The Private Office

The Private Office: independent, Chartered financial advice in the UK

The Private Office (TPO) is an independent financial advisory firm based in the UK that presents itself as free from third-party influence. The company operates under the Chartered designation, a professional standard that, according to its own communication, reflects its commitment to quality and putting clients first. With more than twenty years of experience, it serves individuals, families and businesses, and structures its activity around a fixed-fee model agreed with the client.

Financial planning services

The firm organises its offering into several areas of advice. In the area of pensions, it helps with retirement planning, explains the different types of plans, assesses whether consolidating pensions is appropriate and analyses the tax efficiency of contributions, as well as drawdown options. In investing, it offers investment management services, defines personalised strategies and advises on risk profile and time horizon. Tax planning includes optimising allowances, handling Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, intergenerational planning and ISAs. In cash management, the firm advises on Cash ISAs, easy access savings accounts, fixed rate bonds and cash platforms.

Advice for businesses and specialist services

For business owners, The Private Office offers protection cover such as income protection, key person insurance, co-shareholder protection and relevant life policies, as well as advice on selling the business and on using business premises within pension plans. In the specialist services section, the firm handles cases involving life-changing personal injury, high net worth individuals, financial planning after divorce, income protection, equity release and trusts. The company states that each client receives an individualised approach, with solutions tailored to complex needs.

Service models and working process

The firm structures its relationship with the client in four stages: an initial telephone conversation and a first meeting at no cost with a qualified adviser; the design of a tailored service plan with agreed fixed fees; the preparation of a detailed financial plan based on market research and financial modelling; and long-term support through regular portfolio reviews, valuations and service assessment. In addition to its main service, the company mentions a digital approach (TPO Premium) and a Family Office solution.

Presence and team

The Private Office has offices in Leeds, London and Bath. The Leeds office, located in the city centre, serves around 1,200 clients in the north of England. The London office serves more than 1,700 clients in the city and southern counties. The Bath office covers Bath, South Wales and the south-west. The team includes Chartered financial advisers, such as Ellie Jarvis, Alex Hatfield and Steffan Alemanno, who advise clients across the country on retirement, tax, investments and general financial planning.

Recognition and public profile

The company describes itself as award-winning and notes that its advisers are frequently invited to share their expertise in the media, with appearances in national and specialist UK publications. On its website it publishes guides and analysis on topics such as the comparison between pensions and property investment, succession planning, wealth management and changes to the state pension system.

Offices and locations

Leeds office: No 2 The Bourse, Leeds, LS1 5DE

Office 2: 69 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5EQ

Bath office: 1 Henry Street, Bath BA1 1BT