Member Article

Carpenter Rees to expand after securing SOLLA accolade

Financial planning firm, Carpenter Rees, has announced plans to boost its later life roster by double after securing membership at the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

SOLLA is a Government-endorsed not-for-profit organisation that hopes to educate consumers about potential financial issues that occur later in life.

The accreditation was secured by Graham Tracey, chartered financial planner at Carpenter Rees, who is now one of the first financial advisors in the North West to win SOLLA membership.

Manchester-based Carpenter Rees said it will host a string of workshops and seminars for people in the North West after receiving SOLLA accreditation, which will include advice on tax, savings, investment, long-term care planning and pensions.

Mr Tracey commented: “SOLLA is an incredibly well-respected organisation and that carries a lot of weight with consumers.

“Because it is an independent body, it is extremely rigorous in its accreditation process. This endorsement will definitely give the firm a boost and help position us as the region’s go-to later life advisors.”

He added: “There’s such a high degree of uncertainty in the savings and pensions marketplace at the moment, which extends to the regulations and provisions around state-funded care.

“Part of this accreditation is about championing the message of financial preparation and educating people about making appropriate arrangements for their old age – however unpalatable the idea may be.”

A government cap of £75,000 is due to start in April 2017 for care fees, while means-tested asset thresholds will be raised from £23,250 to £123,000.

Carpenter Rees’ director, Steve Rees, commented: “We’re thrilled that Graham has received this accreditation – particularly given that there are so few similarly qualified advisors in the region.

“As specialists in advising families and family businesses, it’s a great feather to add to our cap and should give our clients the added reassurance that we are the best advisors to take them through the planning process.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .