McCrea Financial Services is a name that will be familiar to many in Scotland. One of Glasgow’s biggest independent advice firms, it is a regular sponsor of rugby union’s Glasgow Warriors and Partick Thistle Football Club.

The company engages many new clients from referrals and maintains a strong brand presence. Clients come from a variety of professions and backgrounds and range from young professionals and the self-employed to retirees. As well as offering in-depth financial planning, the company has been giving specialist mortgage advice for more than 20 years. The business has recently launched DFM portfolios, including three ethical portfolio options and continues to grow the client base.

While the last year has proved challenging for so many, managing director Douglas McCrea emphasised how important client relationships remain, with the need to ensure they take the very best elements of the digital offering for both existing and prospective clients. However, the point of this and any business working in this industry remains the same.

‘Relationship building is critical when it comes to giving good financial advice, because to know and understand your client’s circumstances is vital,’ McCrea says.