Mark Bird

About

Mark Bird BSc Hons FPFS - Chartered Financial Planner & CII Fellow. I'm a local, approachable and down-to-earth independent financial adviser with 31 years experience. I specialise in investment planning, retirement planning and inheritance tax advice. My clients tell me they appreciate that I really listen to them, help them create a long-term financial strategy and do it in a language they understand. In addition to a degree in Business and Languages from Aston University, I’ve achieved both Chartered Status and Fellowship of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Chartered Financial Planner status, the much sought after qualification (amazingly still held by less than 34% of advisers) continues to be regarded by most as the 'gold standard' qualification available. However, the highest accolade Fellowship (held by less than 17%) is only awarded to a select few that are truly dedicated to reaching the pinnacle of the financial planning profession. These advanced qualifications signify to my customers that I am extremely serious in my pursuit of the highest standards and demonstrate my adherence to ethical good practice. To help you with your search for an IFA, an adviser can be qualified to: - Diploma level (basic minimum industry requirement) - Chartered (equivalent to a university degree), held by around 34% of advisers - Fellowship (highest industry qualification), held by around 17% of advisers in the UK. It is important to note that a firm may be Chartered, but the individual adviser assigned to you may not be, so do ask the question! Last, but not least, do check whether your adviser is ‘Independent’ or ‘Restricted’. Independent Financial Advisers provide unbiased advice from across the whole market, whereas Restricted advisers can only advise on a limited range of products. We’re proud of our independent status and it helps provide our clients with additional peace of mind. I was thrilled to be voted as one of the top 200 rated Independent Financial Advisers in the UK by my clients, as featured in the TIMES newspaper. I was also elated to finish in 1st place, winning £10,000 in F&Cs Fantasy Portfolio competition, as featured in CHESHIRE LIFE and THE CHESTER CHRONICLE. I'm a family man with 2 children and a keen fan of rugby, football and travel. Further details of my awards, background and company can be found on our website.