Welcome to
SSAS Consultant
Everything you need to understand your SSAS, know what happens next, and take action — all in one place.
Three steps. One clear path.
Your SSAS — done properly.
Everything on this page is designed to take you through these three steps — in order. Start here, follow the path, and your SSAS will be set up with confidence.
Educate yourself on SSAS
Use the 75+ videos and resources on this page to fully understand how SSAS works — the uses, funding options, investments, loans, compliance, and fees. The more you know going in, the faster we move.
Book your progress consultation
Once you have reviewed the resources, book your progress call with your SSAS consultant. We will walk through your specific situation, answer your questions, and agree exactly what happens next.
Start your SSAS application
With your questions answered and a clear plan agreed, complete your SSAS application. We take it from there — handling the establishment, HMRC registration, and everything in between.
Every section below supports one of these three steps — scroll down to get started.
Your next steps - options
Book Your Progress Call
Schedule your progress call with your SSAS consultant. We will walk through your specific situation and agree next steps.
Book a callSend Us a Message
Have a question before your call? Drop us a message and we will come back to you promptly — usually the same working day.
Get in touchCheck Our Terms of Business
Read our Terms of Business before getting started — clear, transparent, and straightforward.
Read Terms of BusinessStart Your SSAS Application
Ready to get started? Complete your SSAS application online and we will begin the establishment process.
Start your SSAS applicationCheck You Qualify for SSAS
Not sure if SSAS is right for you? Run through our quick qualifier to check your eligibility before we speak.
Check your eligibilityTest Your SSAS Knowledge
How well do you know your SSAS? Take our short knowledge test and find out where you stand before your progress call.
Take the knowledge testEssential SSAS information - Over 75 videos & resources — everything you need to know
Your SSAS onboarding process gives you access to a comprehensive library of educational content covering every aspect of SSAS. Whether you are just getting started or looking to go deeper, it is all here.
- SSAS uses & applications
- Funding your SSAS
- Investment options
- Loan & loanback options
- Compliance & HMRC rules
- Fees & set-up process
Short video summaries
Six short videos covering the key aspects of your SSAS — watch at your own pace before your progress call.
Introduction to SSAS
SSAS Q&A Interview
How SSAS Works
Property & SSAS
Loanback Explained
SSAS & Retirement Planning
SSAS Application Process
Here is what happens from application through to your SSAS being fully operational.
- 1
You can start the SSAS application process from the SSAS onboarding hub, which will let you complete the application questionnaire online and that will be sent direct to us.
- 2
We will check the details on the application and then submit the information to the SSAS Administrator.
- 3
Once the SSAS application has been sent to your SSAS Administrator, they will contact you directly to complete their initial admin process and complete the formal SSAS documentation — this will generally take a week or two and for speed, we encourage you to proactively engage in their process.
- 4
Once that initial admin is complete, the SSAS Administrator will then submit the SSAS application directly to HMRC for their approval.
- 5
The HMRC approval process will take around 12–16 weeks on average (this is entirely and only within the control of HMRC).
- 6
Once the SSAS is HMRC approved, the SSAS bank account will be opened by the SSAS Administrator.
- 7
The admin process for any optional pension transfers that you wish to undertake can then begin — this may take around 4–10 weeks and will be handled by the SSAS Administrator.
- 8
We can then engage with you to discuss strategy and consultation options at that time.
What is a SSAS?
A Small Self-Administered Scheme is one of the most powerful pension vehicles available to UK business owners. Here is what you need to know.
Occupational Pension Scheme
A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is a type of occupational pension scheme set up by a limited company for its directors and key employees. Unlike personal pensions, a SSAS is owned and controlled by its members — the trustees.
Investment Flexibility
SSAS trustees can invest in a wide range of assets including commercial property, company loans, stocks and shares, and more. This flexibility is one of the key reasons business owners choose SSAS over conventional pension arrangements.
Tax Efficiency
Contributions to a SSAS attract full tax relief. The fund grows free of income tax and capital gains tax. On retirement, up to 25% of the fund can be taken as a tax-free lump sum.
Up to 11 Members
A SSAS can have up to 11 members, all of whom act as trustees. This makes it ideal for family businesses or small companies where multiple directors want to pool pension assets and invest collectively.
