Brian Flindall Recognized as Top Financial Adviser for the 6th Consecutive Year Amidst Challenging Economic Landscape

We’re proud to announce that Credencis (IFA) Limited has been named a Top Rated Firm 2025 by VouchedFor, the UK’s leading review site for financial advisers – and that our founder, Brian Flindall, has once again been recognised individually as a Top Rated Financial Adviser.

To qualify for the Top Rated status, firms and advisers must:

• Consistently receive excellent client reviews;
• Demonstrate strong transparency and compliance standards;
• Pass VouchedFor’s comprehensive verification and vetting process.

This latest recognition reinforces our position as a trusted, client-focused financial advice firm serving individuals, families, and business owners across Derbyshire and beyond.

We’d like to thank all of our clients who took the time to leave reviews – and who continue to place their trust in Credencis as we help them navigate their financial future with confidence.

Client Trust Built on Results and Relationships

With a 4.9-star rating on VouchedFor, Brian’s clients regularly highlight his calm manner, attention to detail, and down-to-earth approach. Many say it’s the first time they’ve felt truly confident in their pension planning or investment decisions.

Whether you’re looking to draw down your pension, plan for retirement, or simply make sense of today’s financial landscape, Brian’s commitment is the same: to offer advice that’s not just smart — but sensible, and tailored to your life.

Expertise Across Pensions, Annuities, and Investment Portfolios

As we reflect on a year marked by economic challenges, Brian’s consistent recognition as a top financial adviser is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his clients’ financial success. In an industry where trust is paramount, the Credencis stellar reputation speaks volumes.

Looking Towards the Future

As we step into a new year, the financial landscape remains uncertain. However, with Credencis at the helm, under the strewardship of Brian, clients can face the future with confidence. His ability to adapt to changing market conditions and provide personalised, strategic advice positions him as a beacon of stability in a dynamic financial world.

In conclusion, the recognition of Brian Flindall as a top financial adviser for the fifth consecutive year is a well-deserved accolade. In a year defined by economic challenges, Flindall’s expertise, unwavering commitment to his clients, and stellar reviews showcase why he is a trusted name in the financial advisory realm. The Times, Telegraph, and The Mail on Sunday proudly acknowledge Brian Flindall’s outstanding contributions to the financial well-being of his clients and look forward to his continued success in the years to come.

Get in touch

In a competitive industry where trust and expertise are paramount, Brian Flindall and his company, Credencis, have proven time and time again that they stand head and shoulders above the rest. As a four-time top financial adviser recognized by Vouched For and The Times, Brian Flindall demonstrates unwavering commitment to his clients and excellence in the field of financial planning. His achievements serve as an inspiration to both aspiring and established professionals in the industry, setting a high standard for client satisfaction and quality service.

If you would like to find out what our VouchedFor top-rated adviser can do for you, please get in touch. Email info@credencis.co.uk or call 01158 967 538.

After 14 years of Conservative leadership, Labour’s July 2024 general election victory means that it is the new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who will deliver the UK’s Autumn Budget next month.

Having already spoken at length about the £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances she says was inherited from the previous government, Reeves has promised to make the “tough decisions”.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, has already made one tough and unpopular choice: scrapping the winter fuel allowance for all but the poorest pensioners.

But could Labour be about to make sweeping changes for those approaching retirement, too? Some forecasters have speculated that Reeves might be about to change, or even abolish, the pension commencement lump sum (PCLS).

Keep reading to find out how likely this change is, and what it would mean for your retirement plans.

Please note

A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

Brian Flindall Recognized as Top Financial Adviser for the 5th Consecutive Year Amidst Challenging Economic Landscape

Navigating Rising Interest Rates, Flat Markets, and an Unprecedented Mortgage Market

In an era marked by economic unpredictability, financial markets have experienced turbulence that has left many investors and homeowners seeking expert guidance. As the curtain falls on yet another year, one name continues to stand out among the financial elite – Brian Flindall, renowned as a top financial adviser for the fifth consecutive year.

Client Trust and Outstanding Reviews

What sets Brian Flindall apart is not just his ability to analyse market trends but also the trust he has cultivated among his clients. Year after year, he has received outstanding reviews from those who have benefited from his expertise. Clients consistently highlight his ability to provide sound financial advice grounded in years of experience and up-to-date analysis of the national and global markets.

In a world where financial decisions can make or break an individual’s future, having a trusted adviser by one’s side is invaluable. Brian’s clients can attest to the peace of mind that comes with knowing their financial well-being is in the hands of a seasoned professional.

