Personal Finance Advisers for Business Owners

Financial Planning help and advice for business owners, directors, the self-employed and entrepreneurs.

Running a business leaves little time for planning your personal finances, which is why expert guidance matters. With decades of experience, Redwood Financial helps business owners like you create tax-efficient plans to grow, protect, and enjoy their wealth.

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Specialist Financial Advice for Successful Businesses and New Businesses

As a business owner, it’s only right that your hard-earned wealth is protected for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you have just started a new business venture or have an established company, our expert guidance can help you make the best decisions about your financial security.

We are here to provide independent financial advice to help grow your personal wealth, plan your retirement and meet your goals in the most tax-efficient way.

Our Financial Advisers hold Chartered status and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for your complete peace of mind.

Contact us today to get started

Why do business owners need specialised financial planning?

Business owners often have a lot of their wealth tied up in their company, making their financial position complex. Specialised financial planning helps balance personal and business finances, protect family wealth, plan for succession, and reduce tax.

Most people are not comfortable gambling their life savings on stocks and shares. Long-term investments should be about growing your money in a way that aligns with your risk tolerance. Your dedicated Financial Adviser will guide you through your options and explain the risks and benefits of various investment products and other opportunities – including ones you may never have known existed!

Our Financial and Estate Planning Services

Our holistic, effective approach to financial planning includes investment and tax planning, retirement planning, and risk management.

Protecting your business and personal wealth

As a business owner, it is all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operation of your business and not give a thought to what would happen if you or a business partner should die.

With a well-drafted will and careful Estate Planning, we can help you protect your business and your personal wealth against Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, care fees, divorce, and bankruptcy.

Protecting your loved one’s inheritance

As someone who has built your wealth independently, no doubt you wish to leave a financial legacy for your loved ones.

For business owners, inheritance can be complicated. The value of your shareholding may form a large part of your estate, and without the right Estate Planning, your family could face a sizeable tax bill, time-consuming probate, plus pressure to sell assets and settle liabilities.

Our expert Advisers will help you understand what’s at stake and put the right financial planning solutions in place to help protect your legacy.

Cross-Option Agreements for business partners

When you own a business with other partners or shareholders, the unexpected death of one of you can create serious challenges for those left behind.

A Cross-Option Agreement is an arrangement between shareholders in a limited company that gives the surviving owners the right to buy the deceased’s shares. This is usually supported by life insurance policies, written in Trust, to provide the funds needed for the purchase.

This is a vital protection strategy for businesses to safeguard against the loss of key employees. Not only does it provide shareholder protection, but it also helps keep the business running smoothly and protects your family from inheriting shares they don’t want or can’t manage.

Business Wills and Powers of Attorney

If you die without a Will in England and Wales, your Estate, including any business shareholdings, will be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy. This means the law decides who inherits what, despite your wishes.

For business owners, we strongly recommend having both a personal and a business Will. Together, they help protect your loved ones, your business partners, and the long-term stability of the business from unnecessary disruption or wealth erosion.

While a Will protects others after your death, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects you during your lifetime if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. It ensures your health and finances are managed in line with your wishes.

As a business owner, you should also consider Business Powers of Attorney, allowing fellow shareholders to make essential operational and financial decisions if you’re unable to do so. This might include decisions around finances, management, investments, income, assets, services, planning, and business expansion.

Mitigating unnecessary Capital Gains Tax and 40% Inheritance Tax on your Business

Let’s consider that Director A and Director B own a 50/50 share of a business valued at £2million and that Director A suddenly dies, leaving a spouse and two children.

The surviving spouse decides they don’t want anything to do with the business and so agrees to sell the share they have inherited to Director B. Now they have one million pounds in their own Estate, which is liable to Capital Gains Tax and, eventually, Inheritance Tax at 40%.

With the right financial planning and the use of the right Trusts, we can help you to mitigate these risks and protect the business wealth for those you intended to be the recipients of your hard-earned wealth.

Pension and Retirement Planning

The vast majority of business owners love their businesses and are passionate about working within them. If the time comes when you want to take things easier, you may consider handing over the reins to a family member or selling up to enjoy the fruits of your labours. A clear exit strategy, whether through sale or succession, is essential to help preserve your business legacy.

Whatever the exit route, a robust pension plan is essential for business owners to secure their retirement. And there is no time like the present – the sooner you start to plan, the better your chances of achieving your ideal retirement lifestyle.

