Introducing…Barwells Wealth
Blog
Publication date:
19 May 2026
Last updated:
19 May 2026
In our next instalment of Introducing our new corporate Chartered firms, we catch up with Lee Waters, Chief Executive at Barwells Wealth who became Chartered Financial Planners in March 2026.
Find out more about what they do, what inspired them to become Chartered and how they found the process.
Could you tell us a little about your firm and the services you provide?
Barwells Wealth is an independent financial planning firm based in East Sussex, advising clients for over 25 years. We specialise in working with individuals and families approaching or in retirement, helping them turn accumulated wealth into a sustainable and reliable income.
Our approach is built around cashflow planning, giving clients a clear understanding of their future and the confidence to make informed financial decisions.
We provide comprehensive advice across pensions, investments, retirement income planning, tax-efficient structuring, and estate planning, supported by ongoing reviews to ensure plans remain aligned with clients’ objectives.
What inspired your firm to apply for Corporate Chartered status?
Applying for Chartered status was a natural progression for the business. Over the years, we have focused on building a firm centred around long-term relationships, high quality advice, and ongoing professional development.
As the business has evolved, it felt important to formalise that commitment. Chartered status represents a recognised standard of professionalism and trust, which aligns closely with how we already aim to operate.
It was also about setting a clear direction for the future, continuing to invest in our team, raising standards across the firm, and giving both existing and prospective clients additional confidence in the quality of advice they receive.
How did you find the application process?
The application process was straightforward and well signposted by the CII.
What does being a Chartered firm represent for your business?
Being awarded Chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute represents an important milestone for us as a business.
It reflects the standards we hold ourselves to in terms of professionalism, technical knowledge, and the quality of advice we deliver to our clients. It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing our team and continually improving the service we provide.
For us, it is not an end point, but a step forward; reinforcing our focus on delivering clear, thoughtful financial planning and giving clients confidence that they are working with a firm committed to high standards over the long term.
How did you mark this milestone?
We have not done anything yet, but are planning to (when the weather improves!)
How will you communicate your Chartered status to your clients?
We have sent a standalone mailer to all clients, prospects and professional connections and published updates across all social media channels.
What advice would you give to other firms considering applying?
Start by viewing it as more than a badge; it is an opportunity to strengthen your business.
The process encourages you to take a step back and review how you operate, from the quality of advice you deliver to how you develop and support your team. If you approach it in that way, it can add real value rather than simply being a compliance exercise.
It’s also important to involve the whole team. Chartered status is not just about leadership; it reflects a collective commitment to higher standards across the business.
Finally, do not wait for everything to be perfect. If you already have a strong foundation and a genuine focus on delivering good client outcomes, the process will help you refine and build on that.
You can learn more about Barwells Wealth here.
If you would like to learn more about Corporate Chartered status, visit our dedicated page.