You’re Likely Working Years Longer Than You Need To.
Many business owners don't realise that they could have retired years ago. Don't let guesswork steal your freedom. We can give you a clear, tangible retirement date and a plan to get there.
Are These Pension Worries Keeping You Awake at Night?
Are Your Finances Scattered?
You have assets everywhere: business cash, personal savings, an old pension pot. All left to collect dust while you were busy working.
Are You Guessing At Your Exit?
Hoping your business is worth 'enough' isn't a good strategy. You need to be clear on what it's worth and what you want it to be worth.
Is Your Future Last On The To-Do List?
You're busy running the business day in, day out. So, planning your own finances & future falls straight to the bottom of the to do list.
“We have relied on Strata for financial advice since selling our business and taking early retirement in 2008. Strata has been there with us the whole way – with sound pension planning, tax and investment advice, annual review meetings and ensuring that our future interests are best protected with Trusts, Wills and IPA’s.The information Strata provides for our meetings is always thorough, well prepared and fully explained and we have every confidence in following their recommendations. All minutes of meetings and any instructions agreed quickly follow and are always accurately confirmed. Their use of continually changing software is impressive and adds to the professionalism of the service. Simon has become a good and trusted friend of our family, and I know that he and his family team will continue to provide us with the best possible support and service in the future.”
"It is a pleasure to write this testimonial for Strata. Simon Cook has guided us through our financial journey for over 20 years. His sons are now also helping us with this journey. It is very reassuring to have someone who can keep their eye on the ball whilst we work and, in our chaotic lives, guide us with financial decisions. Strata also replies efficiently and with sage advice. We feel completely confident with all the decisions they have helped us make. Whilst feeling the company is highly professional, they know us as a family, our lives, our children and our aspirations. They have been instrumental in planning for our future. We cannot recommend them highly enough."
“The speed and quality of service and attention have always been excellent. From the question being asked to the action being taken is remarkably speedy. We are confident we can live out our lives without financial worries.”
"Strata has the knowledge and expertise to manage & grow our investments in a way we could never have had. Each step of the way is well explained - as many times as we need! - to ensure we understand & are comfortable with the process at the same time being realistic with potential outcomes. As a result we feel privileged to have been able to maintain our desired lifestyle."
"Strata have sorted out my finances and lifestyle planning in a professional and uncomplicated manner that is easy (even for me) to understand and control. They have sorted out plans for my savings, pension, investments, insurances and peace of mind for myself and my family. Can't speak highly enough of the quality of the service that Strata have provided from our very first meeting - fantastic. They have always been friendly, helpful, efficient and trustworthy in all my dealings with them."
"We have worked with Strata for a few years following a recommendation from a friend. They have helped us a lot with both the return on our investments and our long term financial planning. The speed, quality of service and attention they provide is excellent. They always reply to any queries the same day, we have regular annual face to face meetings and they are available on the phone or email at any time. Their professionalism, friendliness and knowledge is first class. They are always personable, punctual and very responsive."
“If all you’re looking for in an IFA is someone to invest funds on your behalf, then there are many such service providers out there who can undoubtedly help. However, if you prefer a company that works closely with you to really understand your lifestyle choices and to help you realise your plans, ambitions and life goals, then choose Strata above all others. Strata goes much further beyond financial planning to really understand our long term goals and to help us achieve them. Their speed or response to questions, quality of service and attention provided are simply impeccable! They are a very professional organisation. We feel totally at ease and safe in the knowledge they are looking after our needs every hour of the day.”
“We have been with Strata since 2001. We are always amazed to see the speed at which we get a response to any query that we have had and this has included weekends and holidays, confirming their dedication. We feel that over the years they've got to know us well and, besides providing help with financial planning, they're able to discuss lifestyle changes with us, based on their vast experience of dealing with a variety of different clients, in different professions and at various stages of their lives.”
Meet Your Local Family Run Independent Financial Firm
Hi, We’re James & Tom (brothers & business partners.)
We’re financial planners at Strata IFA. A family business dedicated to helping other business owners like you.
Our mission is to give you complete clarity on your financial future.
So you can stop worrying about money and start enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
As a business owner, it’s easy to feel like you’re on a hamster wheel.
Year after year of growth without ever looking up to check on yourself.
We believe there's a better way.
Our role is to provide a clear roadmap. To show you exactly what’s possible.
And the steps to get there.
Outside of work, we come from a family that loves building things.
We learned early on that you’d never start building a house without a detailed blueprint first.
That’s exactly how we see financial planning.
We act as your architect, drawing up the blueprint for your life before a single 'brick' is laid.
This plan becomes the guide for every decision.
Ensuring your future is built to last.
James & Tom are the go-to guys for Business owners & Self employed professionals
Make Confident Business Decisions
Our cash flow forecasting acts as a 'what if?' machine. We can show you exactly how any decision will impact you & your wealth.
Specialists in Complex Finances
We specialise in the challenges of dividends and tax-efficient profit extraction. Areas many shy away from.
You Come First
You didn’t build a successful business to work until you drop. We focus on what you want your life to look like and build a financial plan to make that life a reality.
Get booked in for a chat in 3 Simple Steps...
Fill in our secure survey
First, answer a few questions on our secure survey. This allows James & Tom to come prepared for your call. Their assistant Matt will then text you to book your free consultation.
Get your in-depth consultation
This is a working session with James & Tom. You will discuss your business, your numbers, and what you want from life. They will start to map out your financial picture right there on the call.
Discuss next steps with zero pressure
If you decide we're a good fit, James and Tom become your dedicated financial partners. They will work with you to navigate any future challenges, and ensure you stay on track to your goals.
Is This Free Retirement Forecast For You?
This is for you if you've built a successful business or self employed career but now want a clear plan for your own life. You're ready to stop guessing about your future and finally take control.
"Strata have sorted out my finances and lifestyle planning in a professional and uncomplicated manner that is easy (even for me) to understand and control. They have sorted out plans for my savings, pension, investments, insurances and peace of mind for myself and my family. Can't speak highly enough of the quality of the service that Strata have provided from our very first meeting - fantastic. They have always been friendly, helpful, efficient and trustworthy in all my dealings with them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Your accountant expertly reports on your past. We design your future. They handle your tax returns; we build the blueprint that turns your business success into the life you want to live. We often work with our clients' accountants to make the plan even stronger.
No. It’s a working session where we provide real value upfront. We'll start mapping out your financial picture and answer your key questions right there on the call. We believe our value speaks for itself. If we're a good fit, we can discuss the next steps. If not, there's zero pressure.
Yes, this is our speciality. We exclusively help business owners navigate the complexities of dividends, tax-efficient profit extraction, and planning a successful exit. Our job is to create a clear plan to convert your business value into a predictable income for your retirement.
Minimal. We know how busy you are. It’s a simple two step process: a 5 minute secure survey you complete beforehand, followed by a focused 60 minute call with us. That single hour is designed to save you years of guesswork and worry.
You start by talking to us. Making sense of that mix is our job, not yours. Most business owners feel their finances are tangled, that’s normal. You bring the pieces as they are, and we’ll bring the blueprint to show you how they all fit together to build a secure retirement.