# Direct Independent Financial Consultants

Direct Independent Financial Consultants (IFC) Ltd is a Cheltenham-based financial services firm established in 1995, offering comprehensive financial planning and advisory services to both personal and corporate clients. Founded by Forrest Wheeler and Nick Hutton, who bring over 50 years of combined experience, the practice has built a proven track record in delivering tailored financial solutions across diverse client portfolios.

As an independent, privately-owned practice, Direct IFC operates without ties to large financial institutions, enabling them to provide genuinely impartial advice across the full spectrum of financial planning needs. This independence is a key differentiator, allowing advisers to recommend solutions based purely on client circumstances rather than institutional constraints.

The firm specialises in complex, multi-faceted financial planning scenarios. They guide clients through protection planning, retirement strategy, investment management, pension optimisation, and education funding solutions. Their expertise extends to sophisticated areas including inheritance tax mitigation, divorce financial settlements, and bespoke investment planning tailored to individual circumstances and risk profiles.

What distinguishes Direct IFC is their depth of experience combined with genuine independence. Having navigated nearly three decades of market cycles and regulatory changes, the practice demonstrates sophisticated understanding of long-term wealth building and protection. Their ability to coordinate multiple planning areas—such as combining inheritance tax strategies with investment planning or retirement solutions with school fees provisions—reflects consultancy-level expertise rather than transactional product sales.