Fairbairn Consult, a leading financial advisory firm, and a member of the Old Mutual Group, launched its second Fairbairn Café at N1 City Mall on 1 December 2023.
This launch follows the success of the pioneering store in Kenilworth Centre which opened its doors earlier this year, marking a significant leap in the company’s mission to make financial advice accessible, approachable, and enjoyable for all.
Nassief Mohamed, founder and owner of the first two Fairbairn Cafés, says his vision was inspired by the communities’ need for accessible, professional financial advisory services in a unique, relaxed setting.
Mohamed says, “Customers often feel overwhelmed walking into a bank or service centre and not knowing where to start or what to ask for. Fairbairn Café is not just a coffee shop; it’s a dynamic space where our professional financial advisers and clients can engage in face-to-face consultations over complimentary coffee.”
At the cafés, Fairbairn Consult accredited financial advisers are on hand to provide unbiased advice on investments, insurance, medical schemes, pension funds, and more.
A Fresh Approach to Financial Advice
“We wanted to create an entirely different atmosphere, where clients could walk in, have a cup of coffee and not feel intimidated or under pressure to do business, but rather ask the relevant questions about their financial situation and get non-biased advice. We then present them with all the options so they can feel comfortable choosing the best option based on their individual needs,” says Mohamed.
The Fairbairn Café at N1 City will mirror the inviting design of its Kenilworth Centre counterpart, featuring diverse seating options from coffee shop-style tables to cosy sound masking booths and a private boardroom. This layout ensures a relaxed, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere conducive to open and insightful financial discussions.
The operating hours for Fairbairn Café are from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Guy Holwill, CEO of Fairbairn Consult, emphasised that their commitment to the concept was underpinned by their mission to improve the financial independence of South Africans from all walks of life through sound personalised financial planning.
“We pride ourselves on offering unbiased advice, covering various financial needs from investments to insurance. With advisers well-versed in the products from over 100 different product providers, from insurance and medical packages to wills and trusts, we guarantee personalised solutions that best fit our clients’ goals and needs,” says Holwill.
Empowering the Community
Holwill says central to Fairbairn Café’s ethos is community empowerment. Every Fairbairn Café will be deeply rooted in the local community. Our pilot café sponsors sports teams in Kenilworth and has helped some of their members achieve financial independence. As a result of this community focus, foot traffic into the pilot store has exceeded their expectations, with up to 10 consultations ranging from 30 minutes to an hour every day.
“We know there is a need to empower customers’ financial decision-making skills by providing quality information,” says Holwill. “This concept allows for that and makes it so easy and convenient for shoppers to simply pop in on their own time and ask our experts about all their financial needs, which their bank or financial adviser may not have adequately answered. Best of all, this service only costs the price of a cappuccino.”
He noted that the long-term plan was to franchise the concept, reaching communities nationwide.
A Strong Foundation with Old Mutual
Holwill says that being part of the Old Mutual Group, boasting over a century of financial services experience, underlines Fairbairn Consult’s credentials.
“This relationship ensures a foundation of trust, credibility, and expertise, essential for delivering the quality financial advisory services you will find when you step into any Fairbairn Café. Anyone can walk in and experience first-hand how we can help them achieve their financial goals,” concludes Holwill.
