Taylor Patterson's Investment Department was set up in 1985 to provide an in-house facility for the firm's pension fund clients.

The success of the operation did however lead to an extension of this service and the Investment Department now provides Investment Management Services to pension scheme trustees, other trustees, companies and individuals on an advisory basis.

When seeking advice from Taylor Patterson, the first part of our process is to establish a client's objectives and attitude to risk. The degree of risk accepted will help determine whether the objectives are realistically attainable.

Taylor Patterson will construct an investment portfolio designed to achieve the objectives whilst matching the attitude to investment risk. Diversification of asset class (the four main classes being shares, fixed interest, property and cash) is also important and for this reason a combination of different risk graded funds is utilised in our portfolio selection and design.

Having decided on an appropriate asset allocation strategy, the next challenge is to identify the investment funds that will achieve this strategy. Our research analysts put fund managers through a rigorous selection process in order to identify funds we believe offer above average performance prospects.

Selection of the specific funds are made against a number of criteria, and incorporates the research from two main Investment Fund rating agencies, Forsyth-OBSR and Morningstar. We take into account these ratings when identifying and reviewing funds to buy, sell or to hold.

Having constructed the portfolio, it is just as important to review and monitor the investments on a regular basis. Taking account of changing circumstances and the rebalancing of the portfolio will assist us in keeping the portfolio on course to achieving your objectives.

The Taylor Patterson Investment Department team is headed up by Glynn Bartley. The team includes registered individuals who are authorised by the Financial Services Authority to provide financial advice and is backed up by an experienced administration function.

Contact us: investmentmanagement@taypat.co.uk.