The company has its moral compass set right!

Former EIS Financial Services adviser and managing director Chris Bain started with the firm at the beginning of June. This appointment, along with the recent appointment of Grant Sneddon bring McCreas adviser count to six.

The firm runs more than £260m funds under management (FUM) for close to 1,000 clients.  Bain, who spent 22 years at Glasgow financial planner EIS, said he was drawn to McCrea's approach to growth without losing sight of their clients' needs.

"It's all about looking after the client - it's not just about growing. In the current backdrop when you've got nothing else going on, they [McCreas] seem to have their moral compass set right. That was very important to me, to make sure we're not looking at company that's looking to grow at any cost. They're taking the right decisions and it's all considered and measured, which is good."

Bain added he was looking for a change pre-pandemic after spending two decades at EIS where he helped secure record turnover.

"As the pandemic started there were less and less companies hiring, less opportunities and the ones available didn't really appeal. McCreas came out of the blue and I thought it would be a good fit.

"It is a strange time to be having interviews because you can't have that face-to-face contact but the professionalism in terms of how they approached it with the video calls and personal touches they have impressed me."

Bain specialises in public sector pension schemes and has worked with teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters and the police.  He said he hoped to bring some of his knowledge of occupational schemes to McCrea Financial Services, as well as broaden his skills.

"Part of what has attracted me to financial services it is so varied. There is not one-size-fits-all," he explained.

Bain also said the greatest challenge facing advisers in the current economic climate was keeping in contact with their clients and making sure they did not make any rash decisions .

McCrea Financial Services, managing director Douglas McCrea said: "This is a unique and hugely challenging time for the global economy, and we are pleased that we are still able to invest in growing our business. Grant and Chris bring great expertise, knowledge and experience to our team, which will be a benefit for existing and future McCrea Financial Services clients."

At a time when there are undoubtedly many economic challenges - as well as the health and wellbeing of the country - making considered decisions has never seemed more important. In taking advantage of our independent, impartial advice, our clients are able to make important decisions supported by the many years' experience our staff have accumulated in the financial services sector."

To find out more about Chris and what he's looking forward to at McCreas, click here.

Chris and our team of advisers at McCrea Financial Services can provide you with advice on all aspects of financial planning including mortgages, retirement planning, pensions and investments. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help you, please browse some of our information here or contact us today by phone or email for a no-obligation chat.

Source: professionaladviser.com, 03/06/2020