4 of the best financial advisors in Manchester

• Qualifications and Regulation: Advisors registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) holding advanced professional qualifications were selected, ensuring reliable and expert guidance.

• Fee Structure: Priority was given to firms offering transparent, clear pricing structures with no hidden charges.

• Range of Services: Capability to deliver holistic support, spanning savings, investments, pensions, and estate planning, was thoroughly evaluated.

• Communication and Trust: Advisors who communicate with clarity and avoid complex jargon were chosen to foster strong, long-term client relationships.

Managing pensions, investments, and long-term financial plans alongside a demanding career can be a complex challenge. Securing professional financial advice is often the most prudent way to ensure capital is structured efficiently for the future.

To assist in finding the right partner, the leading financial advisories in Manchester have been reviewed, focusing on experience, independence, and client satisfaction.

How much do financial advisors charge for their services in Manchester?

Financial advisors in Manchester typically charge £75 to £350 per hour, or £500 to £5,000 for a bespoke plan. Ongoing management typically costs 0.5% to 1% of assets, with a 2% to 3% setup fee. Select firms offer fixed annual management packages instead.

1. Money & Mortgages UK LLP

Phone: +44 161 505 0601 Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Money & Mortgages UK LLP brings over 20 years of experience and a team of highly qualified professionals, including Chartered Financial Planners. This depth of expertise is rarely matched in the region.

The firm assists with mortgages, including complex cases such as self-employed applicants or individuals requiring additional borrowing. Clients are guided systematically through the entire process, from the initial inquiry to completion.

Their investment and pension advice is similarly robust. Using advanced cashflow modelling, the team demonstrates various financial scenarios, making retirement planning significantly clearer.

Insurance and equity release counsel is also handled with diligence. Options such as life insurance, critical illness cover, and later-life financial decisions are explained in straightforward terms.

For example, staff members assist clients in setting up home insurance alongside their property move, illustrating the practice's attention to minor but critical details.

Advisors are often available outside normal office hours to support clients, and they consistently follow up post-completion to ensure all requirements have been met.

The primary drawback is that, due to the high level of qualification and bespoke service, fees can feel premium for some clients.

I can’t speak highly enough of the team there

“Money & Mortgages are fantastic to deal with. They have provided me with mortgage advice, insurance and pensions for over twenty years. I can’t speak highly enough of the team there, and I highly recommend them.”

Mike Mulligan, Google review

We received prompt and friendly responses to every issue we raised

“This company provided a highly professional and personal service dealing with my complicated financial situation. We also received prompt and friendly responses to every issue we raised. My final mortgage offer was extremely competitive and completed within a short period of time.”

Richard Cockburn, Google review

2. Athelis Financial

Phone: +44 161 327 4547 Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Athelis Financial delivers remarkably broad advisory coverage. In addition to investments, the firm provides counsel on retirement planning, insurance, mortgages, and equity release.

Their primary strength lies in integrating these distinct areas into a single, cohesive financial strategy.

Their mortgage advice highlights this approach. Rather than treating property finance in isolation, they align it with overall long-term goals, helping clients mitigate structural risks like future repayment difficulties.

Led by Callum Hassan, the firm operates as a partner practice of St. James's Place Wealth Management. This partnership provides clients with the security and backing of a major financial institution while maintaining the dedicated attention of a boutique team.

Client feedback highlights Callum's proactive approach to annual reviews, clear explanations of options, and availability when circumstances change. Many clients report steady portfolio growth.

The primary limitation is the firm's strong preference for face-to-face consultations. While this personal contact builds trust, it may prove less convenient for clients who prefer virtual meetings.

We really appreciate his support

“Callum always contacts us for an annual review and answers any questions we have clearly. He has always given us enough information to enable us to make informed decisions. He is friendly and very professional. We really appreciate his support.”

