Ethical IFA of the week: Barchester Green

There are plenty of independent financial advisers (IFAs) across the country who give advice on ethical and environmental investments. Our job is to tell you about them.

Barchester Green is one of the UK’s longest-serving ethical IFAs. Formed in 1985 in Salisbury, it has expanded significantly in the 28 years since launch, opening several other offices in the south of England and advising clients worth over £140m.

It’s structured as a partnership, which means its advisers and support staff run and own the firm themselves – rather than shareholders. This came about when founder Geoff Griffiths retired in 2008, ensuring the company remained in the hands of the people most closely associated with it.

Each year, it donates 5% of its annual profits to charities and social enterprises that are tackling sustainability, societal and environmental challenges.

Managing partner and IFA John Ditchfield is also co-chair of the Ethical Investment Association, and spoke to Blue & Green Tomorrow about his experiences with Barchester Green and ethical financial advice more generally in November 2011.

He said that being a partnership was beneficial because employees “tend to stay with the firm and want to work with our clients over a long period of time”, adding that this creates a “better continuity of adviser relationship with clients”.

In another interview with B&GT during National Ethical Investment Week last year, Ditchfield said, “Currently, I think there is a large chunk of the population that can invest ethically and environmentally whilst making a financial return.

“It’s really about educating the public and putting information out into the public domain on ethical and environmental investing. It’s very important for the sector.”

To get in touch with Barchester Green about ethical investment, visit its website or email info@barchestergreen.co.uk.