Expertise Across Pensions, Annuities, and Investment Portfolios

Flindall’s expertise extends across various financial domains, including pensions, annuities, and investment portfolios. His comprehensive knowledge allows clients to navigate the intricacies of these complex financial instruments with confidence.

As we reflect on a year marked by economic challenges, Brian’s consistent recognition as a top financial adviser is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his clients’ financial success. In an industry where trust is paramount, the Credencis stellar reputation speaks volumes.

Looking Towards the Future

As we step into a new year, the financial landscape remains uncertain. However, with Credencis at the helm, under the strewardship of Brian, clients can face the future with confidence. His ability to adapt to changing market conditions and provide personalised, strategic advice positions him as a beacon of stability in a dynamic financial world.

In conclusion, the recognition of Brian Flindall as a top financial adviser for the fifth consecutive year is a well-deserved accolade. In a year defined by economic challenges, Flindall’s expertise, unwavering commitment to his clients, and stellar reviews showcase why he is a trusted name in the financial advisory realm. The Times, Telegraph, and The Mail on Sunday proudly acknowledge Brian Flindall’s outstanding contributions to the financial well-being of his clients and look forward to his continued success in the years to come.

Get in touch

In a competitive industry where trust and expertise are paramount, Brian Flindall and his company, Credencis, have proven time and time again that they stand head and shoulders above the rest. As a four-time top financial adviser recognized by Vouched For and The Times, Brian Flindall demonstrates unwavering commitment to his clients and excellence in the field of financial planning. His achievements serve as an inspiration to both aspiring and established professionals in the industry, setting a high standard for client satisfaction and quality service.

If you would like to find out what our VouchedFor top-rated adviser can do for you, please get in touch. Email info@credencis.co.uk or call 01158 967 538.

A look at the FTSE All-Share Index over the last 25 years highlights two key points about stock market investing:

Despite visible dips coinciding with (among other events) the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and a global pandemic, the value of a long-term investment is clear.

Source: London Stock Exchange (LSE)

The Covid pandemic caused huge economic uncertainty, but even since then, the markets have had to react to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the disastrous mini-Budget of September 2022.

The UK remains in the grip of a cost of living crisis. High (and slow-to-fall) inflation, a steadily rising base rate, and constant fears of a recession mean predicting what the markets might look like in 2024 isn’t easy.

But, if we’re to take any single lesson from 2023, it’s that you’re likely to be better off sticking to your investments than ditching them in favour of cash.

Keep reading to find out why.

High inflation will stick around in 2024 while the most severe effects of interest rate hikes could still be to come.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirm that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) held firm at 6.7% for the 12 months to September 2023.

Minutes from the most recent meeting of the Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), meanwhile, confirm that inflation isn’t expected to reach the Bank’s own 2% target until Q2 2025. Above-target inflation is here to stay.

During 2023 so far, the UK economy has grown just 0.3% in Q1 and 0.2% in Q2. Real GDP growth for the year, though, could be negative.

In fact, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), the economy is projected to decline by 0.3% in 2023 and 0.2% in 2024. This is despite (subdued) growth in the US and Eurozone.

The Guardian, meanwhile, confirms that the lag between interest rate rises and their effect on the economy means that we may not feel the full brunt of these increases for another year.

The BoE’s base rate has been rising steadily since December 2021. Back then it sat at just 0.1% compared to September 2023’s figure of 5.25%.

These rates are slowly being passed on by high street banks and they might even tempt you to ditch your investments in favour of cash, but this could be hasty.

Here are 3 key factors to consider:

Please note

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. Levels, bases of and reliefs from taxation may be subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor.

The financial planning landscape is filled with numerous professionals, but only a select few manage to consistently rise to the top based on customer reviews and satisfaction. One such exceptional financial adviser is Brian Flindall, the founder of Credencis, a financial planning firm that has made a remarkable impact on the lives of its clients. For the fourth time, Brian Flindall has been named a top financial adviser by the Vouched For group, in partnership with The Times newspaper, which publishes the top advisers annually.

A Testament to Excellence: Brian Flindall and Credencis

Brian Flindall has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional financial advice and guidance to his clients. As the founder of Credencis, Brian has worked tirelessly to ensure that the company offers bespoke financial planning services that cater to the unique needs and goals of each client. His commitment to excellence and a client-centric approach has earned him the prestigious recognition as a top financial adviser, not just once but four times.

