Strathclyde Associates: Our Corporate Profile

Providing services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.
At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client’s unique financial needs and preferences.
A constant commitment to our clients is the strong foundation of the business culture at Strathclyde Associates.
We constantly develop  innovative solutions in order to accommodate the ever-changing tastes, desires and needs of our clients.
Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.
Through the Strathclyde Associates Institutional and Private Clients Divisions we provide our clients with services that include Securities, Investment Banking and Investment Management Services.
Above and beyond we are the first choice for individuals and institutions alike when considering a Premier Wealth Management Company. Excellence in market execution and the provision of the right information at the right price, at the right time has given Strathclyde Associates an enviable worldwide prestige of being able to ensure that our clients achieve their financial objectives and aspirations.
From natural resources to technology our fundamental strengths lie in innovative investment solutions combined with robust execution capabilities. At Strathclyde Associates we pride ourselves with comprehending each individual client’s unique financial needs and preferences.
Owing to the depth and quality of our understanding we construct long term relationships with our clients with a core focus on value creation and an ultimate commitment to helping our clients build and manage their wealth.
This specialized focus, an enviable reputation for quality and integrity and of course strong relationships nurtured with investors have made Strathclyde Associates a worldwide leader in wealth management.
Strathclyde Associates  Services: Equity. At Strathclyde Associates Equities we pride ourselves on the knowledge that our Equity Departments are a worldwide leader in the careful planning of investment strategies and capital raising functions in both the private and public equity markets.
Fixed Income. Strathclyde Associates Fixed Income is a global player in ensuring that interest rate currency swaps, debt securities and other derivative products are carefully integrated into our portfolio programs in a manner that accommodates investor preferences and objectives in the ever changing, constantly evolving debt markets.
Foreign Exchange. The Foreign Exchange Market is a 24-hour market and as such Strathclyde Associates provides its clients with a truly round the clock service of spot, forward futures and options trading in all the Forex markets of the world.??Commodities??Risk Management strategies are one of the growing sectors in the market today and as such Strathclyde Associates Commodities now competes in the commodities and derivatives markets providing services in markets which include metals, energy, oil and gas trading to name but a few.
Mergers and Acquisitions. At Strathclyde Associates Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) department our primary focus is in: Mergers , Joint ventures , Corporate Restructurings , Divestitures , Recapitalizations, Spin-offs , Exchange Offers , Leveraged Buyouts , Shareholder Relations and takeover defenses
Global Capital Markets. Through our Global Capital Markets Departments we can accommodate clients' needs for capital. For instance in the situation of an IPO, a leveraged buyout or a debt offering our global capital markets professionals combine Investment Banking and sales and trading functions to guarantee clients innovative solutions based on sophisticated advice. If necessary our professionals can develop, structure and execute public & private placement of equities, debt and related products. As a major force in the market we offer every assistance to clients to attain the greatest value from each and every stage of a transaction. Thus it is our responsibility to constantly develop capital market solutions to enable clients to rise above whatever the market may throw at them.
Strathclyde Associates is a full service brokerage firm with many years experience in providing a wide array of services globally to a vast group of clients that include private individuals, financial institutions, governments and corporations.

Sleazy home improvement scams- Strathclyde Associates Trading

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Spring's the time homeowners get to work -- and shady contractors come of out of the woodwork. Here's how to smell a suspicious deal. By Bankrate

Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the home improvements you'd like to make. Now that spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change and new beginnings.
Unfortunately, it's also a time when shady contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and the author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."
The good news is that you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, the author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple, but many people find this process overwhelming.
Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put it into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.
To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I just happen to be working in your neighborhood'
This happens when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you that they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home. For example, a contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case, but often no repair is needed.
More important, legitimate, established and reputable contractors tend to find enough work through word-of-mouth referrals that they don't need to be going door to door to attract customers. Be especially skeptical if the contractor drives a vehicle with no company name, no phone number or with out-of-state license plates. "Do not let these people enter your home," Johnson warns. "Often they want to be invited inside to see if something is worth stealing."
Also, be sure to ask for proof that he or she is insured, licensed and bonded. "Homeowners that check out contractors beforehand and research their credibility are usually more satisfied with the job than if they abruptly chose a contractor," says Jeremy Zidek, communications coordinator for the Better Business Bureau in Alaska.
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I have materials left over'
Sometimes contractors will offer a discount for the job under the pretense that they have extra materials and want to use up their supply. Good contractors order just enough supplies to meet the needs of each job, as often the price for supplies is included in the contract.
If a contractor has materials left over from a previous job and is making them available to you, he either didn't finish the job or is cheating the previous customer. Or he didn't have a previous job but has materials to make it look like he did.
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I need cash upfront'
This contractor will take your money and disappear before or (even worse) after your project gets under way. It can be frustrating trying to chase after him, getting him to come back and finish the job or hiring someone else to clean up a messy work site. Don't ever pay in full for a project before any work has been done.
However, you may be expected to pay a down payment. "The contractor may not want to block out time in his busy schedule without some money upfront," Levinson says. He recommends creating a payment schedule with the contractor at the start -- wherein you pay a sizable portion only upon completion of a project. Johnson swears by the one-third theory.
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Renovations are stressful, but if you rush through important details you could fall prey to one of these scams.

Scam artists are nothing new, but there are plenty of reasons to predict that even more of them will be around, due to tough economic times. While they tend to prey on the elderly, anyone who is not cautious and informed is a potential victim. Your best defense is a skeptical mind and knowing what to look out for when you hear about an offer that's "too good to refuse." Here are some of the most popular, and costly, home-improvement scams.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: One-time special
It's a rare business that's had only one sale in its entire history. The reality is that most businesses hold sales throughout the year, and that's not likely to change any time soon. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. This could include a past catalog, special mailing, dated price list or evidence of identical work for a past customer.
Don't be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you've had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: I might as well
Be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door and says he's working just down the street. He tells you that he noticed a few things that need some work on your house and that you could save money by hiring him on the spot. Coincidentally, he just happens to have all the materials and tools to start right away.
This approach is often used to entice you into doing things that are visible from the outside, like roof repair, painting, window caulking, deck restoration, driveway coating and chimney repair. If the contractor claims to have all the materials, ask him where they came from and who paid for them. If they are left over from an earlier job, there's some chance that the previous homeowner footed the bill.
Cash before work
Nothing should set off more alarm bells than the contractor who wants to be paid in full for a project before it's started. This arrangement sets you up for a disappearing contractor who never starts the work.
A reasonable down payment is expected, to cover startup labor costs and materials. Normally, this should not exceed one-third of the total contract value; it's wise to make it as small as possible. The balance of the money can be tied to completion milestones to keep the contractor motivated to stay on schedule. Hold a sizable portion of the money until the project is finished, and make final payment dependent on your personal inspection and satisfaction.
Financing offers
Another warning flag is the offer to arrange financing to pay for your renovation, sometimes from a lender that the contractor knows personally. The offer may include a special interest rate for a limited time only. What won't be disclosed is that the contractor may be getting kickbacks or other favors from the lender.
If you don't review the loan papers carefully, you may later find out that you've signed up for a refinancing or high-interest home-equity loan, or unknowingly transferred your deed. If the money goes to the contractor, there's no incentive to complete the work. Always shop around for the best loan available, and consult an attorney if you need help understanding the terms and conditions.
Fly-by-night contractor
Be extremely wary if a contractor pulls into your driveway in an unmarked truck. If you talk to him, do it outside in public view. Anyone who enters your home is a potential burglar, or worse. If the truck has out-of-state plates, don't even waste your time.
For all contractors, you should apply due diligence. Verify name, business name and license number, address and telephone number. Ask for insurance papers, and verify that they are bonded in accordance with applicable laws.
Model home

Beware of the contractor who wants to fix up your home so he can show it off to other potential customers. You will likely be tempted by a deal that seems too good to pass up. But chances are pretty good that some or all of the work he's recommending doesn't really need to be done. Reputable contractors don't need models to showcase their work, and if they needed one, they wouldn't use an occupied home for that purpose.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: The bottom line
Use resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Consumer Protection and the local licensing board to check the contractor's business reputation and credentials. A history of consumer complaints, lawsuits and expired licenses are reasons to keep looking for a reliable contractor.

Common sense and good judgment offer the best protection from home-renovation scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's always wise to get multiple estimates before starting any project. If there are wide differences in the quotes, try to figure out why. Most importantly, don't sign any contract that you don't understand completely.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or principles that are indemic to each particular company.