Yes, which means we provide unbiased advice and can recommend products and services from across the whole market, rather than being limited to a particular provider, bank, insurer, or range of products.
Yes, we are regulated by the FCA. Our FCA number is 841524, and our authorisation can be viewed here: https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0010X00004T6ncqQAB.
Meetings can be held anywhere convenient to you. We have meeting space at our office in Sutton Coldfield, but can also meet at your home, workplace, or another suitable venue of your choice.
There is parking on the road outside of our office, which is free for one hour. There are local car parks within a 3-minute walk from the office, located on Reddicroft and Mill Street.
Key Financial Planning has been providing financial advice for over five years as an independent firm.
Our directors and advisers, however, bring more than 25 years’ experience in financial services, advising individuals, families, and business owners through multiple economic cycles. This means clients benefit from a modern, forward-thinking firm, underpinned by deep, real-world experience.
We are based in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, and work with clients across the UK.
While many clients value meeting us locally or face to face, we also work with clients across the UK, so if you relocate or move, there’s no need to change adviser. Wherever your financial journey takes you, we will be there by your side.
Yes. Our lead adviser and managing director, Lee Millard, is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Certified Financial Planner, reflecting advanced qualifications, experience, and ongoing professional development.
Chartered and Certified status represents the highest levels of professionalism and technical expertise within the financial planning profession.
Key Financial Planning does not currently hold Chartered Firm status awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
However, our lead adviser and managing director, Lee Millard, holds advanced professional qualifications awarded by the CII, reflecting a high level of technical knowledge and commitment to professional standards.
Yes. We are also a Chartered Financial Planning Firm, awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
This accreditation recognises firms that deliver high-quality, holistic financial planning, supported by:
We are also an Accredited Firm with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Yes. We have a growing number of independently verified client reviews, which can be viewed on VouchedFor, the UK’s leading review platform for financial advisers.
These reviews reflect our focus on:
You can read Lee Millard’s VouchedFor reviews here.
We believe great financial planning goes far beyond investment performance.
What sets us apart is:
In short, we help clients make confident financial decisions, with clarity and peace of mind.
Our FCA registration number is 841524. You can view our authorisation here.
We work with clients across the West Midlands and beyond, including:
We also advise clients across the UK who value a relationship-led, planning-focused approach, regardless of location.
Follow the “Contact us” link on the website, email us at info@key-fp.co.uk, or call us at 0121 281 7712.
No, we offer free initial consultations with no obligation.
Prior to any discovery meeting, we will send you a link to our portal to complete a fact find. Further to this, we request you bring any policy information on pensions, investments, or protection policies held, as well two forms of ID.
An initial meeting usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes but could be longer depending on your situation and what you’re looking to achieve from the meeting.
No. Following an initial discovery meeting, we will arrange a second meeting where we will present our recommendations. At this stage, an agreement is made on how to proceed regarding services and advice.
We have a team in the office who can provide ongoing advice and support whilst your adviser is on holiday.
We believe communication should be planned, not reactive.
You’ll hear from us:
We agree on communication expectations upfront, so you’re never left wondering when you’ll hear from us next.
Yes. Cashflow planning is a core part of our advice process.
We use cashflow forecasting to:
This allows decisions to be made with confidence and clarity, not guesswork.
Financial planning isn’t a one-off exercise. If your circumstances change, for example:
We’ll update your plan to reflect this and ensure it remains aligned with your goals.
You can contact us at any time – you don’t need to wait for a scheduled review.
Absolutely. We regularly work alongside:
Good financial outcomes often depend on joined-up advice, and we’re comfortable collaborating with your existing professional advisers so that everything works together coherently.
Yes. Where appropriate, we can:
This helps mortgage decisions be made in the context of your wider financial plan, rather than in isolation.
We are also authorised and regulated to provide mortgage advice, allowing us to look after all of your financial needs.
Your relationship is with Key Financial Planning, not just an individual adviser.
While you will have a dedicated adviser as your main point of contact, every financial plan is supported by the wider Key Financial Planning team. Behind the scenes, we stress-test and review plans collectively so they remain robust, suitable, and aligned with your long-term objectives.
This team-based approach means your plan does not rely on one individual alone. It provides continuity, resilience, and reassurance that your financial planning is built on shared expertise and consistent standards – now and in the future.
We operate a team-based, documented planning approach, meaning:
This structure protects clients and ensures long-term stability.
Yes, we’re happy to share an example financial plan.
Even better, why not book a meeting so we can produce a personalised plan tailored to you?
Yes. Where applicable, you will have online access to view the value of your investments securely.
This allows you to:
At Key Financial Planning, we use a dedicated client portal that allows you to view your investments, pensions, ISAs, and other financial arrangements in one secure place, 24/7.
