Finance Advice Centre

Mortgage, loan and insurance advice with whole-of-market access

Finance Advice Centre is a financial advice firm that works with a wide range of banks, building societies and specialist lenders. Its activity focuses on mortgage, loan and insurance brokerage, with particular attention to complex cases that other advisers cannot place. The company states that it is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Mortgages for diverse profiles

The range of mortgage products presented by the firm covers a wide variety of situations. Among the types it details are mortgages for first-time buyers, for self-employed workers, for the purchase of social housing through the Right to Buy programme, for buying a new home, for those moving home, for professionals, for equity release, for commercial premises, for buy-to-let investment, for second homes, for university students, 95% mortgages, variable rate mortgages, £100,000 and £200,000 mortgages, 10-year and 20-year mortgages, for people with a bad credit history, for first-time buyers with bad credit, for overseas residents and for expatriates. The company also offers a glossary section to clarify industry terminology.

Loans and business finance

In the area of loans, the firm offers personal loans, unsecured loans and bridging loans. For businesses, it offers business finance and development finance.

Insurance for individuals and businesses

The insurance offering is divided into two areas. For businesses, the firm arranges public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, keyman insurance, employers' liability insurance and shareholder protection, as well as relevant life policies. For individuals, it offers private medical insurance, home insurance, life insurance, accident, sickness and unemployment cover, life cover for people with diabetes, car insurance and critical illness cover.

Complementary legal services

The company also facilitates solicitors' services, including conveyancing, wills, probate and estate planning.

Focus on complex cases

Finance Advice Centre states that its advisers are trained to handle complex cases. The firm cites as an example clients who have just started a new job, recently self-employed individuals and contractors, profiles that often pose difficulties for other advisers. The company maintains that, if a solution exists, it will do everything possible to find it. It also states that it does not limit its work to a panel of lenders that pay higher commissions, but rather seeks the best product available regardless of the commission it receives.

Advice process and customer service

The process described by the firm begins with the client making contact, either by phone or through a form. An adviser analyses the situation, sets out the options and answers questions. The adviser then looks for the best alternative and handles the paperwork. The company indicates that the initial consultation is free and without obligation. If fees are ultimately charged, the client knows them before submitting the application. Finance Advice Centre also notes that some advisers work outside normal office hours and that advisers are usually available by phone until 20:00, with some also working weekends. The firm states that advice can be provided in person at its offices, at the client's home or at their workplace.

Presence and team

The company has offices in Ashby, Bristol, Derby, Ilkeston and Leicester. Among the team members the firm identifies are Matt Cassar, director in Derby; Yogesh Parekh, director in Leicester; Lee Chiswell, director in Ashby; and Dan Law, director in Ilkeston.