How we work together
From your first conversation through to retirement, here is what the SSAS Consultant journey looks like.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a detailed discovery call to understand your business, your goals, and whether SSAS is the right vehicle for you. There is no obligation at this stage.
Scheme Establishment
Once you decide to proceed, we guide you through establishing the scheme — including HMRC registration, trust deed preparation, and appointing the professional trustee.
Funding Your SSAS
Your company makes contributions to the scheme. We advise on the optimal contribution strategy to maximise tax efficiency while staying within HMRC annual and lifetime allowance rules.
Investment Strategy
With funds in place, we help you develop an investment strategy aligned to your objectives — whether that is purchasing commercial property, lending back to your business, or building a diversified portfolio.
Ongoing Consultancy
SSAS is not a set-and-forget arrangement. We provide ongoing strategic consultancy to ensure your scheme remains compliant, optimised, and aligned to your evolving business and personal goals.
Retirement Planning
As you approach retirement, we work with you to plan your drawdown strategy — maximising the tax-free element, managing income tax exposure, and ensuring your wealth passes efficiently to the next generation.
Key SSAS rules to know before applying for SSAS
SSAS is a powerful but regulated vehicle. These are the rules that matter most — we will guide you through each one in detail.
A SSAS must be sponsored by an ACTIVE TRADING LIMITED COMPANY that has been active for at least 6 months with evidence of active Trade.
All SSAS Loan Back transactions MUST HAVE A FIRST CHARGE security in place before a Loan can be drawn.
There are key requirements to ALLOW YOU TO TRANSFER AN EXTERNAL PENSION TO A SSAS, such as proving a financial link between you and the SSAS and a financial link between your Company and the SSAS.
All members of a SSAS must be shareholders, employees or directors of the sponsoring employer
Annual returns and valuations must be submitted to HMRC - this is one of the roles of the SSAS Administrator
Frequently asked questions
The questions new clients ask us most often — answered plainly.
How much does it cost to set up a SSAS?
Set-up costs vary depending on the complexity of the scheme and the number of members. We provide a transparent fee schedule during your initial consultation. There are no hidden charges.
How long does it take to establish a SSAS?
From instruction to HMRC registration typically takes 12–16 weeks, depending on HMRC processing times and the speed at which documentation is completed. We manage the process end-to-end although the timescales are determined by the HMRC approval process.
Can I transfer existing pension funds into my SSAS?
Yes. Most pension arrangements can be transferred into a SSAS, subject to the rules of the transferring scheme. We DO NOT advise on the transfer process and any considerations specific to your existing arrangements. You should seek independent financial advice.
Can my SSAS buy my business premises?
Yes — purchasing commercial property (including your own business premises) is one of the most popular uses of a SSAS. The property is owned by the scheme, rent paid by your business is a deductible expense, and the property grows free of CGT within the fund.
What is a loanback and how does it work?
A loanback allows your SSAS to lend money back to the sponsoring employer. The loan must be on commercial terms, secured by a first charge over assets, and repaid within five years. Up to 50% of the scheme's net assets can be lent back.
Is my SSAS protected if my company goes into liquidation?
Yes. A SSAS is a separate legal trust, entirely distinct from your company. Pension assets are protected from creditors in the event of company insolvency.
Case studies & client reviews
Real results from business owners who have been through the same journey you are starting now.
"We were blown away at the possibilities that SSAS offered and we have made very productive use of our SSAS within our business in the last few years."
Laurie Duncan
Business owner
"Having had our SSAS for over 4 years now, we've utilised the incredible flexibility it offers to considerably enhance both our business profitability and SSAS values in that time, way beyond the sort of growth I'd ever experienced with any pension before."
Richard Swan
Business owner
£2.4 million extracted tax-free using SSAS + BADR
Had an existing but unused SSAS linked to a company he was planning to sell — turned it into a powerful exit strategy.
Ronnie Caldwell
Corporation tax reduced to zero
Significant retained profits and a commercial property with no tax strategy — transformed into a full intergenerational wealth plan.
Andy Marshall
Ready to take the next step?
Your consultant is ready to speak with you. Book your progress call now and let us get your SSAS journey moving.