Through the portal you can:
The portal is encrypted and designed to reduce reliance on email, improving both security and efficiency. Many clients prefer it because it gives them instant access to their financial information without having to wait for statements.
For clients who prefer a more traditional approach, we are equally happy to provide paper copies and telephone support. The portal is there to enhance convenience, not replace personal advice.
At Key Financial Planning, we do not take a ‘”one size fits all” approach. Review frequency is agreed with you at the outset and is based on your circumstances, objectives, and the level of ongoing service selected.
In addition to scheduled review meetings, we remain available throughout the year. If something changes – tax legislation, markets, your income, family circumstances, or goals – we encourage you to contact us. Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a once-a-year event.
Each review meeting typically includes:
Our aim is to provide structured, proactive advice while remaining accessible and responsive when you need us.
Yes – we are authorised to advise on residential and buy-to-let mortgages.
However, we primarily provide mortgage advice to existing financial planning clients. Our approach is relationship-led rather than transactional.
For our ongoing clients, we advise on:
We believe borrowing decisions should form part of a wider financial plan rather than being treated as a standalone transaction.
If you are not currently a client, we are happy to discuss whether a broader planning relationship would be appropriate.
Yes – we are authorised to advise on equity release, including lifetime mortgages.
Equity release is a significant financial decision and is only suitable in certain circumstances. We typically advise on equity release as part of a wider retirement planning discussion with existing clients.
Our process includes:
Equity release advice is always delivered within the context of a full financial plan.
Yes. We provide advice on personal pensions, including planning for retirement, contributions, tax efficiency, investment strategy, and withdrawal options.
This includes:
Personal pension advice forms a core part of our financial planning service.
No, we do not advise on occupational pensions, we can however discuss how these fit into your wider financial plan.
Yes. We regularly help clients consolidate multiple pension schemes into a more manageable and cost-efficient structure, where appropriate.
Before recommending consolidation, we assess:
Consolidation is only recommended where we can demonstrate that it is in your best interests, suitable for your circumstances and aligned with your retirement objectives.
Yes. Pension withdrawal strategy is a key part of retirement planning.
We help clients structure withdrawals using:
Our aim is to create a sustainable income strategy while minimising unnecessary tax.
Yes. As an independent firm, we can incorporate ethical, ESG and sustainable investing strategies where this aligns with your preferences.
We discuss:
Any responsible investment approach is designed to remain aligned with your risk profile and long-term financial objectives.
Yes. We frequently advise clients who have received an inheritance and would like to invest it appropriately.
We will:
Inheritance planning is often a pivotal moment. We focus on helping you use the capital in a way that supports your long-term objectives rather than short-term decisions.
Yes. We advise on SIPPs, including their suitability, investment structure, and ongoing management.
SIPPs can offer greater flexibility and control, including:
We assess whether a SIPP is suitable compared with other pension arrangements before making any recommendation.
No. We do not advise on the transfer of defined benefit (final salary) pensions.
However, we do review these schemes as part of your wider financial plan.
We help you understand:
Even where no transfer advice is provided, defined benefit pensions often form a cornerstone of long-term planning.
Yes. Later-life planning is an important part of financial planning.
We advise on:
Our approach focuses on maintaining dignity, independence, and financial stability, while balancing family and estate considerations.
Yes. Inheritance Tax and estate planning form a core part of our advice for many clients.
We advise on:
Our aim is to help you pass on wealth efficiently, while maintaining financial security during your lifetime.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate trusts, estate or tax planning.
Yes. We advise on Stocks & Shares ISAs and broader tax-efficient investment strategies.
This includes:
ISAs are often used alongside pensions as part of a tax-efficient financial plan.
Yes. We advise on personal protection planning.
This includes:
Protection planning is designed to help safeguard your family, income and lifestyle should something unexpected happen.
Yes. We offer an initial consultation at no cost.
This meeting allows us to:
There is no obligation to proceed.
We charge transparent fees for advice.
Fees may be structured as:
All fees are agreed in advance. We do not receive commission for investment advice. Our focus is on long-term value rather than transactional sales.
We operate as a comprehensive financial planning firm and typically work with clients who require ongoing advice rather than one-off transactions.
Our minimum annual ongoing fee is £750. This reflects the depth of planning, regulatory oversight, and ongoing service we provide.
We do not charge for an initial financial plan; this is included within our free initial consultation. Financial plans are included as part of our ongoing service options.
We offer different service options depending on the type and complexity of advice required.
For one-off financial planning projects, we typically charge a fixed fee agreed in advance.
For ongoing advice, our service is based on a percentage of assets under management. This reflects the continuous monitoring, review, governance, and advice we provide.
All fees are fully disclosed and agreed before any work begins.
No – we charge fees for investment and pension advice.
We do not receive commission for recommending investment products.