Jane Creswell, Google review

I feel a lot more confident about my finances now

“Chantel has been great to work with! She really knows her stuff and always gives me clear, practical advice for my pensions and investments. She’s easy to talk to, super responsive, and make the whole process less stressful. I feel a lot more confident about my finances now. Thank you!”

Lorraine, Google review

3. Wetherall’s

Phone: +44 161 823 7390 Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Wetherall's stands out due to a conscious commitment to remaining independent and family-run.

Free from the pressure of large institutions to promote specific financial products, the firm's advice is based solely on the client's best interests.

With over 30 years of experience, the practice concentrates on helping business owners, executives, and professionals manage and grow their wealth.

They conduct regular portfolio reviews, monitor market performance, and adjust allocations when necessary. Clients report feeling supported and well-informed, which helps reduce the stress of wealth management.

The advisory team is highly approachable, taking the time to understand each client's family circumstances and retirement objectives to deliver personalised advice.

By limiting the client base to a restricted number of households, the firm ensures each client receives focused attention. This strategy is designed to foster long-term relationships with clients who share similar values.

The trade-off is that securing their services can be difficult. The firm is selective about the clients they accept, prioritising those seeking long-term partnerships. Consequently, it may not be suitable for individuals seeking one-off financial advice.

The team are highly professional and efficient

“James and the team are first-class advisers. I have been with James for over 15 years, and in a market where stories of poor advice, excessive charges and bad practice abound, I can safely say that none of those describe the experience at Wetheralls. The team are highly professional and efficient, always has time for their clients and advises rather than ‘sells’. As a result, you always feel comfortable that the financial decisions you are making are the best ones for you. Would recommend without hesitation.”

Toby Williamson, Google review

They have really taken great care of us, and the plan is working well

“I’ve never been particularly interested in financial matters, but my husband insisted that I join him to meet with the Wetherall’s team a few years ago when we chose them to help us with our financial planning, and although I hate to admit it, I am pleased to say that for once he was right! James, Kate and Delphine are wonderful to work with, and make the topic of financial planning a lot more understandable and interesting than I had thought possible. They took the time to get to know us, our family, as well as our financial status and ambitions, and they then set about working closely with us on a plan to get our finances in good order and ready for our future retirement. They have really taken great care of us, and the plan is working well. I highly recommend working with this excellent team!”

Pam Grundy, Google review

4. Eadon & Co Ltd

Phone: +44 161 711 1373 Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Eadon & Co Ltd makes a significant effort to demystify financial planning. The firm's advisors communicate in a simple, jargon-free manner.

Clients report leaving consultations with a clear understanding of their options rather than feeling overwhelmed by complex terms.

Crucially, the firm is independent and FCA-regulated. This independence ensures they are not restricted to any single product provider, giving them the freedom to scan the entire market for solutions that fit the client's needs.

Pensions and retirement planning are their core specialisms. The team explains why specific pathways are preferred, how different risks manifest over time, and the practical implications for post-retirement life.

The practice also leverages technology to keep clients engaged. Progress can be tracked and monitored through a dedicated client portal.

However, compared to some local competitors, their fees are slightly higher. While the pricing reflects the quality of service, it may not suit those prioritising low-cost options.

Everything was explained to me very clearly up front

“Impeccable customer service, very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and professional team of people. Everything was explained to me very clearly up front, and there’s no obligation or pressure. The emphasis is always on what is the right thing for the client. The transfer of my pensions was seamless. The onboarding and follow-up were very efficient, and I’m excited to start seeing my pension working for me. Thank you.”

Paul Johnson, Google review

Absolutely superb and a great company to work with

“The whole team made the transition of my capital extremely easy and very straightforward, from the initial calls to the end result! If I could rate them 11 out of 10, I would, absolutely superb and a great company to work with, I wish other companies would take a leaf out of their book, and perform half as good as Eadon & Co Ltd, life would be much simpler. Well done, everyone!”

Rich Barrett, Google review

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