Expert Advice on Personal Investments

Our Chartered Financial Planners are qualified to provide investment advice and can recommend a wide range of retail investment products from banks and building societies, as well as those not available on the high street. We can help you create or build upon your Investment Portfolio, maximise growth and keep tax to a minimum.

We do this by firstly understanding and establishing your investment goals.

What does your ideal financial future look like?
What level of growth are you looking to target?
Do you need capital growth, income, or both?
Do you need access to capital, and if so, how quickly?
How much risk are you prepared to take to reach your goal?

This helps us understand your personal circumstances, existing portfolio and financial goals. We will then create an Investment Recommendation Plan designed to maximise tax efficiency and deliver returns aligned with your attitude to risk.

Do you need a Financial Adviser?

Before investing your hard-earned wealth, especially in financial products which are not held in cash, it’s highly recommended that you seek professional advice. Along with expert insight and reassurance, it will provide consumer protection should anything go wrong with your Investment.

Financial advisers like Redwood are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. With our Chartered status, you have additional reassurance. For more details, please see our post – when’s the best time to hire a Financial Adviser.

Free Business Owner Estate Planning Webinar

We would be delighted to offer you access to our Business Owner Estate Planning Webinar, free of charge and with no obligation. You will learn:

The pitfalls of failing to plan and what happens to your share of the business if you die
The critical importance of Cross Option Agreements for joint business owners
What happens to your share of the business if you don’t have a Will
The risks to your Estate from divorces, marriages and relationship breakdowns without the right planning
The importance of business Wills and business Lasting Powers of Attorney
How to use tax advantages to mitigate Capital Gains Tax and 40% Inheritance Tax on your business
How to use your Will to protect your home and money against Care Fees Assessment

Get access to our Free Estate Planning Business Owner Webinar

Talk to Redwood Financial about wealth planning for business owners

At Redwood Financial, we believe in treating our clients as people, not just as numbers. This family philosophy makes our company unique among many other Financial Advisers, and we are very proud of it.

We provide personal financial planning and advice for business owners that brings together wealth building and legacy planning. By looking at your personal finances alongside your business interests, we help you grow your wealth with confidence, protect what you’ve built, and ensure it can be passed on to the people who matter most.

Complete our contact form to arrange an initial meeting.

Frequently asked questions – financial planning for business owners

When should a business owner start succession planning?

Ideally, start succession planning as early as possible, at least 3–5 years before you expect to step back. That gives you time to grow value, reduce risk, prepare successors, and structure the exit tax-efficiently.

How is Inheritance Tax calculated in the UK?

Inheritance Tax is calculated by first valuing your Estate at death. For business owners, this includes shareholdings. Then, debts and expenses are deducted, and available tax-free allowances, such as the Nil Rate Band, are applied. Any remaining value is usually taxed at 40%, which is why early, specialist planning is so important. Read our article for further information – how is inheritance tax calculated in the UK?

How can a financial adviser help improve a business owner’s personal finances?

By bringing your business and personal finances together, Redwood Financial can help protect your financial health with joined-up wealth management and careful tax planning. We’ll guide you towards more informed decisions on pensions, investments, protection, and legacy planning.

Can you help with financial advice after a business sale?

After the sale of a business, it’s essential to ensure the value you’ve created continues to work effectively for you. We provide support with investment strategy and long-term financial planning to help maximise the growth and sustainability of the proceeds from your sale.

If you’d like to discuss your situation in more detail, please get in touch.

Contact Us

Do you have a question you would like to ask us? Please complete our website contact form:

Free Business Owner Estate Planning Webinar

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Trusted by our clients

Google Rating

5.0

Based on 182 reviews

Redwood Financial, Droxford, Hampshire

5.0

Jude S.

Wonderful support from a "family feel" business

Martin & Jayne C.

Really sound advise from Steve and his team- very professional with every step explained clearly with our best interests in mind. Would not hesitate to recommend them.We have just had a follow up signing meeting with Steve and his lovely staff along with our sons. Everything was explained to them in language that was easy for them understand - they were made to feel very at ease and encouraged to ask questions at ever point.

Janine B.

Neil D.

Easiest planning ever.

Anne G.

I have been taking Ken Bannister's advice for financial planning for many years through his different enterprises and am now very happy to continue to do so with Redwood. As a company I have found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very clear in everything we cover, with excellent communcation. For estate planning Stephanie has given me confidence that my inheritance plans are well in place for future generations. To sum up, friendly and professional!

Rosanna V.

The incredible team at Redwood are nothing short of fantastic! Sorting out finance things can be so overwhelming and Redwood have made it easy and accessible to understand -dare I say enjoyable! Thank you all so much for all the care and time you take with all of us clients, you are all miracle makers!

