NEWCASTLE-based accountancy and wealth planning firm Robson Laidler has extended its product range by launching a Later Life Service to meet growing demand from people preparing for elderly relatives’ future.
Shortlisted for Accountancy Firm of the Year earlier this year, the Robson Laidler Group, has launched the service in a bid to provide customers with easy access to all later life financial provisions under one roof.
Robson Laidler is now one of the only firms in the region that can offer a ‘one stop shop’ for wills, lasting powers of attorney and probate as well as accounts, chartered tax advice, financial and retirement planning, and investment advice.
The launch of the service was sealed after Robson Laidler’s Wealth Director Amanda Cowie was awarded with an accreditation from the Society of Later Life Advisers “SOLLA”. Making her one of only three Independent Financial Advisers in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to hold this.
Chartered financial planner Amanda said: “This can be a difficult time for families navigating issues such as inheritance tax and paying for care. We are now one of the only firms in the area that provides a full later life service to clients. We all lead very busy lives and for most people, having one firm who can deal with everything is extremely helpful.
“We recognised from our existing clients who have elderly relatives a need to gain advice on later life issues. Medical advances are keeping us all alive for longer which is great however difficulties in the social care system means that it is less likely that we can depend on the state to look after us in our old age and may need to do an element of planning ourselves.
“The demand for later life advice led me to undertaking the SOLLA assessment and subsequent accreditation. I was already qualified to give this advice but felt that it was important to have as much knowledge as possible and the SOLLA assessment process was extremely comprehensive.”
Amanda will work alongside managing director Graham Purvis and legal assistant Anne Henderson who are both members of the Institute of Professional Will writers and qualified to custom write wills to suit individual needs.
Robson Laidler managing director Graham Purvis said: “The launch of the Later Life Service is an extra string to our bow, as we aim to provide a full cradle to grave service for clients and be there for them alongside every step of their journey.
“From start-up advice to entrepreneurs to Wills and lasting powers of attorney – we are there to support along every stage.”
The Later Life Advisers Accreditation has now become established as the industry standard of excellence for those advising older clients and their families. It demonstrates that an adviser has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, such as the ability to explain complex matters in a way that is more easily understood.
If this is an area which you need advice, contact Amanda via email:acowie@robson-laidler.co.uk or ring her on: 0191 281 8191.