Announcing our new Partnership with Söderberg & Partners

At Chesterton House, our focus has always been simple: to help you plan your future with confidence and enjoy a great life along the way. As we continue to grow and look ahead, we want to make sure our business remains strong, stable, and true to the values you trust us for.

In this short video, our founder, Andy Jervis, shares an important update about an exciting new partnership that supports that long-term vision. It’s all about protecting the service you rely on, strengthening our team, and ensuring that Chesterton House continues to thrive for many years to come.

 

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Video Transcript

Hello. I’m Andy Jervis and I’m the chairman and founder of Chesterton House Financial Planning Ltd. My business journey began 40 years ago in 1985, and over the years, I believe we’ve built something truly special.

We’ve helped literally thousands of people to create more financial security for themselves, and to have better lives by organising their money in a way that takes away the worry and concern about the future. Indeed, we’ve delivered something that’s beyond money – freedom to choose. I’m very proud of that, and I want to keep on doing it.

Along the way we’ve built a really good team. People who are qualified, dedicated and inspired by our ethos and our culture. Without them we would be a shadow of what we’ve become.

I asked some of our team members what they thought about our approach. Here’s a few of their comments:

Having worked at other places in the industry and seeing what they do compared to what we do. It’s a stark contrast and we really do a great job for our clients.

Jack, Paraplanner

This company really cares about the culture, which is different from places that I’ve worked at before. Really invests that time and really tries hard from the top to follow through.

Hannah, Welcome Team Manager

The fact that we care, as a business. I think we care about our people and we really care about our clients. And we really care about community and we show that by doing all those right things.

Sapna, Head of Tech & Strategy

We don’t focus necessarily on the client’s money, but more on their values and goals. And it’s more about helping them achieve those goals and setting out that financial plan for them. It’s not just about how much profit we can make them, and growth. It’s really about them and not their money. A great company to work for who values its employees and values its clients just as much.

Prentice, Paraplanner

From day one of being in business, I wanted to make it all about you – our client. As you know we regularly send out feedback questionnaires that you diligently fill in for us. You tell us that you love our service. We know it’s not always perfect, and you don’t hold back in telling us that, too! Thanks for filling them in, because what they tell us is that you are very happy with what we do. Our net promoter score, which is a standard recognised method for assessing customer satisfaction levels within a business is stellar. It’s higher than Amazon. It’s higher than Google and it’s higher than John Lewis and Sainsbury’s. It is literally world-class.

But much more important to us are the things that people write in their responses to us. We get some lovely, heart-warming comments, telling us how our service has led to you achieving goals you never thought possible, and gaining a sense of control and peace of mind around your money that is priceless. We will continue to listen and improve and evolve to keep our service at the cutting edge of best practice and current knowledge.

But in the midst of all of this good news, we have a problem. None of us is getting any younger, the people who started and founded the business and who have driven it to these heights are frankly getting a bit long in the tooth.

For a business to be successful and to continue into the future. It needs a number of things. Firstly, it needs great people.

Well, we’ve got those, we’ve got a fantastic team that are very capable at running the business, seeing our clients and delivering the high-quality service that we know that you prize so much.

Secondly, it needs investment. Investment in people, in technology, in equipment, and in training among other things.

Thirdly, it needs continuity. Both the people working in the business and the clients and customers of that business need to know that the business is going to be around for a long time, especially in a long-term business like financial planning, where we’re making plans now for clients that could still be functioning and being refined and worked on in 30 or 40 years’ time or even longer. We’ve had some clients on our books for that long, so we know that that happens. So, in recent years, we’ve turned our attention to developing that continuity.

We’ve built a highly capable management team. We’ve got a managing director who is fully in control of the business, and we’ve got a board of directors that has a great grip on where we’re going and fully embraces the culture of the business and loves working here.

It takes a long time to build a financial planning business. We do it relationship by relationship. If you’re going to give a great service in the type of work that we do, there is no quick option. It takes time.

The fact that it takes a long time to build a financial planning business means that there are plenty of people out there in the marketplace, including private equity firms, consolidators, large and small groups, who are very keen to acquire businesses like ours. I know that because my fellow directors and I get regular approaches – often 3 or 4 a week – from people asking if we want to sell.

But I and my fellow owners of Chesterton House have resisted those approaches, because we’ve seen with our own eyes what happens next. Too many times, the focus of the business changes away from what’s best for the client, to what’s best for the new owner. Client satisfaction gives way to profit extraction, and the principles that made the business successful in the first place are pushed aside. We don’t want that to happen.

But we do need to answer the question, “What’s next for our business?” As the existing founders gradually pull away, how do we maintain the continuity we prize?

Well, I’m delighted to tell you that we’ve found a solution.

I can announce to you today that we have entered into a partnership with Söderberg & Partners, a firm that shares our ethos and takes a long-term view into the future. Who, you might ask, are Söderberg and why have we chosen to team up with them?

Söderberg and Partners are a well-established Scandinavian Financial Services Group. They have approximately 35 percent of the independent financial advisor market in the Scandinavian region so they are no small player. They understand what customer service is all about. Like us they’ve had many client satisfaction awards and plaudits for the level of service that they provide to their clients. But they’re also very advanced in using technology to enhance the delivery of that service, with some really well thought through systems and they have a bank of resources that we can call on to be able to improve the efficiency of our own business. They have already entered into partnerships with over 30 firms in the UK so we’re not alone.

So, why have we pitched in with them?

