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Mike Forrest

Chartered Financial Planning Consultant Chartered FCSI in Edinburgh

A little bit about Mike

As a self-employed, qualified Financial Planner, I deliver tailored, comprehensive financial solutions to meet my clients' unique needs. Before I joined Quilter, I gained extensive expertise in finance as a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, with over 20 years of experience in financial leadership, strategic business planning, and tax advisory.

This diverse background enables me to address each client’s specific circumstances and provide the clarity and confidence they need to navigate their financial journey successfully.

Find out more about me below.

Start the conversation

Your money won’t reach its goal unless it has a direction. But with a plan, it can work towards something better. I can help.
Contact me today

An adviser’s insight

Money needs a plan. Here’s where to start

Money doesn’t make decisions on its own. Left sitting in cash, it quietly loses value. That’s why money needs a plan. It’s not about being wealthy or knowing all the answers – it’s about giving your money direction. And in the UK, many people miss out simply because they don’t take that first step.

  • Most people in the UK save sporadically or leave money sitting in cash – missing out on growth.
  • Planning gives peace of mind. It turns uncertainty into clarity.
  • The earlier you start, the more powerful the impact – but it’s never too late.
  • Quilter’s purpose is to help build brighter financial futures. That starts with a plan.
  • Investing always carries risk. The value of investments can go up and down and you may get back less than you invested.

Making your money work for you

Why investing matters

  • Lazy money loses value over time – inflation chips away at it.
  • Investing little and often helps your money grow without needing to be an expert.
  • A plan helps you stay focused and avoid reactive decisions.

Inflation and ‘lazy money’

  • Inflation quietly erodes the value of your savings.
  • £10,000 in cash today could be worth significantly less in 10 years.
  • Investing helps protect your money from inflation and grow it over time.
Ready to build your plan? Contact me using the details above.

Services

Business Services & Protection

Commercial mortgages/remortgages, workplace pension and employee benefits. Commercial mortgages are by referral only.

Deals

Fixed rate deals, discounted, variable and flexible, capped and/or collared.

General Insurance

Home contents insurance, buildings insurance.

Holistic planning

Establishing and reviewing trusts, complete personal risk management planning, short- and long-term savings and investments.

Income Protection

Permanent health insurance to provide a regular income should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.

Investments

Wealth management advice to make your money work as hard as it can for you, including making the most of any tax breaks available.

Mortgage

First time buyers, remortgages, buy-to-let.

Pensions

Expert advice to help provide comfort in your retirement.

Protection

Whole of life and term assurance protection, private medical arrangements, critical illness insurance.

Dental & Medical

Financial planning for dental and medical professionals, in-depth knowledge of NHS pensions and needs of hospital doctors, GPs, dentists and locums.

Qualifications

Diploma in Investment Advice

  • The Diploma in Investment Advice provides a sound grounding in UK financial services and consumer relationships, including exchange traded futures and options and financial protection.

Level 6 Advanced Financial Planning Certificate

  • The CISI level 6 Certificate in Financial Planning provides a robust foundation in knowledge and skills that develop effective financial understanding and planning.

Chartered Fellow

  • The pinnacle of CISI membership. Exclusively for professionals who have demonstrated the highest levels of knowledge and standards of professionalism.

Location

Mike's location

Edinburgh
EH3
United Kingdom

Mike is located in Edinburgh and offers expert financial advice to suit your needs.

More about me

As a self-employed, qualified Financial Planner, I deliver tailored, comprehensive financial solutions to meet my clients' unique needs. Before I joined Quilter, I built a distinguished career as a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, with over two decades of experience in financial leadership, strategic business planning, and tax advisory.

My experience spans senior roles in private equity, project finance, and fund and asset management. I have led teams providing financial and asset management services to portfolios exceeding £1 billion, delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries. My diverse background enables me to address each client’s circumstances and provide the clarity and confidence they need to successfully navigate their financial journey.

I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments, holding the Investment Advice Diploma and Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning. I am also a Fellow of ICAEW, CIOT, and CIMA. My academic credentials include a Doctorate in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University (specialising in tax and strategy), a PgDip from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School, and an MA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Glasgow.

 

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some employee benefits, tax planning, inheritance tax planning, estate planning, succession planning, trusts or some buy-to-let mortgages.

The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.

Registered Office: Quilter Financial Advisers, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 05693185. Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 04795080.

Quilter Financial Planning Network only: This financial promotion was approved by Quilter Wealth Ltd, Quilter Financial Services Ltd, Quilter Mortgage Planning Ltd, Quilter Financial Ltd, Quilter Financial Planning Solutions Ltd & Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited on 01 August 2022.