Four-Time Winner: The Mark of Consistency

Brian Flindall’s fourth-time recognition as a top financial adviser underscores his unwavering dedication to providing top-notch financial advice and a consistently high level of client satisfaction. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to the value that Brian and his team at Credencis bring to their clients.

It’s evident that Credencis is more than just a financial planning firm; it’s a company built on a foundation of integrity, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help clients achieve their financial goals. With Brian Flindall at the helm, Credencis continues to make a positive impact on the lives of its clients, empowering them to make informed financial decisions that secure their futures.

Get in touch

In a competitive industry where trust and expertise are paramount, Brian Flindall and his company, Credencis, have proven time and time again that they stand head and shoulders above the rest. As a four-time top financial adviser recognized by Vouched For and The Times, Brian Flindall demonstrates unwavering commitment to his clients and excellence in the field of financial planning. His achievements serve as an inspiration to both aspiring and established professionals in the industry, setting a high standard for client satisfaction and quality service.

If you would like to find out what our VouchedFor top-rated adviser can do for you, please get in touch. Email info@credencis.co.uk or call 01158 967 538.

It depends on your individual financial situation and goals. Consider the following factors before consolidating pensions: 

Consolidating pensions can simplify your finances and make it easier to manage your retirement savings, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and understand the impact on your overall financial plan. It’s recommended to consult a financial advisor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. 

Are there any reasons not to combine my pensions 

Yes, there are several reasons not to combine your pensions, including: 

Please note

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Back in March 2020, the BBC reported on the effect of coronavirus on global markets. The FTSE 100, the S&P 500, and the Dow all suffered their worst days in 30 years. A slow pandemic recovery
followed.

Now, as we head into summer 2022, what can the last 12 months tell us about the global economy’s coronavirus bounce-back and what do current global events mean for the 12 months ahead?

Keep reading to find out.

The World Bank was predicting the fastest growth rate in 80 years, forecasting that the global economy would grow by 5.6% in 2021.

By September, though, the Guardian was reporting the highest annual rise in UK inflation since records began, up from 2% in July to 3.2% for the 12 months to August. Rising food and energy prices, supply chain issues and labour shortages were all a factor.

Globally, America’s decision to continue with its planned evacuation of troops from Afghanistan, thereby ending the 20-year-long war, led to huge market uncertainty.

The World Bank revisits its growth forecasts

American markets enjoyed a so-called “Biden bounce” at the end of 2021 as election uncertainty subsided and Joe Biden was acknowledged as the 46th US president.

This capped off a faster than expected Covid recovery for the US, with manufacturing growing at its fastest pace in almost two years and unemployment down to 6.9% for October 2021, from 7.9% in September.

S&P 500 Index July 2019 to June 2022:

Source: MarketWatch

As 2022 dawned, continuing supply chain issues and the inflationary effects of world governments’ pumping huge sums into the market, all affected global economies.

China’s zero-covid stance meant protracted lockdowns for vast areas, while their continued tech company crackdown and the collapse of real estate company Evergrande continued to worry world markets.

All of which led to a downgrading of global economic growth forecasts.

As growth for advanced economies in 2021 was confirmed at 5.1%, the World Bank predicted global growth for 2022 of 4.1%.

By June 2022, this forecast was down to just 2.9%.

War in Ukraine hits global markets

The reasons for the decreased growth forecasts include the continuing influence of supply chain issues and rising prices. Plus, Russia’s February 2022 decision to invade Ukraine has had a major impact.

World Bank President David Malpass confirms: “The war in Ukraine, lockdowns in China, supply-chain disruptions, and the risk of stagflation are hammering growth. For many countries, a recession will be hard to avoid.”

Throughout 2022, UK inflation has continued to rise, hitting a 40-year high in the 12 months to May, at 9.1%.

The war in Ukraine is expected to contribute to a continued rise in energy and food prices. While the Bank of England (BoE) recently increased its base rate again, to 1.25%, it still predicts that UK inflation will peak at 11% around October 2022. Inflation isn’t expected to return to the BoE’s 2% target until 2024.

Markets over the next 12 months

It has been a tough start to the year for global markets, with coronavirus recoveries hampered by rising inflation and war in Ukraine.

World stock market returns 2010 to May 2022:

Source: JP Morgan (FTSE, MSCI, Refinitiv Datastream, Standard & Poor’s, TOPIX, J.P. Morgan Asset Management) Notes: All indices are total returns in local currency, except for MSCI Asia ex-Japan and MSCI EM, which are in US dollars. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current and future results. Data as of 31 May 2022.

