FAQs

Yes, we are an independent firm, which means we can recommend suitable solutions from the whole market rather than being tied to one provider. We only recommend arrangements that fit your objectives and circumstances, based on the information you share with us.

Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check our entry on the FCA Financial Services Register using our firm reference number.

Yes, you can meet us face to face or by video call, depending on what suits you. We will suggest the format that best matches what we need to cover, and your preferences.

Our office is situated between Southampton and Fareham, and we can meet you there if that is convenient. We often hold face-to-face meetings at a location that suits you, depending on what works best for the discussion.

Yes, we have designated parking spaces at the front of the office close to the main door. If you need any accessibility adjustments, we can factor that into your visit.

We were established in December 1998 and have been providing financial advice since then. Our approach has always been built around long-term planning rather than product sales.

We are based in Hampshire, and we also work with clients outside Hampshire and Dorset. For clients further afield, meetings are usually held virtually to reduce time spent travelling.

Yes, we have client reviews and testimonials, including written and video feedback. These are available on our website so you can see what clients have said about their experience of working with us.

We focus on giving you clarity, control, and confidence with your money, and we start with your needs and objectives rather than any product or investment. As an independent firm with no external investors, we are free to select from the whole market, and we are not tied to any provider. We are employee-owned, and our team is highly experienced and qualified, so everyone is aligned around doing the right work for clients.

Lawrence Clarke is owned by an employee ownership trust, so the business is owned on behalf of the people who work in it. This structure helps keep the firm independent and encourages long-term continuity for clients.

Our FCA firm reference number is 131460. You can use this number to find us on the FCA Financial Services Register.

We commonly work with clients across Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, the New Forest, Winchester, and surrounding areas. We can also work with clients outside these areas, with meetings typically held virtually where that is more practical.

You can arrange an initial meeting by phone, by email, or via the enquiry options on our website. We will confirm a time that works for you and explain what to expect from the meeting.

No, the initial meeting is provided at our expense. It is a chance for you to understand how we work and decide whether our approach feels right for you.

You do not need to bring paperwork or money-related documents to the first meeting. It is mainly a conversation about you, what you want to achieve, and what matters most to you.

In the first meeting, we ask open questions about your current situation and what you hope to achieve. If you are comfortable sharing, we will also explore your relationship with money and how you like to make decisions.

An initial meeting typically takes around one hour. We will keep it focused and leave time for your questions.

No, the initial meeting is obligation-free and there is no expectation that you proceed. If we both feel we are a good fit, the next step is usually a follow-up meeting to go into more detail about your objectives and financial circumstances.

Yes, we have three experienced female financial planners. We will aim to match you with the planner who best fits your needs and preferences.

We work as a team, so if your usual planner is unavailable, we can introduce you to another suitably qualified planner who is up to speed with your situation. Your planner also has a dedicated paraplanner who can help with general queries and progress updates.

You can contact our planners when you need them by telephone or web conference, and we respond as part of our ongoing service. We also like to meet clients at least once a year, and we send regular updates on topics such as the Budget and the end of the tax year.

Yes, cashflow forecasting is an integrated part of our service where it is relevant to your goals. We use it to help you understand how your plans might play out over time, based on assumptions we agree together.

If your circumstances change, we can review your plan and adjust recommendations where needed. Keeping your plan up to date helps make sure it still reflects what you want to achieve.

Yes, we regularly work alongside accountants and solicitors as part of a joined-up approach. With your permission, we can share relevant information and coordinate the financial planning work with other professional advice.

Yes, with your consent we can provide information your mortgage adviser needs and coordinate on timings. If you do not already have a mortgage adviser, we can introduce you to an adviser we work with.

If your planner leaves the firm, we will introduce you to another planner who can continue your relationship with us. We keep clear records, so the transition is smooth and your plan remains consistent.

Yes, we can run through an example financial plan during your first meeting. This helps you see the sort of information we include and how we present recommendations.

Yes, you can view your investments online through our Wealth Platform, which brings your finances together in one place. The value of investments can go down as well as up.

Yes, our Wealth Platform provides an online portal where you can see a consolidated view of your finances. The value of investments can go down as well as up.

We like to meet clients at least once a year, and meetings can be face to face or online depending on your preference. In between reviews, you can speak with your planner when something changes, or you need to discuss a decision.