EIGHT Financial Advice

EIGHT Financial Advice: financial planning built around the client

EIGHT Financial Advice presents itself as a financial advice firm whose planning work is organised around each client's circumstances rather than a standard product menu. The firm states that its advisers build plans that are reviewed and adjusted over time so that financial goals stay on track, and that the advice offered is bespoke. It operates as an Appointed Representative of St. James's Place Wealth Management plc, which places its regulated activity within that framework.

The firm describes itself as providing financial advice nationwide, with a Hampshire base reflected in its own positioning and in the regional awards it lists.

Advice areas covered

The service structure published by the firm groups its work into several areas:

• Financial planning services, including planning ahead.
• Pensions and retirement.
• Investment planning.
• Insurance and protection.
• Inheritance tax planning advice.
• Mortgage advice and lending.
• Care and later life planning.
• Financial advice for business owners.

These headings indicate the scope of the practice: retirement and pension work, investment planning, protection and inheritance tax, mortgage and lending advice, later-life and care planning, and advice aimed specifically at company owners.

The first meeting and how the process works

The firm describes a structured first meeting intended to establish whether it is the right fit for a prospective client, with no obligation to proceed. The process is set out in three stages. First, the adviser listens to where the client is today, what concerns them and where they want to be. Second, the bigger picture is examined: once goals are understood — whether maximising pensions, investigating a tax liability or protecting a business — options are explored together. Third, the client leaves with a clearer picture, built from the information provided, the firm's planning expertise and cashflow technology, so that decisions can be made on an informed basis.

The firm also addresses a common barrier to seeking advice: it states that clients do not need tidy paperwork, every pension and account tracked down, perfect spreadsheets or an understanding of pensions, tax rules and investments before starting. What is required, in its description, is a rough idea of the desired life and an honest conversation about the current position.

Fees and charging structure

EIGHT Financial Advice publishes its charging model. Initial investment advice carries a one-off fee based on the amount invested: 3% on the first £250,000, 2% on the next £250,000 and 1% on amounts over £500,000. The firm states that if its advice does not lead to an investment, no charge applies.

Ongoing investment advice is optional and charged annually to manage and review the plan. For one of its most popular funds, Polaris 3, the firm cites a total annual cost of 1.59% on ISA investments and 1.67% on pension investments, covering advice, product administration and investment management. A breakdown lists advice at 0.8%, product at 0.27%–0.35% and fund at 0.09%–0.69%. The firm indicates that individual costs are explained before any decision is made.

Group structure and related entities

The site presents EIGHT as part of a wider group. Alongside the advice practice, it lists EIGHT Tax & Accountancy Services (ETAS), EIGHT Wealth International, EIGHT Mortgages, The EIGHT Foundation, EIGHT Academy and 3NINES. The group also refers to UK offices and international offices, although the material available does not detail their locations.

Recognition and partnerships

The firm lists several distinctions: Best Business in Hampshire 2025 and Best Community Business 2025, together with nominations for Best Place to Work 2026, Business in the Community 2026 and Large Business of the Year 2026. It also states that it is the Official Financial Advice Partner of Southampton FC and that it provides financial education for schools and the workplace. These are the firm's own claims as presented on its site.

Client feedback and reviews

The site displays a rating described as Excellent on Trustpilot and includes client reviews gathered through VouchedFor, which the firm notes have not been verified by SJP. The published testimonials come from clients in locations including Greater Manchester, London, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, and touch on pension protection, retirement planning, investment portfolios, drawdown and inheritance planning. Some reviews carry the caveat that past performance is not indicative of future performance.