Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Advisers in Clevedon
Established in 1996, Huw Watts Independent Financial Planning Independent Financial Planning has built a reputation as a trusted financial advisory firm based in Clevedon, Somerset. Our practice specialises in providing independent, client-focused advice across mortgages, pensions, investments, and life assurance. With over 25 years of experience, we maintain authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards. Our team of two advisers operates from a central office conveniently located near the M5 motorway, serving clients across the South-West including Bristol, Bath, Taunton, and Thornbury. We prioritise transparency in all dealings, offering clear explanations of financial products while maintaining independence from any specific financial institutions.Our fee structure remains competitive, with mortgage advice typically costing 495 and investment management charges reducing progressively for larger portfolios. Clients benefit from our commitment to ongoing communication, with most meetings conducted face-to-face at our accessible town-centre office. Our regulatory compliance extends to participation in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, providing additional security for client assets. Through consistent service delivery since our founding, we have cultivated strong local recognition while maintaining the personal touch that distinguishes independent financial advisers.
Services
Mortgages
Pensions
Investments
Life Assurance
Mortgage Process
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer independent financial advice covering the entire market without institutional ties
- Our FCA authorisation ensures adherence to rigorous professional standards
- 25+ years of local expertise serving Clevedon and surrounding South-West regions
- Transparent fee structure with competitive pricing on mortgage and investment services
- Personalised face-to-face meetings at our accessible town-centre office location
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Knowledgeable and reliable
Professional and supportive
Expert mortgage guidance
Clear financial explanations
Trusted long-term advisor
Services
Mortgages
We provide independent mortgage advice covering the entire market, including residential purchases, re-mortgaging, buy-to-let, and retirement mortgages. Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your financial situation before progressing through documentation, agreement in principle, and application submission. We maintain relationships with high street banks and building societies to secure competitive rates for first-time buyers and experienced property investors alike.
Pensions
Our pension services encompass retirement contracts, annuities, enhanced annuities, and drawdown options. We research the independent market to identify suitable providers with strong investment performance records. Fees are determined by fund size, complexity, and the number of providers involved. We specialise in creating tailored retirement solutions that balance income security with investment growth potential while maintaining transparent cost structures throughout the advisory process.
Investments
We offer independent investment solutions including ISAs, unit trusts, and bonds across the independent sector. Our approach focuses on risk diversification through geographical and fund type diversification. Investment management charges start at 3% for amounts up to 20,000 with reduced percentages for larger portfolios. We maintain complete independence from specific providers to ensure objective recommendations that align with individual client risk profiles and financial objectives.
Life Assurance
Our life assurance services include term life cover, mortgage protection, critical illness cover, and income protection policies. We assess individual needs based on age and health history before approaching multiple providers to secure appropriate coverage. There are no direct charges for this service as we receive commission from the life company upon policy inception. Our independent status allows access to the majority of life companies operating in the UK market.
Financial Planning
We provide comprehensive financial planning covering mortgage, pension, investment, and protection needs. Our independent status enables market-wide product comparisons while maintaining fee transparency. Services are tailored to individual circumstances with ongoing support throughout the client relationship. We specialise in creating cohesive financial strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term objectives while maintaining strict regulatory compliance through our FCA authorisation.
People
Huw Watts
Founder & Financial Adviser
With over 30 years' experience in financial services, Huw established the practice in 1996 after teaching history and working with major financial institutions. He combines technical expertise with personal service, holding FCA-authorised adviser status and maintaining direct client relationships.
Questions
What financial services do you offer?
We provide independent advice on mortgages, pensions, investments, and life assurance products across the entire market.
How are your services charged?
Mortgage advice typically costs £495 while investment management starts at 3% of the invested amount up to £20,000.
Are you regulated by any official body?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference 921826.
Which areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Clevedon and surrounding South-West areas including Bristol, Bath, Taunton, and Thornbury.
Can you help with first-time mortgages?
Yes, we specialise in assisting first-time buyers through the mortgage process from initial consultation to completion.
What happens if I have a complaint?
We have a formal complaints procedure and unresolved issues can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
