Business Details
33 Years
experience
Independent Financial Advisers Coventry
Cotswold IFS has been delivering trusted financial advice for nearly three decades. Established in 1993 and based in Coventry, we operate under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), maintaining full independence to provide market-wide solutions. Our reputation is built on integrity, professionalism, and impartiality, with a focus on long-term client relationships and ongoing support. We specialise in retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, life cover, mortgages, and equity release, tailoring our services to individual client needs. Our team of Chartered Financial Planners and qualified advisers combines technical expertise with a client-first approach, ensuring clear, unbiased advice aligned with personal and business goals.We prioritise transparency, adaptability, and empathy, recognising that financial planning requires understanding each client's unique circumstances. Our vision is to be the approachable face of financial planning in the Midlands, helping clients achieve lifetime aspirations through sustainable, profitable growth. With a proven track record of client satisfaction, we remain committed to ethical practice and continuous improvement in financial advisory services.
Services
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Wealth Management
Life Cover
Mortgages
Equity Release
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of experience in independent financial advisory services
- Our FCA regulation ensures compliance with highest industry standards
- We provide whole-market solutions without restricted provider limitations
- Our client-first approach prioritises long-term relationship building
- We combine technical expertise with empathetic, personalised advisory services
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
What people say
Highly professional
Patient approach
Understood financial needs
Revelation in service
Clear explanations
Services
Retirement Planning
Our retirement planning service helps clients build clear strategies for post-work life. We specialise in pension reviews, workplace scheme analysis, and retirement forecasting using cashflow planning tools. With expertise in annuities and personal pensions, we create tailored plans that adapt to changing circumstances. Our advisers explain complex options in plain English, ensuring clients understand their choices while maintaining FCA-regulated compliance.
Estate Planning
Estate planning services focus on preserving wealth for future generations through tax-efficient strategies. We specialise in trusts, gifting strategies, and inheritance tax planning while offering life cover in trust arrangements. Our approach considers individual family needs and long-term goals, ensuring assets transfer efficiently while minimising tax liabilities. We provide clear guidance on legal documentation and wealth preservation techniques.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management service creates tailored investment strategies aligned with client risk profiles and financial goals. We offer tax-efficient investment options, portfolio diversification, and ethical investment choices. The service includes ongoing monitoring and regular reviews to maintain alignment with changing circumstances, combining market expertise with client-specific financial planning requirements.
Life Cover
Life cover solutions provide financial security through life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection policies. We assess individual needs to recommend appropriate protection levels, considering family requirements and financial obligations. Our advisers explain policy options in plain English, ensuring clients understand coverage terms while maintaining FCA-compliant advisory practices.
Mortgages
Mortgage advisory services cover first-time buyer guidance, remortgaging, and buy-to-let solutions. We offer whole-of-market comparisons to find suitable deals without broker fees. Our specialists explain mortgage products clearly, manage applications, and provide ongoing support throughout the process while maintaining FCA-regulated advisory standards.
People
Stuart Startup
Director & Chartered Financial Planner
With over two decades in financial services since 1999, Stuart specialises in retirement and estate planning. He leads compliance efforts while advising on inheritance tax strategies and wills. A New Zealand native, he combines technical expertise with a passion for sports and client-focused financial solutions.
Robert Boland
Director & Chartered Financial Planner
A Fellow of the Personal Finance Society with 18 years' experience, Robert focuses on understanding client goals to create practical financial strategies. Recognised as Education Champion of the Year, he combines professional excellence with marathon running achievements and family commitments.
Saime Dodwell
Independent Financial Adviser
Diploma-qualified with 12 years' experience since 2013, Saime specialises in pensions, protection, and mortgage advice. Known for her ethical approach and client trust, she builds long-term relationships through clear communication and tailored financial solutions for diverse client needs.
Paul Corden
Independent Financial Adviser
With 37 years' industry experience since 1988, Paul creates custom financial plans based on comprehensive client assessments. His client-centric approach focuses on building trust through detailed understanding of individual financial circumstances and long-term objectives.
Daniel Humphreys
Independent Financial Adviser
A Level 4 qualified adviser with over a decade's experience, Daniel specialises in pension transfers and retirement planning. Recognised as Young Adviser of the Year finalist, he combines technical expertise with family commitments and golfing interests.
Questions
What areas do you cover for financial advisory services?
We primarily serve clients across Coventry and the wider Midlands region, providing both in-person and remote advisory services to individuals and businesses.
Are you regulated by any financial authorities?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards and client protections.
What makes your financial advice independent?
Our independence means we have access to the entire market, allowing us to recommend solutions from all providers rather than limited panels or restricted products.
How do you approach retirement planning?
We use cashflow planning tools and pension reviews to create tailored retirement strategies, explaining options in plain English while considering individual income needs and lifestyle goals.
Can you help with mortgage applications?
Yes, our mortgage advisers offer whole-of-market comparisons without broker fees, guiding clients through the application process for first-time purchases, remortgaging, or buy-to-let properties.
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide inheritance tax planning, trust arrangements, and life cover in trust solutions to help clients protect wealth and ensure efficient asset transfer to beneficiaries.
