Hammond Financial Planning

Hammond Financial Planning: independent advice from Manchester

Hammond Financial Planning is an independent financial advisory firm established in May 2020 and based in Manchester, operating across the Northwest of England. It was founded by Marc Bailey and Steven Jackson, each with over 20 years of experience in financial services. The firm states that its duty is solely to the client and that its advice is completely impartial, supported by continuous monitoring and research of the financial services market.

Hammond Financial Planning Limited is registered in the United Kingdom with company number 12597670. Its registered address is The Counting House, 4a Moss Lane, Swinton, Manchester, M27 9SA. The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under number 934368. The website notes that the information it contains is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is primarily targeted at customers in the UK.

Services offered

The firm provides financial advice to individuals at all stages of their financial planning journey, as well as to business owners. Its service areas are:

• Investments: advice on building capital for the future through regular contributions or lump sum investments.
• Pensions: work with clients to consider all retirement options available based on their needs and investment risk appetite, including assessment of existing retirement provision and the use of cash flow analysis.
• Estate planning: advice on inheritance tax, which the firm notes can affect people beyond the very wealthy.
• Business owners: work with companies of all sizes across the UK.
• Protection: wealth and personal protection to secure the future for individuals and their families if an unexpected life event occurs.

The six-step advisory process

Hammond Financial Planning follows a structured six-step process. It begins by establishing the relationship, with clear service standards and fees disclosed up front so clients can make an informed choice about services and costs. The firm then gathers information, goals and objectives, identifying and prioritising the client's goals and confirming their attitude to risk and capacity for loss. Next it analyses and evaluates the client's current financial position, researching existing policies and investments and using sophisticated planning tools to help clients understand how to achieve their objectives.

The process continues with the development and presentation of a bespoke financial plan, structured so that all parts of the client's assets work together effectively and presented in an easy-to-understand format explained by the adviser. The firm then implements the recommendations, arranging paperwork to facilitate the smooth and efficient investment of money. Finally, it monitors and reviews the personalised financial plan through regular reviews, adapting it where required to changing needs and circumstances.

Team and experience

The firm reports over 100 years of combined experience, more than 300 happy clients and £73.5 million under advice. Its team includes:

• Marc Bailey, IFA/Director, with over 20 years' experience providing bespoke financial advice to clients, their families and professional business clients.
• Steven Jackson, IFA/Director, with over 30 years' experience as an Independent Financial Adviser.
• Colin Heap, Independent Financial Adviser, with over 35 years' experience in financial advice.
• Billy Gallagher, Independent Financial Adviser, with the firm since September 2019 and previously at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
• Jack Leather, Independent Financial Adviser, with over 9 years' experience in financial services, joined in September 2021.
• Jamie Croft, Associate Adviser, progressing through the early stages of his advisory career.
• Nicola Broxson, Paraplanner, joined in November 2025.
• Sue Smethurst-Purcell, Compliance Manager, with over 30 years' experience in financial services as an adviser, adviser supervisor and in compliance roles.
• Beth Hardman, Office Manager, joined in 2020 and initially started as a Financial Services Associate.
• Yvonne Donoghue, Personal Assistant, with more than 30 years' experience in the finance industry and joined when the company was first set up.
• Jayne Finch, Financial Services Associate, with a career in financial services including over 18 years with Santander bank.
• Noah Slater, Financial Services Administrator (Trainee), on a placement year from Lancaster University studying Business Economics.
• Becky Faulkner, Administration Assistant, working part time.

Client approach and collaboration

Hammond Financial Planning states that it takes time to understand clients' needs, goals and priorities before making recommendations, and offers flexibility for meeting times to suit clients with limited availability. It also works closely with other professionals, such as accountants and solicitors, to deliver a seamless service. The firm describes its aim as making the financial advice process simple and enjoyable, asking questions to understand goals and objectives in order to provide straightforward advice and find the right financial solutions. This is achieved by identifying short, medium and long-term financial planning goals, mapping out a route to get there, making easy-to-understand product and investment recommendations, and reviewing the plan regularly to keep pace with changes to needs and objectives.

Regulatory information and complaints

Hammond Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and entered on the Financial Services Register under number 934368. The firm notes that the value of investments can go down as well as up and that clients may get back less than the amount invested. If a client has cause to complain and is not satisfied with the firm's response, they may be able to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London, E14 9SR, telephone 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9 123, website www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.