Well, here’s the thing. Whilst this technology, systems and support is available to us, it’s up to us and our team whether or not we use it. That’s because Söderberg have a different approach to growth. They believe that the best people to run a business are the people who created it and who are continuing to make it a success. Their business model is to take a minority stake in a business and work alongside the owners as a partner, taking a long-term view. Being prepared to invest where appropriate, giving guidance based on their extensive experience, offering a suite of tools that we can take advantage of, or not, whilst allowing the existing owners and partners to continue to do what they’ve always done very successfully.

The existing shareholders, including myself, have between us sold 35 % of our business to Söderberg, so we’ll be keeping control. And as significant shareholders, we’ll continue to be working in the business developing the service that you’ve become so accustomed to and to refine and build on it as we’ve always done so that we remain at the cutting edge of financial planning practice within the UK.

For you, our client, this means continuity. It means that you can be certain that the business is going to outlast the existing founders. It means that you can be assured that we’re entering into a relationship with a business partner that will deliver a suite of advantages that will help us to improve our service to you whilst keeping everything you admire about Chesterton House and the way we do things.

Most importantly, it gives us a mechanism by which we can bring on our existing team, gradually transferring ownership to them over a period of time. That means that we as founders can choose to exit in the future in a planned and progressive way without any major shocks, and without having to go to the open market and start to negotiate with the many potential purchasers out there, with all of the uncertainty that that brings.

It means that our existing team stay in place, and it means that the service that you’re receiving will continue. So from the point of view of clients and customers of our business, there’s no change. Everything carries on as normal. Indeed, if we hadn’t chosen to tell you about this change you’d probably never have known about it.

But we’ve all felt that it’s extremely important that you get to know about this development, and to know that we’re on a solid footing for the future that really does offer a genuine union of culture, objectives, business philosophy, and above all, stellar levels of client satisfaction. It’s part of our culture, and the future looks very bright.

Deciding to enter into a partnership with Söderberg has taken a lot of thought, a lot of research and very careful consideration. I’m absolutely certain that we’re on the right track and one that will preserve the ethos of our business and maintain and enhance the service that we deliver and the results that we achieve for our clients, for a very long time to come. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming this change.

If you have any questions as always, please just ask. We’ll be very happy to answer them. In the meantime, we’ll be focused on doing what we’ve always done – helping you to achieve your most important goals, get your entire financial house in perfect order, and have a great life! Long may that continue.

 

Answering your questions

Why is Chesterton House entering into this partnership?

Over the past 40 years, we’ve built a business focused on long‑term planning and lifelong client relationships. As the founders gradually step back, we want to make sure the business remains strong, stable and true to its values. Partnering with Söderberg & Partners helps us secure the investment, support and continuity needed for the future — without changing who we are or how we serve you.

Who are Söderberg & Partners?

Söderberg & Partners are a well‑established Scandinavian financial services group. They’re a major player in the independent financial advice market in their region and are known for excellent client service, strong values and advanced technology systems. They already partner with over 30 firms in the UK.

Is Chesterton House Financial Planning being taken over?

No. This is not a takeover. We have sold a minority stake of 35% to Söderberg & Partners. Chesterton House remains in control, with the existing shareholders, leadership team and culture staying firmly in place.

Will my adviser or planner change?

No. Your team remains exactly as it is. The same advisers, planners and support staff will continue to look after you, just as they always have.

Will my financial plan be affected?

Not at all. Your plan and the way we deliver advice remains unchanged. In fact, the additional resources and technology available through this partnership are likely to enhance the service we can offer in the future.

Will my fees change?

No — this partnership does not involve any change to our fee structure.

Why choose Söderberg & Partners rather than selling the business to a consolidator?

Traditional acquisitions often shift the focus away from what’s best for clients and towards what’s best for the new owner. That’s not the right approach for us. Söderberg & Partners specialise in long-term partnerships. Their model keeps control with the people who built the business, protects our culture and safeguards continuity for clients.

What does this mean for the founders?

Andy and the other founders will continue working in the business. Over time, this partnership allows for a gradual and planned transition of ownership to the next generation of the Chesterton House team.

Does this change anything for me as a client?

No — your service, your team, and our values remain exactly the same. If we hadn’t chosen to tell you, you probably wouldn’t notice a difference. This partnership simply strengthens our ability to support you for decades to come.

Will you still be independent financial planners?

Yes. The partnership does not change your regulatory status or the way advice is provided. You will continue to receive fully independent financial planning, delivered by the same team, using the same approach and philosophy that Chesterton House is known for.

What changes might I see in the future?

The core experience won’t change — the same people, the same approach, the same relationship‑based service. Over time, you may see some enhancements, such as improved technology, better systems or new tools that make interactions easier or more efficient. These improvements will be optional for us to adopt and will only be introduced if they genuinely benefit clients.

What does this mean for the long-term succession of the business?

This is one of the main reasons for choosing this partnership. It allows the founders to gradually step back over time while ensuring the team you know can take on more ownership and leadership. It creates a smooth, planned succession path that keeps control within the business, avoids outside takeover, and ensures Chesterton House continues for generations to come.

Will there be any new services available because of this partnership?

Possibly, yes — though nothing changes immediately. Söderberg & Partners offer a range of technology, resources and support that we may choose to adopt if they help us improve the client experience. Any new services or enhancements will be introduced carefully and only if they genuinely add value.

Is my money still safe and protected?

Yes. Nothing changes regarding regulation, safeguarding or the protection of your assets. Chesterton House continues to operate under the same UK regulatory framework as before. Your investments, pensions and other arrangements remain held with the same providers and custodians, exactly as they are today. The partnership does not affect how your money is protected.