Wendy G.

I was recommended Redwood Financial Services by a friend some years ago. I have used them for financial advice as well as Estate planning too.They do not make me feel foolish, when I ask questions about my finances or when dealing with my Will. Nothing is too much trouble. They are so patient.I have recommended them to friends and family.

Terri S.

Always professional, friendly and tolerant!

Darren S.

Fantastic service, from face to face meetings to phone calls and email help. Can't recommend Redwood enough, Justine is superb.

Margaret G.

I have been with Redwood for over thirty years and have always had full confidence in their services. The markets may have fluctuated over the years but Redwood's finance knowledge and controls has meant that my finances have always been in safe hands.

David C.

Have used the Redwood services for a many years and have always found their staff professional and helpful. You are treated as a person (not just a number) and they explain the pros & cons in a straightforward manner. Would recommend them.

Nicki S.

Redwood have supported us for a number of years now and we continue to be very happy with the service they provide. They listen carefully to our needs and their advice is clear and concise. They are highly responsive and we feel like we are in very safe hands.

Janet G.

Very pleased with Redwood Financial. Ken has been our advisor for many years & always explains things very clearly. The office staff at Redwood are very friendly & helpful. I am very happy with my investments

Barry S.

Excellent customer service would recommend

Doug “cloudstuff” C.

We really value the breadth of experience and expertise that Redwood Finance bring to support our specific needs and options surrounding important decision making. Whether it’s savings and pension matters or estate planning, wills and trusts, you know they’ll equip you and guide you with practical understandable advice. Financial SatNav.

Chris W.

Redwoods have patiently helped us prepare our financial affairs through changing government schemes, keeping us advised of up-to-date requirements and influences. With a family trust and IHT to negotiate, we are fully confident in Redwood's service.

David G.

With Helena's poor state of health we needed to urgently review our estate planning especially with impending changes in inheritance tax on April 2027. Having started the search for advice we liked the clear approach in the Redwood webinars. As we have traveled along the estate planning pathway set out by Redwood we have been pleased with all the staff attention to detail and pleasant approach especially Steve, Lisa, Justine and Chloe. They have set out options and advice clearly and we are happy to recommend them.

Henrietta V.

So professional and so interested in all their clients as individuals. A really lovely, efficient, knowledgeable bunch, and super human beings at that! Highly recommend. Thank you for sorting our future out!

Mark P.

Fantastic organisation and great people

Tina T.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this independent financial advisory firm for many years, and I can confidently say they have been exceptional every step of the way. From the very beginning, their approach has always felt genuinely personal—they take the time to understand not just the numbers, but my goals, concerns, and long-term aspirations.Jasmine and the team are truly outstanding. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure everything is clear and tailored to my situation. No question ever feels too small, and their guidance has always been thoughtful and reassuring.What really sets them apart is the combination of professionalism and care. Over the years, they have helped me achieve great financial outcomes, always with a steady, well-informed strategy that gives me confidence in the future. It’s rare to find a team that balances expertise with such a strong personal touch.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jasmine and the team to anyone looking for trusted, long-term financial advice.

Glen H.

The help and advice that Redwood Financial Services has given us now over a number of years has been absolutely first rate. Not only the service but the professional yet friendly manner all the team have treated us has been award winning - we feel like they are our friends not just our advisors. The culture Jasmine and Steve have instilled in this company is what others should aspire too. For Amy organising us, Claire updating us and Nicola doing our annual review a huge thank you.

Robert E.

We have been associated with Redwood for over ten years, dealing with a wide range of aspects concerning our finances. They have advised us on pensions, estate planning and investments. Throughout all this time we have found them to be totally professional, helpful and friendly. We have absolute confidence in the team and know that they are always ready to help us with any advice or questions that arise. Particularly useful are the review meetings, which guide us on the performance, future legislation and our future requirements. No hesitation in recommending Redwood Finacial!

Brenda S.

Our association with Redwood Financial began, several years ago, from tentatively attending a presentation at a local hotel about options on making a will. Steve and his daughter, Jasmine, were incredibly impressive in presenting the information, exemplified with various family case studies. These were fictional, but highlighted how complex it could become to create wills which suited every need. Thus, we started our relationship with this company and promptly updated our wills. This led onto Estate Planning and setting up Trusts for our sons.We were so pleased with the clarity of explanation and transparency of fees that my husband felt completely confident in placing his pension planning with Jasmine.Our sons are now looking to make their own wills and will use Redwood Financial, with the confidence of having a family based business to inform them. Finding a company that offer a personalised, professional approach is like finding a hen's tooth in today's big corporate environment. At Redwood, you have the best of both worlds; an individualised relationship but with access to the best performing platforms/ investors which enable our family to feel that we have made sound decisions. With opportunities for regular revues, you can adjust your planning for changing circumstances. Trusting Redwood Financial is one of the best decisions we have made.

