Strategic Solutions Financial Services

29/05/2026

What a great week it's been for us!

In addition to being shortlisted for three awards at the Money Marketing Awards 2026, we’re also proud to have been shortlisted in three categories at the Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2026:

- Retirement Adviser of the Year
- Investment Adviser of the Year
- Paraplanner of the Year – Rachael Martin

These nominations mean so much because they recognise the work we do in helping people make confident decisions about their future, whether that’s planning for retirement, growing investments, or creating long-term financial security.

Here at Strategic Solutions, we believe expert financial advice should be accessible to everyone. As Chartered, independent, multi-award-winning financial planners, we’re proud to support clients across the South Coast with integrity, care, and excellence.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, growing your investments, or securing your family’s future, we’re here to help.

📞 0800 160 1800
📧 [email protected]

28/05/2026

We’re proud to share that we've been shortlisted in THREE categories at the 2026 Money Marketing Awards.

🏆 Next Generation Advice Firm of the Year
🏆 Charity Champion of the Year
🏆 Best Retirement Advice Firm

The prestigious Money Marketing Awards celebrate the very best in financial advice and provision across the industry, recognising dedication, innovation, and impact through a rigorous judging process.

To be recognised alongside some of the industry’s leading firms is a fantastic achievement for our team and reflects our ongoing commitment to our clients, community, and the future of financial planning.

To view the full shortlist please visit >> https://moneymarketingawards.co.uk/2026/en/page/2026-shortlist

20/05/2026

Our renewal application for our Chartered status with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has been successful for another year.

This is never something we take for granted, and it is always important for us to pause and reflect on the significance of this achievement.

Our continued Chartered status reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards, investing in continuous professional development, and delivering advice that is always centred on the needs of our clients.

This achievement further reinforces the trust and confidence our clients place in us, and we will be proudly displaying our new certificate in pride of place at our head office.

Thank you to all our clients for your continued support.

To read more about the importance of being Chartered please visit >>
https://ssfs.co.uk/the-importance-of-being-chartered

30/04/2026

We’re proud to share that Allan Cruse has once again been awarded the Later Life Adviser Accreditation by the Society of Later Life Advisers.

This marks the third time Allan has successfully achieved this prestigious accreditation, widely recognised as one of the most rigorous and demanding assessments in financial planning.

This accomplishment reflects Allan’s continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of expertise, professionalism, and care when supporting clients with later life financial planning.

Congratulations Allan on this outstanding achievement.

21/04/2026

We’re delighted to see the impact of our support through our Community Foundation.

Through their Making Memories Scheme, this fantastic charity helps people living with young onset dementia create special, lasting moments with their loved ones. Their first winner of 2026, Phill, enjoyed an unforgettable day with his wife Deb in London — watching Back to the Future at the theatre, enjoying a romantic dinner at The Ivy, and travelling with return train tickets from Windsor.

We’re proud to help make experiences like this possible for families who need them most.

You can learn more about the work of our Community Foundation, and how we can support your local cause here >> https://ssfs.co.uk/community/

08/04/2026

We’re looking for a Financial Administrator to join our multi-award-winning Chartered independent financial planning firm in our Folkestone office.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start or build a long-term career in financial services, with clear progression pathways to becoming a Paraplanner or Financial Adviser.

Working closely with our experienced team, you’ll support advisers, manage client administration, and develop your knowledge of financial planning, all while working towards professional qualifications with full support.

If you’re organised, detail-focused, and eager to learn, this could be the perfect role to kickstart your career in financial services.

If you’re ready to grow your career with a firm that values professionalism, development, and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more and how to apply, please visit >> https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4399269675

27/03/2026

We’re delighted to share that five of our advisers have been named in the VouchedFor 2026 Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide, published in The Times.

This recognition is based entirely on client feedback, reflecting the trust, care, and expertise they bring and we’re proud to see their dedication to providing high-quality financial advice recognised at a national level.

Congratulations to Abi Stidworthy, Allan Cruse, Chris Bibb, Robert Dixon-Gough, and Robert Young on this fantastic achievement.

You can read more here 👇
https://ssfs.co.uk/adviserguide2026/

19/03/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that we picked up two awards at last night’s Professional Adviser Awards 2026

Annie Aston was awarded Highly Commended for Administrator of the Year, and Rachael Martin was named Paraplanner of the Year, a fantastic achievement for both.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment Annie and Rachael bring to the firm and our clients every day.

Congratulations as well to all the other finalists and winners and to Professional Adviser for a great event.

16/03/2026

With the end of the tax year fast approaching, are you making the most of your allowances?⏳

We help clients structure their finances in the most tax-efficient way. From ISAs and pensions to Capital Gains, dividends, and Inheritance Tax, there are key areas to review before 5th April.

Don’t let allowances go unused, plan effectively and secure your financial future.

Read our latest blog for our 5 top tips to maximise your tax allowances >>https://ssfs.co.uk/5-ways-to-use-your-tax-allowances-before-year-end

With the end of the tax year approaching on 5th April, it’s a good time to review your finances to ensure you’re making the most of the allowances available to you. Many of these allowances reset each year, meaning if they are not used before the deadline, they are lost. At Strategic Solutions, ...

11/03/2026

We’re proud to share that Dave Stone has recently become SOLLA accredited, in addition to achieving Chartered Financial Planner status.

Dave has also earned a wide range of professional qualifications, and his dedication has been recognised at the Insurance Institute of Bournemouth (IIB) Annual Awards, where this year he received four awards, including the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning — the final piece in the jigsaw for his Chartered Financial Planner status.

He has recently won the following:
- Student of the Year 2025 – Certificate in Investment Operations
- Student of the Year 2025 – Award in Financial Administration
- Student of the Year 2025 – Certificate in Regulated Financial Services Operations
- Student of the Year 2025 – Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning

Dave began his career in 1984, qualifying as an Independent Financial Adviser in 1992. His move into Lifestyle Financial Planning in 2013 allowed him to focus on helping clients gain clarity and confidence over their financial futures.

Dave’s achievements are an example of lifelong learning and personal growth, values at the heart of Strategic Solutions Financial Services.

Well done, Dave!