Name of Business
Fairstone Wealth Management
Who are you?
My name is Andy Williamson, I am a Chartered Financial Planner with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. I run my own company with the wrap around support offered by Fairstone Wealth Management.
What sets you apart from the competition?
I prefer to consider myself as a financial coach, as I believe that modern financial advice is more about helping people to understand their financial position and then supporting them to take better decisions moving forward. This might seem a daunting task to many, so knowing that a client has grasped the essence and value of a well-thought-out plan is something that I find rewarding.
I like to spend time, as much as is necessary in the early stages of a new relationship, to ensure that all those involved in developing the plan have confidence in its suitability to meet whatever goals have been set. Knowing that I am there to call upon for ongoing advice and guidance provides a framework for a long-lasting, trusting, relationship that I like to establish at the outset.
How did the business come about?
After working in a technical financial advice firm for 14 years, I felt the time was right to set up on my own and take control of how I deliver financial advice. Conversations I had with Fairstone convinced me that the framework and support they provide will allow me to do this.
How long has your business been in existence?
I have been a financial adviser for over 10 years, but I have only recently set up on my own. The opportunity to spend my time helping and advising clients, rather than getting bogged down in paperwork, was one I could not resist.
Fairstone Wealth Management have been established since 2008 and is now one of the UK’s largest Chartered financial planning firms.
What are your main target markets?
I am happy to work with anybody who is serious about taking control of their financial affairs and will appreciate the value of putting in place a financial plan to help them achieve their goals - financial or otherwise.
The kind of people I have enjoyed working with in the past include:
- Business owners – of limited companies, partnerships or self-employed
- High net worth individuals, looking to safeguard their interests / assets in a tax-efficient manner
- Those wondering whether their current investment portfolios, pension arrangements & savings will be sufficient to enjoy their retirement
- Those concerned about passing on wealth to their dependents
How many staff do you employ?
I work for myself but have highly qualified and experienced back-up staff at Fairstone Head Office, who support me in every aspect of running a professional, regulated, financial planning business.
What job or achievement makes you most proud?
Assisting clients after the death of their partner have been my most rewarding experiences.
I have assisted a number of clients following the death of their partner at a relatively young age. Being able to provide this support at a very difficult time, taking the pressure off them to deal with their finances, so that they can concentrate on themselves and their family is very important to me. Watching them come through it and rebuild their life, then having the confidence to take control of their finances is definitely something I am very proud of.
Where do you see the business being in five years?
I would love to be surrounded by happy and confident clients, who take comfort from being much more aware of their financial circumstances and better able to take decisions that will help them achieve their personal, financial and retirement objectives.
I am hoping that the quality of the relationships that are developed and the willingness of my clients to recommend my services to others will prove that my decision to set up in business was a good one!
Tell us one interesting thing about the business that might surprise us?
Fairstone are the number-one Wealth Management firm on Trust Pilot.
Tell us one interesting thing about you that people might not know?
As a child, I once played baseball for the North-West of England.
Fantasy dinner party – which six people alive or dead would you invite?
As I am an avid sports fan, so this will be heavily sports based.
- Paul Gascoigne (boyhood idol from the 1990 World Cup)
- Vincent Kompany (favourite Manchester City player of recent times)
- Jonah Lomu (rugby icon from when I played rugby)
- Seve Ballesteros (golfing icon)
- Billy Connally (favourite comedian and great story teller)
- Warren Buffett (legendary American investor who could share a few investment tips)