Apex Collaborative Trust

Reference number: 1018828

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Introducer appointed representative

This firm can only introduce you to its principal, and cannot give financial advice, recommend products, or arrange deals alone.

Responsible principal firm

SME HCI Limited Reference number: 626422 Authorised View firm →
What does this mean?
  • An introducer appointed representative can only pass your details to its principal firm. It cannot recommend products, give financial advice, or arrange deals on its own.
  • Apex Collaborative Trust (FRN 1018828) introduces customers to SME HCI Limited (FRN 626422). Any regulated advice or arranging is done by the principal, not Apex Collaborative Trust.
  • Example: if Apex Collaborative Trust refers you to a financial adviser, the advice should come from the principal firm, not from Apex Collaborative Trust itself.
  • Before you proceed, confirm contact details match the official FCA register for both firms. Scammers sometimes clone legitimate AR names and FRNs but use fake phone numbers and websites.

Identity

Check their details

Compare these against whatever you were given. Scammers clone real firm names and reference numbers but use their own phone number and website, so a detail that does not match the register is the clearest warning sign there is.

Company details

From the company's Companies House record.

Company number
11121514
Company status
Active
Company type
Private company limited by guarantee
Incorporated
21 December 2017 (8 years old)
Registered office
Suite 5 Bridgewater House, Surrey Road, Nelson, BB9 7TZ, England
Nature of business
  • Primary education (SIC 85200)
  • General secondary education (SIC 85310)

Current directors and secretaries

Name Role Born Appointed
Emma Clare Gauntlett Director Feb 1975 21 Dec 2017
Andrew Thomas Pettinger Director Aug 1969 21 Dec 2017
Marie Burnham Director Mar 1965 21 Dec 2017
Claire Nicola Clayton Director Mar 1985 29 Mar 2023
Louise Victoria Cowan Director Jan 1981 10 Mar 2025
Emma Louise Benn Director May 1977 10 Mar 2025
Shahbaz Hussain Shah Director Nov 1970 10 Mar 2025
Hilary Frances Wilson Director Jan 1958 1 Sep 2025
Robert Andrew Bellfield Director Nov 1959 1 Jan 2026
Helen Elizabeth Whitaker Secretary Not published 6 Dec 2024

Check on the FCA register → Report a scam →

Activities and protection

What they can do, and how you are protected

  • Protection through the principal firm
    Protection works through SME HCI Limited, the principal firm responsible for this firm's regulated activity. FSCS cover and the Financial Ombudsman Service apply as they would to the principal.

Complaints: You can refer a complaint about this firm to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free, whichever activity it relates to.

Track record

FCA actions and complaints

No FCA disciplinary action, and no complaints recorded with the Ombudsman.

Previously registered as

The FCA register holds one earlier registered name for this firm. A registered name changes when a firm rebrands, and a partnership's changes whenever its partners do.

  • The Pennine Trust

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Apex Collaborative Trust FCA authorised?
Apex Collaborative Trust (FRN 1018828) is not directly authorised. It is an appointed representative acting under the responsibility of a directly authorised principal firm.
What does introducer appointed representative mean for Apex Collaborative Trust?
An introducer appointed representative can only pass your details to its principal firm. It cannot recommend products, give financial advice, or arrange deals on its own. Apex Collaborative Trust (FRN 1018828) introduces customers to SME HCI Limited (FRN 626422). Any regulated advice or arranging is done by the principal, not Apex Collaborative Trust. Example: if Apex Collaborative Trust refers you to a financial adviser, the advice should come from the principal firm, not from Apex Collaborative Trust itself. Before you proceed, confirm contact details match the official FCA register for both firms. Scammers sometimes clone legitimate AR names and FRNs but use fake phone numbers and websites.
Is my money safe with Apex Collaborative Trust?
Protection works through SME HCI Limited, the principal firm responsible for Apex Collaborative Trust's regulated activity. FSCS cover and the Financial Ombudsman Service apply as they would to the principal.
Is Apex Collaborative Trust a scam or clone?
Apex Collaborative Trust is a genuine FCA-listed firm. However, scammers sometimes clone authorised firms. Always check that the contact details you were given match those on the FCA register before sending money or sharing information.
What is Apex Collaborative Trust's Firm Reference Number (FRN)?
Apex Collaborative Trust's FRN is 1018828. You can verify it on the FCA register.