The only area where commission may be payable is protection (such as life insurance or income protection). Where commission is used, this is fully disclosed at the point of recommendation, and you will always understand how we are being remunerated.
No. Most regulated financial planning and investment advice is exempt from VAT under current UK legislation.
If any service were subject to VAT, this would be clearly explained in advance.
Financial advice fees vary depending on experience, qualifications, service structure, and complexity.
We are a Chartered and Accredited firm operating under a structured governance framework. Our fees reflect:
We encourage prospective clients to compare service scope, qualifications, and long-term value – not just headline cost. Ultimately, you get what you pay for.
Fees across the profession vary widely.
Some advisers operate on a transactional basis. Others, like us, deliver ongoing, structured financial planning supported by governance, compliance oversight, and long-term review.
Our pricing reflects the depth of planning and ongoing relationship we provide rather than one-off product recommendations.
We are transparent about our fees and happy to explain exactly what you receive in return.
We explain our fee structure during the initial consultation.
You will always receive a clear written fee agreement before proceeding. No advice is implemented without your consent to the charges involved.
Yes. Early retirement planning is built around:
We use long-term cashflow modelling to assess whether early retirement is financially sustainable before decisions are made.
Yes. Retirement planning is a core area of our work.
We help clients:
Retirement planning focuses on turning accumulated assets into sustainable income.
We typically work with individuals and families who value long-term financial planning rather than one-off transactions.
This often includes:
Our approach is relationship-led and planning-focused.
Yes. We work with younger professionals and business owners who want to build wealth in a structured and tax-efficient way.
This may include:
Early planning often creates significant long-term benefits.
Yes. We regularly advise company directors, business owners, and self-employed professionals.
This can include:
Advice is structured around both personal and corporate objectives.
Yes. Many of our clients are within five to ten years of retirement or already retired.
Advice focuses on:
Yes. We frequently advise clients who have received an inheritance.
We help structure inherited funds tax-efficiently and integrate them into a long-term financial plan.
Yes. Business sale planning is often a pivotal financial event.
We advise on:
Planning ideally begins before the transaction completes.
Yes. Bereavement planning requires sensitivity and clarity.
We assist with:
Advice is delivered in a measured and supportive manner.
We specialise in working with individuals who require structured, long-term financial planning – particularly business owners, professionals, and retirees with accumulated assets.
Our focus is on comprehensive planning rather than product sales.
We primarily advise UK residents.
Where cross-border or expatriate issues arise, we assess whether we can assist within UK regulatory permissions or whether specialist advice is required.
Yes. Many new clients come to us with existing arrangements.
We review:
Recommendations are only made where change is demonstrably appropriate.
We operate as a comprehensive financial planning firm and typically work with clients who require ongoing advice.
Whilst you may have just started to accumulate wealth or are preserving wealth, our job is to find out whether we can add value to your arrangements, irrespective of values.
We are happy to discuss suitability during an initial consultation.
Yes. As a UK-regulated firm, we fall under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
If a regulated provider fails, the FSCS may provide protection up to the applicable limits. The level of protection depends on the type of product and provider involved.
We can explain the specific protections relevant to your circumstances.
We have a formal complaints procedure.
If you are ever dissatisfied, we will:
If you remain dissatisfied, you may refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Details of the complaints procedure are within the client service agreement.
We take data security seriously.
We use:
Protecting sensitive financial information is a core operational priority.
Yes. We hold Professional Indemnity Insurance in line with FCA regulatory requirements.
This provides additional protection for clients and forms part of our regulatory obligations.
You can view our FCA registration and authorisation here.
Yes. We share anonymised client case studies that demonstrate how financial planning can help individuals and families achieve their goals. These can be viewed on the ‘Client stories’ page here
Our case studies typically illustrate:
All examples are anonymised to protect client confidentiality. They are designed to show the planning process, the challenges faced, and the structured advice approach taken, rather than focusing purely on investment performance.
If you would like to see examples relevant to your own situation, we are happy to provide these.
We measure client satisfaction in several ways.
Because we operate a long-term, relationship-led model, client retention and referrals are key indicators of satisfaction.
We also encourage clients to provide feedback through independent external platforms, which helps maintain transparency.
Yes. We are an Accredited Financial Planning firm, which represents the gold standard of professional financial planning in the UK. Advisers are qualified to Chartered, which is awarded in recognition of advanced qualifications, ethical standards, and ongoing professional development.
These accreditations demonstrate that our advice standards go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
Yes. We are featured on VouchedFor, an independent review platform for financial advisers and planners.
VouchedFor allows verified clients to leave independent feedback about their experience. This provides prospective clients with transparent, third-party insight into the service we provide.
Our adviser, Lee Millard, has a verified profile on VouchedFor, with multiple client reviews and a high overall rating. You can view his profile here.