The MSCI All Country World Index is down by 21.7% for 2022, up to the end of May.

The S&P 500, as previously shown, has suffered since January. According to Bloomberg, it is already 20% from its January peak. This drop marks the worst half-year results for the index since 1970 and places it firmly in a bear market.

It isn’t alone.

With the Dow Jones and Nasdaq firmly in bear territory too, some experts predict that the US could see a recession by the second half of 2023.

The FTSE 100, meanwhile, is holding up well, dropping just 1.98% in the first six months of 2022.

Despite this, accountancy firm KPMG UK is reported in the Independent as predicting a fall in economic growth for the rest of 2022 and 2023. This “weakening domestic momentum” could put the UK at “significant risk of a mild recession” within the next 12 months, according to KPMG’s chief economist Yael Selfin.

Patience remains the key to your investments

With the war in Ukraine set to continue, global instability should be expected to hang around for some time yet, too.

While the cost of living crisis continues to bite in the UK, staying patient and ignoring the background noise is key to reaching your long-term investment goals.

At Credencis, we can help to ensure your investment portfolio matches your risk profile and provide regular reviews to ensure you are on track, rebalancing if necessary. This gives you peace of mind and confidence, whatever happens in the wider world.

Please note

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Each year, financial website VouchedFor – in partnership with The Times – produce their “Guide to the UK’s Top-Rated Financial Advisers”.

The list is based entirely on client reviews and we are proud to announce that Credencis’s Brian Flindall has made the list for 2021.

VouchedFor is home to the UK’s most trusted advisers and their annual list is built using over 190,000 verified client reviews.

Brian’s inclusion in the list means that you can be confident that Brian will work hard to provide you with the best possible experience, service, and outcomes. Not only that, but you don’t need to take his word for it – his clients agree!

Top-rated status is awarded for average client ratings of 4.5 out of 5, and over. Credencis are delighted to confirm that Brian received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

A huge thank you!

While inclusion on the VouchedFor list is a sign of the hard work, diligence, and commitment to customer satisfaction shown by the whole team, it is ultimately you – our clients – who deserve our thanks.

“I am hugely thankful to everyone that took the time to submit a review,” says Brian.

“We work tirelessly to provide the best client outcomes and customer service we can. But, without those customers feeling compelled and inspired to speak out about the service we provide, we wouldn’t be on this list. A huge thank you to everyone, from all of us here at Credencis.”

Read our reviews

To read all of the reviews our clients have left, visit Brian’s VouchedFor page and, in the meantime, here are a selection of some of the over-100 verified reviews from Credencis clients:

And here are some first impressions from people who are not yet a client:

Get in touch

At Credencis we offer a bespoke, professional, and personal service on a long-term basis. This allows us to closely monitor the markets to check that you are still on track to meet your long-term goals. We also make sure we keep you regularly updated.

We provide individuals and companies with financial planning and management services.

If you would like to find out what our VouchedFor top-rated adviser can do for you, please get in touch. Email info@credencis.co.uk or call 01158 967 538.

Since the introduction of auto-enrolment, as a company director, you have been obliged to make contributions to your employees’ pensions. But what about your own retirement provision?

You can make contributions as an individual or via your limited company and claim tax relief on both. But understanding how much you can contribute and the best way to do so tax-efficiently can be harder as the owner of a company.

Keep reading for your guide to making contributions to your pension as a company director.

Making pension contributions directly from your company

Paying through your company is tax-efficient

If you make employer contributions directly through your limited company, the 100% earnings cap is removed. You can contribute up to the full £40,000 of the Annual Allowance and receive tax relief.

Remember, too, that the Annual Allowance can be carried forward for three years. If you haven’t used your allowance previously, you could contribute up to £160,000.

Contributions made directly from your company benefit from Corporation Tax relief – a potential saving of 19%. There are also no employer National Insurance contributions to pay.

Your contributions must be an allowable business expense

To qualify for tax relief, your contributions will need to be deemed an allowable business expense and pass the “wholly and exclusively” test. This means proving that the contributions are made wholly and exclusively for the business.

There are a couple of checks you’ll need to make to ensure your contributions pass this test:

If the answer to either of these questions is “no”, your contributions might not be deemed allowable business expenses. Also note, this is not an exhaustive list of the checks HMRC could make, so speak to us if you are unsure.

