FAQS

We work with clients across the north-east and throughout England. This includes Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Durham, Gosforth, Morpeth and surrounding areas.

Our FCA registration number is shown on our website and can be checked on the Financial Services Register. Our reference number is 955889.

We focus on clear, long-term financial planning rather than short-term product sales. We are small by choice, which allows us to offer a more personal service built around your goals and priorities.

Yes. Client reviews and testimonials can be viewed on independent review platforms, including Google and VouchedFor.

No. Mission Financial Planning does not hold Accredited status as awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. Neil Henderson holds Chartered status through the Chartered Insurance Institute instead, which gives you confidence that you are receiving advice from a highly qualified professional focused on helping you make informed decisions about your future.

No. Mission Financial Planning does not hold Chartered Firm status, but Neil holds Chartered status as awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute and is also a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. That means you still benefit from working with someone whose qualifications reflect a high level of technical knowledge, professionalism and commitment to delivering good client outcomes.

Yes. Neil is a Chartered financial planner, which means he has met rigorous professional and qualification standards. For you, that means added reassurance that you are working with a highly qualified financial planner who is committed to delivering high-quality advice.

We are based in the north-east of England. We work with clients both locally, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Durham, Gosforth, and Morpeth, and across England, using secure online meetings and technology.

Mission Financial Planning has been providing financial planning and advice for more than four years. Neil has more than 20 years of experience, supporting clients through different economic conditions and life stages.

Parking details can be discussed when booking a meeting. We will always aim to make visiting us as straightforward as possible.

Face-to-face meetings are usually held at our office or another mutually convenient location agreed in advance. We will always make arrangements that work well for you. Our office address is: Berwick Workspace, Boarding School Yard, 90 Marygate, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1BN.

Yes. You can choose to meet us face-to-face, by video call, or by phone, depending on what suits you best. For new clients, the initial meeting will be completed via video call.

Yes. Mission Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which sets standards for advice, professionalism, and client protection.

Yes. We provide independent financial advice, which means we can recommend products and solutions from across the whole market rather than being tied to specific providers.

Yes. We advise on personal and business protection to help safeguard you, your family financially, and your business.

Yes. ISAs form a core part of many clients’ investment strategies.

Yes. We provide guidance on Inheritance Tax planning and work alongside solicitors on estate planning.

No. We do not offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning, although we do provide advice on retirement planning.

No. We do not advise on final salary or defined benefit transfers.

Yes, where a commercial property is required within a pension. In other cases, a personal pension will generally provide sufficient investment options.

Yes. We help clients invest inherited money in line with their goals, timeframes, and tax position.

Yes. We can incorporate ethical, responsible, or sustainable investing preferences into your portfolio so your investments reflect your values.

Yes. We help clients access pensions in a tax-efficient way, taking current legislation and allowances into account.

Yes. We can review your pensions and advise on whether consolidation is suitable for you.

Yes. We can advise on workplace and occupational pension schemes. However, this does not include defined benefit schemes.

Yes. We advise on personal pensions, including contributions, investment choices, and retirement options.

No. We do not advise on equity release.

No. We do not advise on mortgages.

Our fees are shown on our website, explained during initial discussions, and set out clearly in our client documentation.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

Our fees are designed to reflect the level of service, expertise, and ongoing support we provide. We aim to offer clear value through the work we do and the relationships we build with clients.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

We are transparent about our costs and encourage clients to compare our fees and service with those of other firms. We believe this helps you make an informed decision.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

VAT is not chargeable. If this were ever to change, you would be informed.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

For investment advice, we are fee-based. Some protection products may pay commission, and this is always disclosed.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

We may use fixed fees, percentage-based fees, or a combination of both, depending on the service provided. We will explain the basis of our charges clearly before you proceed.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

Fees are disclosed on our fees page and will be confirmed at the initial meeting after the complexity of your needs have been understood.

Minimum fees depend on the type of advice and service required. We will discuss this with you upfront, and initial information is available on the fees page of our website.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

We charge clear, transparent fees that are agreed in advance and explained in writing. Initial information is available on the fees page of our website.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

Yes. The initial consultation is free, without obligation, and lasts around 40 minutes.

To demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you understand our fees at the earliest opportunity, we have published our fees on our website. Click here to see them.

Yes. We are featured on VouchedFor with more than 100 reviews. Our profile can be accessed through our website or directly on the VouchedFor platform.

Yes. Neil has been recognised as a VouchedFor Top Rated adviser in 2026, an award based entirely on feedback from his clients.

We gather feedback through Google and VouchedFor reviews, surveys and ongoing conversations with clients. This helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve.

We have Google and VouchedFor reviews that show how we have helped clients.

You can check our details on the Financial Services Register using our firm name or FCA number. There is also a link on our website, and our FCA number is 955889.

Yes. We hold professional indemnity insurance, as required by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We follow UK data protection laws and use secure systems to protect your personal information. Keeping your data safe is an important part of how we work.

We have a formal complaints procedure in place. If you’d like a copy of the complaints procedure, please ask. If a complaint cannot be resolved, it can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Eligible investments may be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, subject to its limits and conditions. The level of protection will depend on the type of product and provider involved.

Initial financial planning and ongoing services do have minimum fees, which are set out in the fees section of our website.

Yes. We regularly review and advise on existing pensions and investments.

No. We do not offer financial advice for expats or non-UK residents.

We work with a range of clients, but we have significant experience in these groups. This means we understand many of the issues and decisions they commonly face.

Yes. We provide clear, compassionate support during difficult times.

Yes. We help clients plan before, during, and after a business sale. We would also work alongside tax and legal experts where needed.

Yes. We help clients invest and plan wisely after receiving an inheritance.

Yes. Many of our clients are approaching retirement or are already retired.

Yes. We regularly advise company directors and self-employed individuals.

Yes. We help younger clients build strong financial foundations and plan for the future.

We work with professionals, families, and business owners who are looking for long-term financial clarity. Our approach is built around helping clients plan with confidence.

Yes. Retirement planning is a core part of what we do. Read our reviews to see how we’ve helped people like you retire successfully.

Yes. We help clients assess whether early retirement is achievable and what steps may be needed to make it possible.

Typically, you will meet with your planner at least once a year. Additional meetings can be arranged if needed.

Yes. We use a secure online client portal that allows you to see your investments and documents in one place and share information securely.

Yes. Most clients can view their investments online through secure platforms and our online client portal.

We do not provide generic examples, because each financial plan is tailored to the person it is designed for. Rather than showing you something broad that may not reflect your needs, we focus on building a plan that is shaped around you and what you want to achieve.

I am the sole planner at Mission. We do have continuity plans in place, including a qualified adviser locum who would take over your relationship, with full access to your plan, history, and my support services if I were unable to work.

Yes. With your permission, we are happy to liaise with other professionals involved in your finances.

Yes. We regularly work with accountants and solicitors so that your financial, tax, and legal planning is joined up.

If your circumstances change, we will update your plan and adjust our recommendations accordingly. This helps ensure your planning continues to reflect your life, income, and priorities.

Yes. Cashflow planning is a key part of our approach and helps you understand how today’s decisions could affect your future.

This depends on the service you choose, but clients typically have regular reviews and can contact us whenever needed. We also produce a monthly newsletter.

If your financial planner is away on holiday, another member of the team will still be available to help, so you will continue to have support and continuity of service. If any advice is needed, we will make sure you are looked after as soon as possible.

At present, we do not have a female planner in the business. However, we understand that this can be important to some clients, so we will always have an open conversation from the outset to understand your preferences and make sure you feel comfortable and supported.

No. There is no pressure to proceed, and you can take time to decide whether you would like to work with us.

Most initial meetings last around 40 minutes. This gives us time to understand your circumstances and answer any early questions you may have.

The first meeting is a relaxed conversation about your goals, concerns, and what you want your money to achieve. It is not about giving detailed recommendations at that stage.

We will let you know in advance what would be helpful to bring. This often includes recent pension or investment statements and a general overview of your finances.

No. The initial meeting is usually at our cost and without obligation, giving you the opportunity to get to know us, ask any questions and see whether our approach feels right for you.

You can book an initial meeting by contacting us through our website, by phone, or by email. We will then arrange a time that works for you.