Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Financial Planners in Farnham
Established in 1999, Grierson Dickens has built a reputation for delivering impartial, fee-based financial planning services. Our hourly fee model, operational since 2001, ensures clients receive advice free from product sales pressure. In 2023, we transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust, reinforcing our commitment to client-centric values and long-term sustainability. Our approach focuses on understanding clients' life goals and aligning financial strategies to achieve them, combining technical expertise with personalized service. We pride ourselves on transparency, ethical standards, and a proactive approach to managing financial complexity. Our team of Chartered Financial Planners brings decades of experience in addressing diverse financial challenges, from wealth management to estate planning.We work closely with clients to implement solutions that reflect their values and aspirations, ensuring clarity and confidence in financial decision-making. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our regulatory compliance and ongoing professional development. We serve clients locally in Farnham, Surrey, across the UK, and internationally, adapting our services to meet varied needs. Our goal is to build enduring relationships by consistently delivering value and fostering trust through integrity and expertise.
Services
Financial Planning
Investment Management
Tax Planning
Estate Planning
Pension Advice
Wealth Management
Risk Management
Charitable Giving
International Assignments
Business Succession
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer genuinely impartial advice through our hourly fee model since 2001
- Our Employee Ownership Trust structure ensures long-term client focus and sustainability
- Chartered status demonstrates our commitment to professional excellence
- Personalised approach aligning financial strategies with individual life goals
- Proven track record serving clients locally, nationally and internationally
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Financial Planners
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
What people say
Trusted and reliable support
Refreshingly honest advisers
Confident move to self sufficiency
Complete trust in services
Excellent professional adviser
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service helps clients achieve long-term objectives through personalized strategies. We analyze current financial positions, identify goals, and create actionable plans covering investments, pensions, and tax efficiency. With ongoing reviews, we ensure plans adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on key objectives. Our approach combines technical expertise with practical implementation.
Investment Management
We offer tailored investment solutions aligned with individual risk profiles and financial goals. Our evidence-based approach utilizes low-cost index tracking funds combined with strategic asset allocation. Regular portfolio reviews ensure optimal performance while maintaining tax efficiency through appropriate wrappers like ISAs and pensions. We focus on long-term growth with annual rebalancing to maintain target allocations.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning service identifies legitimate opportunities to minimize tax liabilities across income, capital gains, and inheritance taxes. We implement strategies such as tax-efficient investments, gifting strategies, and trust structures while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations. Regular reviews adapt to changing tax legislation and personal circumstances to maintain optimal tax positions.
Estate Planning
We help clients preserve and transfer wealth effectively through comprehensive estate planning. Services include will preparation, inheritance tax mitigation, trust creation, and executor support. Our approach balances family needs with tax efficiency while ensuring clear documentation to simplify administration for beneficiaries during sensitive times.
Pension Advice
Our pension specialists provide guidance on all aspects of retirement planning, including contribution strategies, pension consolidation, and income drawdown options. We help maximize retirement income while navigating complex tax rules and lifetime allowance restrictions. Our advice covers workplace pensions, self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), and specialist areas like public sector pension transfers.
People
James Dickens
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
Co-founder with 35 years' experience, James specializes in holistic financial planning for complex personal and business situations. He pioneered the firm's fee-based approach in 2001 and holds advanced qualifications from the Personal Finance Society and CISI. His expertise covers intergenerational wealth transfer and tax-efficient structuring.
Greg Parker
Chartered Financial Planner
With 20 years' experience, Greg specializes in investment management and retirement planning. He chairs the investment committee and has particular expertise in advising elderly clients and resolving complex financial disputes through the Financial Ombudsman Service. His focus is on creating sustainable income solutions.
Ben Kemmish
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
Ben leads client proposition strategy with expertise in advising high-net-worth families and executives. He specializes in navigating complex tax situations and incentive schemes for senior professionals. Qualified since 2017, he combines technical knowledge with practical implementation of financial strategies.
Jo Ranger
Director
Jo oversees business operations and client proposition development. With 35 years' industry experience including senior roles at Zurich Group, she focuses on strategic planning and compliance. Her background includes developing customer propositions for major financial institutions.
Olivia Jennings
Operations Manager
As SMF16/17 holder, Olivia manages compliance and AML responsibilities. She oversees business operations, HR, and IT systems while driving process improvements. Her strategic oversight ensures smooth delivery of client services while maintaining regulatory excellence.
Questions
What makes Grierson Dickens different from other financial advisers?
We focus on life goals rather than product sales, using an hourly fee model since 2001 to ensure impartial advice. Our Employee Ownership Trust structure aligns with long-term client interests.
How are your fees structured?
We charge transparent hourly rates (£200-£300 for planners) with no commissions. Investment management carries a 0.5% annual fee. No hidden charges or product-based incentives.
What services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, pension advice, and international assignment support tailored to individual needs.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we have extensive experience managing financial affairs for clients on international assignments across multiple jurisdictions.
How do you ensure ongoing service quality?
We maintain regular reviews, respond to communications before 4pm on working days, and continuously improve processes through client feedback and professional development.
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
Our team includes Chartered Financial Planners, Certified Financial Planners, and specialists with advanced qualifications from CISI and Personal Finance Society.
