'Coffee before contract': Advice firm rebrands to inspire 'fear-free' financial planning

No vulture culture

Sophie King
clock • 1 min read

Adviser firm SMC Financial Services has rebranded to promote ‘fear-free’ financial planning in a bid to remove client anxiety linked to the advice process.

The firm, based in Liverpool, launched in 2017 and in March last year, it achieved Chartered status. SMC director Sean McDermott (pictured) told Professional Adviser that because of that, the firm wanted to launch a brochure to send to clients so that they could learn of its achievements and better understand what Chartered means for them. However, after designing the brochure, McDermott said they decided to do a complete rebrand to help promote 'fear-free' financial planning and so launched the trading name LightSide. He said the rebrand, which launched today (3 February), promote...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Natwest and Santander latest banks planning to offer targeted support

Natwest and Santander latest banks planning to offer targeted support

Banking sector begins to dominate targeted support offerings

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 July 2026 • 1 min read
Friday Night Takeaway: It's the return of the banks

Friday Night Takeaway: It's the return of the banks

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 10 July

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 July 2026 • 3 min read
Carla Brown on PFS/CII relationship reset and how chartered status is 'essential'

Carla Brown on PFS/CII relationship reset and how chartered status is 'essential'

PFS president and chair joins Professional Adviser in the studio

Professional Adviser
clock 10 July 2026 • 1 min read