Best Practice IFA Group
Independent network with a 'just the network' philosophy.
Founded in 2004 and acquired by Tavistock Investments in 2017. Differentiates itself by being purely a network — no in-house client business that competes with members. Whole-of-market independent status with optional Tavistock-managed central investment proposition for advisers who want it.
In short
Owned by Tavistock Investments. Network-only — does not compete with members for clients. Whole-of-market.
01 · Charging Model
What it costs the client — and you.
Total client cost is what regulators care about — and what clients shop on. We unpick it across advice, platform and product.
Our take: Flat-fee + % network charge model; transparent. Among the most adviser-friendly economics in the market.
02 · Investment Proposition
Where client money goes
Whole-of-market with optional Tavistock-managed portfolios; no in-house product push.
- Whole-of-market — adviser chooses
- Optional Tavistock MPS for advisers wanting CIP
- No mandatory product or platform tie
03 · Tech Stack
What you'll work with daily
- Intelliflo Office
- Multi-platform panel
- Adviser-chosen research tools
Our take: Tech stack is adviser-led. Network provides standards rather than mandates.
Strengths
Where it shines
- True whole-of-market independence
- Higher payout retention
- No in-house product pressure
- Light-touch oversight respected by experienced RIs
- No PE flip risk
Watch-outs
Where it stings
- Less central marketing/lead support
- Smaller scale than tier-1 networks
- Brand is unknown to consumers
- Less suited to advisers wanting hand-holding
04 · Who owns it
Ownership
AIM-listed parent. Smaller scale than tier-1 networks but stable ownership with no PE flip risk.
Currently: Tavistock Investments Plc (AIM: TAVI)
05 · Day-to-day
Culture
Quiet, professional, low-ego. The opposite of SJP's sales culture. Suits experienced advisers who've outgrown bigger networks.
06 · When you leave
Exit options
Light covenants. External moves are straightforward. Tavistock will consider acquiring books on exit.
07 · Payout Economics
~80–90% of gross
Best Practice operates a transparent flat fee + small % override model. Headline net retention is among the highest in any UK network — but you're more responsible for your own marketing, leads and growth.
08 · Real Voices
What advisers and clients actually say
A balanced selection of public reviews from Trustpilot, Glassdoor, the FT and trade press — both glowing and damning. We don't cherry-pick.
Most adviser-friendly economics in the market
"If you know what you're doing, this is the most adviser-friendly economics in the market. They get out of your way and let you run your firm."
"Compliance team is responsive and pragmatic. They understand IFAs aren't trying to mis-sell — refreshing after big-network experience."
"Brilliant for self-sufficient principals. Wrong fit if you need a brand or lead support."
Smaller scale shows in places
"Some processes feel artisanal — fine if you're 1–2 advisers, frustrating at 5+."
Fortis Connect Verdict
Best for
Established IFAs wanting independence with light-touch oversight and high payout retention.
Watch out for
You're more on your own for marketing & growth — not a network for hand-holding.
Considering Best Practice? Get an unbiased second opinion before you sign.
Talk to us →09 · Regulatory & Corporate Timeline
What's happened, and when.
- 2017
Acquired by Tavistock Investments