Paul K.

Another excellent Annual Review Meeting with Ken Bannister of Redwood Financial. Redwood provide a first class service. Redwood staff are all highly motivated and make their customers feel valued as individuals. It is a pleasure to deal with this Family Business.

Peter N.

Superb financial advisers (family based).Put their clients totally to the forefront of their business, with excellent service and communication. Regular client events ensure involvement and openness with their own business and the financial providers they use. Very family finance orientated with long-term & generational planning at the forefront. I totally recommend a discussion with them so they can show what they can achieve.

Trev L.

Very Good[Ed to original review]I have been working with Redwood Financial for approximately seven years now, from my initial assessment at a presentation through personal meetings, conferences and social events. Redwood has something which, in my experience, is a rarity these days: humanity and family values. Thank you so much, Redwood, for helping to bring peace of mind to the next stage of my life so that I can separate key signals from the noise. Thank you to the WHOLE team because we rise and fall as a TEAM. 🙏🙏#GodBless #31stMay2025[Update: 17022026: Thank you, Redwood, for your continued great support and care in furnishing our familial needs. Steph and Justine epitomise your care, and teamwork continues to shine through. 🙏]

Mary C.

My annual review with Ken was as always elegant

keith S.

I was recommended Redwood by a friend. I needed some Will & Estate planning and found them 1st class for both the information supplied and the service.

Graham J.

We attended the Redwood client conference last Friday. It was the usual excellent informative day with brilliant guest speakers. If anyone is looking for a professional and friendly financial advisor Company then I would highly recommend Redwood. They continue to deliver high levels of service for their clients including the best possible financial returns.

John G.

All very good. Everything was explained in detail . Everyone is very pleasant and try to make it a good experience. They even provide tea / coffee and biscuits as well as a designated parking place. Excellent.

peter B.

We discovered that we needed Trust Wills through the excellent Redwood seminar program, and found a world unknown to us. Engaging them to produce our new wills, we were very impressed by their depth of knowledge and attention to detail.The quality of the staff is unusually high and their interpersonal skills are outstanding, extending to Roxy, our springer, being present at every meeting. They all love her and she shows it. Lovely to see.We give the highest recommendation for Redwood to solve your age related issues, e.g Wills and Trusts, Pensions, Estate planning and Investments.Our special appreciation goes to the magnificent Justine, who steered us with ease through the complexities of the signing stage for completion.Love to all,Hazel, Peter and Roxy

Colin E.

This is a company who takes a personal interest in your investments. Well recommended.

Simon B.

Im very pleased with the promptness and quality of the work Redwood does for me. I’m confident in my future thanks to them.

Robin B.

Redwood Financial have provided reliable, prudent and very well-informed advice and support for my investments and pension for several years and I have found them to be professional, conscientious and exceptionally diligent in their approach to every aspect of their services. Their financial advisors have an exceptionally broad understanding of their brief and a comprehensive product and market knowledge which results in a tailored approach to individual financial requirements. The team around them, maintaining client relations and process administration, is delightful, hugely competent, motivated and client-focussed which makes any and all interactions easy, efficient and assured. Highly recommended.

Mike B.

I worked with Steve and the team at Redwood recently for estate planning. They were very helpful, provided clear information, and enabled me to make the best decision for my future. Nothing was too much trouble - they made a complex subject easy to understand.Highly recommended!

Steve

I have been with Redwood for nearly 15 years and have found Steve, Jasmine, Nicola and the wider team to be both knowledge and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend them as a totally professional team committed to providing high quality advice and guidance and always with my best interests at heart.

James T.

I contacted Redwood to discuss consolidating my pensions. Also I knew Ken Bannister from previous experience. I am delighted with the progress made to date. I have had excellent meetings with Ken where everything is explained to me clearly and in terms I understand. The communications from Kayleigh and the reports being sent to me are also excellent quality and informative. Very pleased with progress to date.

G A.

Excellent advice as always, thank you Ken.

Robert A.

Thank you Ken for your excellent advice, much appreciated.

graham S.

Thankyou for your efficiency, knowledge and Professionalism.

