Stratford added: "We now have a regional leadership structure covering the whole country and we still think that visiting offices means we can be there to meet clients and colleagues all the time.
"A big part of the reason I do this is to ensure our culture is cohesive. Our approach ensures the longevity of client relationships and the longevity of our staff. We are rightly proud of our very low attrition rate."
But he said it was crucial to "hold on to the small boutique feel".
"Management doors are always open – we pride ourselves on making quick pragmatic decisions that serve the clients’ best interest.
"Our regional offices plug into the benefits of our wider infrastructure and culture, but we are happy, keen even, for them to have their own nuanced identity driven by their local leadership and team."
What advisers want from a DFM
Stratford said this kind of service model was also important when advisers consider which discretionary fund manager to put their clients with.
He said: "They want a trusted adviser, who operates transparently and one with a track record of good performance. The ability to offer all the products and services they might need in one place and for those services to be competitively priced.
"We have recently reviewed all our model portfolios, so they are appropriately risk-rated.
"This makes it easy for intermediaries and their clients to navigate the options and find an investment portfolio that suits their requirements and desired outcomes.
"The end game is always considered and it’s only by having this holistic view can the right approach be selected, and the right outcome achieved."
simoney.kyriakou@ft.com