The right option for you

Providing for life after work is equally as important for a company director as it is for an employee.

Paying as an individual could see your contribution amounts limited by the pension Annual Allowance. Contributing through your limited company, though, can be hugely tax-efficient. You’ll receive Corporation Tax relief and tax relief on contributions, and have no employer National Insurance contributions to pay.

The best way to contribute will depend on your circumstances and pensionable earnings, so be sure to contact us before you make a decision.
We can use our expertise to build a long-term retirement plan that is based on your needs and aligned with your personal, and business, goals.

The best way to help your child or grandchild secure a stable financial future is to save on their behalf. And to start saving early.

Whether you want to help them through university, onto the property ladder, or even provide them with income in retirement, putting money aside when they are young gives that money the best chance to grow.

There are different savings and investment vehicles you might choose, and the right one for you will depend on what you want the money to be used for.

Through careful planning, and by combining different investment options, it might even be possible to make your child a millionaire.

Here’s how Credencis can help.

Starting a pension early could provide financial security in later life

You should consider starting a pension for a child or grandchild as soon as they are born.

Pension funds can’t be accessed until age 55 – rising to 57 in 2028, and likely to increase further by the time your child is old enough to receive their pension.

This ties your money up, but also allows it plenty of time to grow, making the most of the upward trend of the stock market, and the effects of compound growth.

Pensions are tax-efficient, and you will benefit from tax relief on your contributions, even if your child has no earnings or earns less than £3,600 a year. The maximum you can contribute is £3,600, but due to tax relief, that contribution will only cost you £2,800.

Using our Pension Calculator, you can see that contributions of £3,600 a year could amass a total pension fund of over £580,000 over fifty years. That is based on 1.4% inflation, 5% growth and an annual management charge (AMC) on the pension funds of 1.5%.

Starting as soon as a child is born and paying in for 60 years or more could reap even greater rewards.

As a UK taxpayer, your child will receive tax relief on contributions of up to 100% of their earnings or £40,000, whichever is lower. This is known as the “pension Annual Allowance”. It means your child can contribute even more, and benefit from a larger level of tax relief once they start earning.

The drawbacks of a pension

The obvious drawback of a pension is that money is tied up until your child or grandchild reaches the minimum retirement age.

This means that you wouldn’t opt for a pension if you wanted to help a child onto the property ladder, or through university, for example. A pension is still a great option for building long-term wealth, though, and for providing financial stability in later life.

Consider starting a pension for your child’s retirement, while using other savings and investment products to help fund earlier life milestones.

A Junior ISA could help a child onto the property ladder – and to become a millionaire

If you are looking to save money for an event within the next few decades – possibly for a child or grandchild to use to help them through further education or into their first home – you’ll want that money to be easily accessible. A Junior ISA (JISA) could be a great option.

A JISA must be opened by a child’s parent or legal guardian, but you can then pay into it as a parent or grandparent, on the child’s behalf.

Like pensions, JISAs and ISAs are tax-efficient. They also have limits on the amount you can save.

In the 2021/22 tax year, the annual subscription limit for a JISA is £9,000. This means you can contribute up to £750 a month to a child’s JISA.

There are two main types:

Any interest earned on a Cash JISA is tax-free. Gains made on a Stocks and Shares JISA are free of both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Based on a growth rate of 5% and factoring in a 1.25% annual charge, but not inflation, a £9,000 annual contribution from birth could see your child reach aged 18 with £228,919. Keep this invested, and your child could be a millionaire by the time they reach aged 44.

As with pensions, the contribution limit rises once your child reaches adulthood. The current annual subscription for an adult ISA is £20,000 a year.

The drawbacks of a JISA

A JISA converts to an adult ISA at age 18, at which time your child or grandchild can withdraw money from their fund. They can, however, start to manage their account from age 16.

This could make a JISA great for helping to fund university, but you’ll need to be clear that from age 18 your child will be able to access their money and use it as they see fit. Their decisions might not align with your wishes.

If you want to save for a child but retain some control over how that money is used, you might consider other means of supplying the funds, such as through a trust.

Get in touch

Providing for a child’s future can be done in several ways. You’ll need to think about what you want the money to be used for and when you want the child to be able to access their fund.

A combination of a pension and a JISA could be an excellent choice, allowing you to help towards milestones early in life while knowing that their retirement is also covered.

We can help decide on the right option for you and your child or grandchild.

If you would like to start saving for a child’s future, please get in touch. Email info@credencis.co.uk or call 01158 967 538.