Discretionary Investment Management Service

Whitechurch has recognised that the majority of clients do not wish to, or indeed have time to, look after their own investments on a day to day basis which is why we offer a Discretionary Managed Portfolio, PEP and ISA service. Discretionary management is increasingly being recognised as an efficient way of managing larger portfolios and PEPs while proving equally suitable for smaller and first time investors.

Whitechurch offers a comprehensive discretionary management service, encompassing a wide range of strategies from lower risk income portfolios to more aggressive international and investment trust services. All are managed by our Investment Team.

• The Investment Team. The Whitechurch Investment Team is headed by Kean Seager (BSc Econ) who has over 30 years investment management experience. Investment Director Gavin Haynes MSc (Econ), together with Investment Manager Ben Willis (BA Hons) are responsible for day to day portfolio management. Ben is a recent addition to the team and joined Whitechurch Securities in July 2006 after being at Chartwell Investment Management in Bath since 2000, where he co-managed £25 million of private client money under discretionary management. All the team are professionally qualified investment managers and between them have experience of working within a wide range of investment disciplines.
• The Portfolios. The portfolios will offer you exposure to a range of leading investment houses (rather than placing your money with one group). All funds are researched in detail and the investment team keep in close contact with fund management groups, indeed before selecting a fund it is our practice to meet the fund manager in person. Performance is monitored on a day to day basis, however it is our philosophy that tinkering with a portfolio each day is unwise, it is better to buy and hold quality investments, and only make switches when absolutely necessary.

Investment Strategies

Whitechurch currently offer three core strategies, that have been specifically tailored to meet the differing objectives of investors. A description of each strategy is detailed below together with the Whitechurch Risk Rating.

Whitechurch Monthly Distribution Portfolio

This strategy will pursue a cautious investment approach, designed to provide a tax efficient alternative to distribution and with profits bonds. It will offer an above average income (initially, the target gross yield will be around 5%), plus aiming to offer the potential for capital growth. This will be achieved through investing in a diversified portfolio of leading UK equity, commercial property and fixed interest funds. The asset allocation between these areas will be actively managed according to attractiveness of opportunities in each respective asset class, whilst maintaining the balanced risk profile. The income generated can be withdrawn monthly or re-invested into the portfolio.

Whitechurch Risk Rating: 5 out of 10 - This means it is ideal for a balanced investor, prepared to accept the potential of a fluctuation in the value of capital in order to potentially generate an above average return.

Whitechurch Monthly High Income Portfolio

This strategy will aim to combat the problem of income starvation that investors are suffering from, in the current economic climate of low interest rates and low inflation. The portfolio will be managed with the aim of optimising the level of income distributions, whilst aiming to preserve and potentially provide moderate capital growth over the long term. The portfolio will be largely invested in high yielding fixed interest securities that offer a high level of income under a risk profile more stable than most equity investments. Income is paid monthly on this portfolio.

Whitechurch Risk Rating: 5 out of 10 - This means it is ideal for a balanced investor, prepared to accept the potential of a fluctuation in the value of capital in order to potentially generate an above average return.

Whitechurch Stock Market Growth Portfolio

This strategy is aimed at long-term investors who are seeking above average capital growth from a managed portfolio of equity investments. The portfolio will have an international base providing core exposure to the UK stock market, together with a mix of the best opportunities offered by overseas funds. The asset allocation will be managed geographically and by investment themes, whilst Whitechurch will aim to select the best fund managers in each area so as to maximise capital appreciation potential. This portfolio does not have an income option.

Whitechurch Risk Rating: 7 out of 10 - Suitable for those prepared to accept an above average level of risk, in the hope of achieving well above average long-term returns. Not suitable for investors with a cautious attitude.

Specialist Investment Strategies

Whitechurch also provide a range of specialist investment strategies; please contact us for details.