Colin E.

I moved to Redwood Financial to manage my Pension Portfolio in April 2023 following the retirement of my previous adviser who introduced me to them. Their services have been excellent, their advice sensible and clear and their charges competitive. My position as an Owner Director of a lLmited company makes my position slightly different to the mainstream and they have understood my requirements and worked with me to create a sensible retirement plan. I would highly recommend them.

Andrew B.

Nicola reviewed our investments in a pension and some ISAs, held by my wife and I. She has recommended some changes which we expect to give better returns. Everything was well prepared and explained to us. We remain very happy with the advice and support from Nicola and the Redwood team.

Fiona W.

We have been very impressed by the professional and knowledgeable service from Redwood. All the staff have been exceptional and clearly want to provide excellent customer service

Deborah H.

Redwood have supported my family and I for many years and their service and support in all issues is amazing.I cannot recommend the team enough especially if you are unsure of what you need to do regarding wills , trust funds, savings and pension advice.Thank you Redwood team for being such great friends and I hope this will continue for many years to come

Graham S.

We had reached our 70's and realized that we needed to ensure our estate was not open to possible extra taxation costs and security for our direct family. We attended a Redwood seminar and decided to take further advice. They were very proffesional, patient and understanding. They treated us with respect and kept everything in simple laymens terms.

tim D.

Steve and his team did a fantastic job sorting out a new Will and Power of Attorney for myself, in addition to setting up a Trust Fund after the death of my wife. They were sympathetic throughout the process during a difficult time and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending them for similar work.

Kathy C.

I really cannot recommend Redwood Financial enough. All members of the team were so friendly and helpful and Steph did a sterling job guiding us through all options and ensuring we were happy with our decisions. The information provided throughout the process was clear and concise and the provision of the Will Commentary is brilliant - it will make life much easier for those who have to look after our affairs when the time comes.Thanks Redwood Financial for a fabulous service.

Peter J.

We've just had an annual review of our finances with Nicola. Excellent experience all round. Thoughtful, patient and knowledgeable replies to our questions, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Very professional

Graham A.

The Redwood Team is a close knit, customer oriented, responsive team,who know their customers personally, enabling them to better understand the customers' needs. I feel that my adviser understands our needs and makes good suggestions around that.

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Dealing with Jasmine and her firm has been an absolute pleasure. Practical, sensible and kind advice, in sometimes difficult circumstances, with total efficiency and dedication. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else who needs some help with their financial circumstances.

Excellent friendly service with positive advice. Made us feel relaxed and at ease with sorting out our pensions. Everything taken care of and explained in detail that was easy to understand. Would recommend.

Practical down to earth advice, no pressure, and very supportive. I now have a set of plans in place that have ensured my estate will be well managed in the future in the way I would wish it to be, for the benefit of my family.

I cannot thank the staff at Redwood enough, especially Sophie as she has been so patient and caring to my needs. I have found them to be highly professional and efficient in executing their often delicate and personal work. Would highly recommend their services.

Throughout our dealings with the firm, all the representatives we have dealt with have been very courteous, patient and friendly, which has made the experience a pleasure; in fact, nothing has been too much trouble for them and at no stage have they made us feel inadequate in asking too many or too simple questions, or in requiring too obvious explanations.

Steve Blofield and his team are excellent! Friendly and helpful advice is readily at hand and has opened my eyes to the importance of estate planning. A brief phone conversation is always followed by a comprehensive email. This firm deserves its awards and excellent reputation.

Jasmine Lambert

Jasmine was awarded the British Young Practitioner of the Year in 2018. She is a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and full member of Society of Will Writers.

Personal Finance Advisers for Business Owners

Specialist Financial Advice for Successful Businesses and New Businesses

Why do business owners need specialised financial planning?

Our Financial and Estate Planning Services

Protecting your business and personal wealth

Protecting your loved one’s inheritance

Cross-Option Agreements for business partners

Business Wills and Powers of Attorney

Mitigating unnecessary Capital Gains Tax and 40% Inheritance Tax on your Business

Pension and Retirement Planning

Expert Advice on Personal Investments

Do you need a Financial Adviser?

Free Business Owner Estate Planning Webinar

Talk to Redwood Financial about wealth planning for business owners

When should a business owner start succession planning?

How is Inheritance Tax calculated in the UK?

How can a financial adviser help improve a business owner’s personal finances?

Can you help with financial advice after a business sale?

Contact Us

Free Business Owner Estate Planning Webinar

Trusted by our clients

Jasmine Lambert

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