviews ensures ongoing alignment with client objectives, supported by Andrew's SOLLA accreditation for later-life financial expertise. With over 25 years of industry experience, we combine technical proficiency with a client-centric approach, maintaining rigorous compliance with Financial Conduct Authority regulations to uphold trust and accountability.
Services
Pensions
Mortgages
Cashflow Planning
Insurance
Equity Release
Long Term Care
Divorce Planning
Business Protection
Financial Healthcheck
Webinars
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer independent financial advice with transparent fee structures.
- Our team includes a SOLLA-accredited specialist in later-life planning.
- Annual client reviews ensure ongoing alignment with financial objectives.
- Jargon-free communication tailored to individual understanding levels.
- Fee-based model guarantees impartial recommendations without product bias.
Associations and certifications
- SOLLA
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Excellent stewardship
Kept up to date
Successful outcome
Easy and worry free
Helped plan financially
Services
Pensions
We provide comprehensive pension advice covering pre-retirement planning, retirement income strategies, and post-retirement reviews. Our specialists help clients optimise pension contributions, navigate annuity purchases, and manage SIPP arrangements. With expertise in enhanced annuities and drawdown options, we ensure your retirement savings align with lifestyle goals while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Mortgages
Our mortgage specialists assist with first-time purchases, remortgaging, and investment property financing. We offer transparent fee structures with minimum charges starting at 750, providing access to competitive market rates. Our advice considers individual circumstances, including Buy to Let options, while explaining risks associated with secured lending and potential repossession.
Cashflow Planning
Using advanced CashCalc software, we create tailored financial forecasts to help clients understand income-expenditure dynamics. Our cashflow planning identifies potential shortfalls, evaluates major life decisions, and simulates scenarios like market crashes. This interactive process enables informed choices about retirement timing, education funding, and lifestyle changes through visual financial projections.
Equity Release
We provide impartial guidance on lifetime mortgages and home reversion schemes for clients seeking to release property equity. Our advice explains compound interest implications, tax-free lump sum options, and impacts on state benefits. We ensure clients understand contractual terms, including interest repayment options and residency rights under different equity release products.
Business Protection
Our business protection services cover key person insurance, partnership/shareholder protection, and relevant life policies. We help businesses safeguard against financial losses from critical illness or death of key personnel, ensuring continuity through structured buyout arrangements. Our advice considers tax efficiency and company-specific risk profiles for SMEs.
People
Andrew Parmenter
Director
With over 25 years' experience, Andrew is a SOLLA-accredited financial adviser specialising in later-life planning. He established Forward Plan in 2012, combining technical expertise with client-focused service. His background includes complex pension strategies and intergenerational wealth planning.
Sheila Parmenter
Director
Sheila manages financial operations and administration at Forward Plan. With prior experience in bookkeeping and office management, she ensures smooth business operations while maintaining client service standards. Her focus includes financial compliance and operational efficiency.
Kerren Scales
Paraplanner
Kerren has over 30 years' financial services experience, supporting client advice since Forward Plan's inception. Holding a Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning, she specialises in technical documentation and maintaining regulatory compliance in client recommendations.
Questions
What financial services do you specialise in?
We specialise in pensions, mortgages, cashflow planning, insurance, equity release, long-term care funding, divorce financial planning, and business protection tailored to individual needs.
How are your fees structured?
Our transparent fee structure starts at £750 for mortgage advice and £1,000 for Buy to Let mortgages, with all charges disclosed upfront before any work commences.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide no-obligation consultations to discuss your financial goals and determine how we can help with your specific circumstances.
What makes you different from other advisers?
We combine independent advice with SOLLA-accredited expertise in later-life planning, offering jargon-free communication and annual reviews to ensure ongoing plan relevance.
How do you handle client complaints?
We have a formal complaints procedure and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with unresolved issues eligible for review by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Reviews (3)
Becky Perry
Jan 15, 2021
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Fantastic company. Perfect advice with friendly staff. Everything explained in a manner that can be understood. Faultless.
Chris Simpson
Oct 11, 2018
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I have met dozens of IFA's whilst networking. Andrew and the team at Forward Plan are rare gems. They deliver clear, concise and importantly impartial advice for all of your critical finance planning. Whether you are planning retirement or looking for the best investment deals, you should consult with Andrew and his team.
Julie Couch
Sep 16, 2018
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If you are looking for a knowledgeable IFA speak to Andrew at Forward Plan IFA. From mortgages to pensions to investments, great, sound advice.
