Financial management in Cornwall boosted by new scheme

Independent financial advisers from across Cornwall have joined forces for a new initiative, designed to help people in Cornwall manage their finances more effectively.

The scheme, known as “BetterOffCornwall”, is being part-funded by the Partner to Succeed project, which helps businesses grow by collaborating with others.

BetterOffCornwall will promote independent financial advice to people who are already financially aware, but may not be making the best use of their assets or income.

BetterOffCornwall, through its website at www.betteroffcornwall.com will encourage people to consider a wider range of investments, savings, mortgages and other financial services.

Tim Bowcock, spokesperson for BetterOffCornwall, said: “If we can help people in Cornwall manage their finances more effectively, that will have knock-on benefits throughout the economy. Our aim is to help people who are already pretty savvy about money, but perhaps haven’t looked at their investments, income protection or retirement provision for some time. There’s a tremendous amount of financial expertise spread across the county, and BetterOffCornwall brings that together under one roof.”

The campaign will operate under the slogan, “You’re better off, with financial advice from Cornwall” and has already been recognised by leading financial industry publication, New Model Adviser.

Helen Trudgeon, Programme Director at Partner to Succeed commented: “This is a fantastic collaboration because it has the potential to benefit the county in so many ways. By pooling their resources, and with our backing, these independent financial advisers will have the muscle to show how people really can be better off with tailored local advice. We hope their businesses will grow, and the entire county will benefit from better financial education and management.”

The scheme currently includes five firms from across Cornwall; Kelsall Steele in Truro, Rhodri Evans 2Plan in St Austell, iimia John K Miln and Company in Falmouth, 1^st 4 Mortgages in Perranporth and Jacksons Financial Services in Penzance.

Tim continued: “Even the most astute people sometimes don’t realise how much they’re losing by having the wrong financial products or habitually going direct to the same providers. Because they’re local, BetterOffCornwall members understand Cornwall’s particular requirements, such as the gap between earnings and house prices or the seasonal nature of many businesses. That local knowledge is part of the reason why you’re better off, with financial advice from Cornwall. 

BetterOffCornwall is planning a number of activities over the next year, including in-depth research into the county’s financial habits and needs, political lobbying, local publicity and a county-wide BetterOffCornwall day next spring 

It will be managed by Black Cat, a leading South West PR and marketing agency.

BetterOffCornwall is also looking for additional financial advisers to join the campaign; to get involved call Black Cat on 01872 306403.

More information on the scheme, including contact details for BetterOffCornwall members and information on financial services is available from www.betteroffcornwall.com.

ENDS

For further information, images or interview requests, please contact Tim Bowcock at Black Cat on 01872 306403.

Better Off Cornwall brings together many of the best Independent Financial Advisers in Cornwall.