Simon Hester CEO of RBS has decided somewhat reluctantly it seems to decline the invitation to accept nearly £1,million in shares as a bonus for his achievements. This is not the first time this has happened, he was under similar pressure to do the same thing last year.

Ok his £1.2million salary is an enormous amount in anyone’s books but his type of role and the level of responsibility he carries would normally carry this type and level of remuneration. Where I believe he may have been a little naive is to expect the British public to look sympathetically at his plight, I don’t think he really had an option, he cannot deny that his bank and all the others have failed miserably to meet their target for lending to small businesses, their fear has compounded the likelihood of a double dip recession, the lack of sufficient cash in the market is strangling the economy.

On these grounds alone he has to hold his hands up and admit failure, so no he shouldn’t be rewarded for failure, I think he would have been better coming out straight away and donating the bonus to a worthwhile charity, he would have gained much more credibility and he would not have triggered the backlash he now so richly deserves.

FSC Investment Services Limited is now well on the way to completing our preparation for the introduction of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), I think it is fair to say we did have a bit of a head start on the rest of our competitors as Frank’s trip to Australia in 2006 was inspirational in giving an insight into how the UK Financial Services Authority were likely to mould the way in which they felt the UK should follow the Australian model of fee based Independent advice supported by better quality licensed examination supported advisers.

It is going to be interesting to see how many UK financial Advisers opt to either leave the industry or to adopt a restricted method of operating.  The FSC ethos is however never going to change; we believe that good quality fully independent financial advice will always be worth paying for.  If someone simply wants to buy a product in the hope that it solves all their financial problems then they are fooling themselves. The right advice doesn’t take long to obtain and is worth every penny it costs, the wrong advice can ruin any chances you may have had of a bright and successful financial future.

FSC have always encouraged potential clients to make use of our free initial consultation facility, this is an opportunity for someone who may be unsure if they actually need or warrant Independent Financial Advice to come along and discuss in privacy on a one to one basis their concerns and aspirations, by the end of the half hour the person is given the chance to reflect on the discussion and will be in a position to know if it is worth pursuing the process to a full fact find and financial report. If the answer is no, then it has cost them nothing, if it is proved the advice is necessary it will ultimately be very cost effective and relevant to the persons financial requirements.

Over the last 30 years we have come to understand that no two investors are alike; each
individual has their own personal financial aims, priorities and concerns.

Working around each client’s individual financial objectives our independent experts
tailor bespoke investment portfolios and strategies that attain long-term fiscal objectives
but remain flexible enough to cope with short-term needs.

We have been entrusted and proudly serve more than 400 private investors and
corporate clients across the Black Country region. Our company is committed to
helping you achieve your dreams and aspirations for today – and the future.

Specialist services include;

• Integrated Financial Planning
• Personal Investment Consultancy
• Private Pension Schemes

We are truly passionate about business but treat our clients like family.

Contact FSC Investment Services today and give yourself one less thing to worry about

It is completely frustrating that the UK, European and North American economies are all bouncing around like a space-hopper on Christmas Morning, we have seen levels of movement like never before, one day bad news the markets fall the next day we think the problems been solved so the market rises again, and so on and so it goes.

The answer to this may be to look at certain investments which can prosper in a volatile market. Canada Life and MetLife have all got very good investment bonds which do just that. They have Bonds or funds on the market which offer a guarantee of some or all of your original capital invested, they then allow your investment to be exposed to the equity markets in a similar way to a stock or share, but that’s where the similarity ends, if your stock or share loses value you can suffer capital loses, but in the bond this can be controlled by virtue of the level of guarantee you apply or the amount of growth lock-in that you have chosen.

Such is the interest in this that we are hosting a free to attend seminar on Tuesday December 13th at the Molineux from 6.00pm till 8:00pm where we will be showcasing some of these alternative ways of investing. We have secured three guest speakers from Canada Life, Met Life and Brewin Dolphin to explain some of the way to potentially invest safely in a volatile market. I will also be giving a general market overview and be on hand to answer any questions or queries. Prior to the seminar we are hosting a networking event from 5-6pm. Places will be limited so call now on 01902 422333 to reserve your place now.

You are cordially invuted to the FSC investment Services Limited Autumn 2011 Investment Seminar. Speakers from : Canada Life, Metlife and Brewin Dolphin at the Molineux Stadium

Major Buckley Suite Tuesday the 13th of December from 5pm till 8pm
(Networking from 5-6pm)

Places will be limited so please call 01902 422333 to reserve a place now !

Jeff Randle last week interviewed FSC’s very own managing director Frank Cochran live on Sky News. The video of this will be up soon but following the interview Jeff then quoted Frank on twitter saying “Investment expert, Frank Cochran: rather than give out lots of money, lottery winners need to structure what they do with money properly”

- Click here to read Jeff’s tweet

- Click here to follow Frank on Twitter