About flame-tide
We're a team of financial professionals who believe managing money should be clear, straightforward, and accessible to everyone in Liverpool.
How We Started
flame-tide began in 2018 when three financial professionals met at a Liverpool networking event. We all shared the same frustration: the financial services industry had become too focused on selling products and not enough on actually helping people.
Each of us had spent years working for larger firms where targets mattered more than client outcomes. We'd watched people make poor financial decisions because they didn't have access to honest, independent advice. We decided to do something about it.
Starting from a small office near the city centre, we built flame-tide around a simple principle: put the client first, always. No commissions, no product quotas, no pressure to recommend things people don't need. Just straightforward guidance based on what actually helps.
What began as three people and a handful of clients has grown into a team of twelve serving over three hundred individuals and businesses across Liverpool. But our approach hasn't changed. We still start every client relationship the same way—by listening.
Our Team
We're a diverse group of qualified professionals who genuinely enjoy what we do. Everyone at flame-tide brings different expertise and perspectives, which strengthens the advice we provide.
Marcus Chen
Founding Partner
Marcus leads our personal financial planning division. Before flame-tide, he spent twelve years advising high-net-worth clients but wanted to make expert guidance accessible to everyone. He specializes in retirement planning and investment strategy.
Sarah O'Brien
Founding Partner
Sarah heads up our business services team. With a background in corporate finance and an MBA from Manchester, she helps Liverpool's small businesses turn financial confusion into clarity. Her specialty is cash flow management and growth planning.
David Patel
Founding Partner
David oversees tax planning and compliance. He's a chartered accountant who previously worked for one of the big four firms. His ability to explain complex tax situations in plain English is one of his most valued skills.
Emma Williams
Senior Financial Planner
Emma joined us in 2020 and works primarily with young professionals and families. She understands the financial challenges of balancing career growth, mortgages, and starting families because she's navigated them herself.
James McKenzie
Business Finance Specialist
James brings practical experience from running his own construction business before moving into financial management. He understands the realities of managing a small business because he's lived it.
Aisha Rahman
Investment Advisor
Aisha has over fifteen years of experience in investment management. She focuses on building investment portfolios that match clients' risk tolerance and long-term goals rather than chasing trends.
What Drives Our Work
Independence Matters
We're not owned by a bank, insurance company, or investment firm. We don't earn commissions on products we recommend. This independence means our advice is based solely on what's right for you, not what earns us the highest fee.
When we suggest a particular investment, savings account, or insurance policy, it's because we genuinely believe it fits your situation. If we think you don't need something, we'll tell you that too.
Education Over Sales
We want you to understand the financial decisions you're making. When you understand why we're suggesting something, you can make informed choices and feel confident about them.
That's why we take time to explain concepts, answer questions, and ensure you're comfortable with every recommendation. There's no jargon, no rush, and definitely no pressure.
Long-Term Relationships
Financial management isn't a one-time transaction. Your life changes—you change careers, buy houses, start families, build businesses, plan retirement. We're here for all of it.
Our client retention rate is over ninety percent because we build relationships, not just complete transactions. Many of our clients have been with us since we opened, and we've helped them through multiple life stages.
Community Focus
Liverpool is our home. We live here, work here, and care about this city's prosperity. When our clients succeed financially, our community becomes stronger.
We're proud to support local businesses, help families build security, and contribute to Liverpool's economic wellbeing. That's not marketing talk—it's genuinely why we do this work.
Our Journey
Founded
Three partners open flame-tide with a vision for independent financial advice in Liverpool.
First Expansion
Growing client base leads to hiring our first additional advisors and expanding services.
Business Services Launch
Formally launch dedicated business financial management division to meet growing demand.
New Office
Move to larger premises to accommodate team growth and provide better client facilities.
100th Business Client
Reach milestone of supporting over one hundred Liverpool businesses with their finances.
Team Expands to Twelve
Add specialist advisors in tax planning, pensions, and investment management.
How We're Different
There are plenty of financial advisors in Liverpool. Here's what makes flame-tide different:
We Listen First
Before making any recommendations, we spend time understanding your situation, goals, and concerns. You can't give good advice without knowing what someone actually needs.
Plain Language
Financial terminology can be confusing. We explain things in straightforward English because clarity builds confidence. If you don't understand something, that's on us to explain better.
Transparent Pricing
You'll always know what our services cost before we start work. Fixed fees, clear pricing, no hidden charges. We believe transparency about money should extend to how we charge for our own services.
No Product Pushing
We don't earn commissions, so we have no incentive to recommend products you don't need. If the best solution for you is to do nothing and keep your current arrangements, we'll tell you that.
Ongoing Partnership
We don't disappear after implementing a plan. We're available for questions, provide regular reviews, and adjust strategies as your life changes.
Practical Focus
We're interested in solutions that actually work in real life, not theoretical perfection. Your financial plan needs to fit your lifestyle and values, or you won't stick with it.
Recognition
While awards aren't why we do this work, we're proud to have been recognized for our commitment to client service:
- Liverpool Business Awards - Financial Services Excellence (2023)
- Client Satisfaction Rating: 4.8/5 based on independent reviews
- 94% client retention rate over five years
- Member of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Institute of Taxation accreditation
- Financial Conduct Authority regulated
Questions About Working With Us
All our advisors are fully qualified with relevant professional certifications including Chartered Financial Planner status, Chartered Accountant qualifications, and specialist tax accreditations. We maintain continuing professional development to stay current with regulations and best practices.
Yes, we're fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This means we adhere to strict standards for competence, professional conduct, and client protection. You can verify our registration on the FCA register.
While we're based in Liverpool and most of our clients are local, we do work with people throughout the UK. Many prefer face-to-face meetings, but we also offer video consultations for those who prefer remote communication.
Bank advisors typically focus on their own institution's products. We're completely independent, which means we can recommend the best options from across the entire market. We're also not target-driven, so our advice is based purely on what's right for you.
Want to Know More?
We're always happy to have an informal conversation about how we might be able to help with your financial situation.
Get in Touch