Shares trading sites?

[I Love Lamp]

So, I feel that I know my industry well enough and have so far, been correct with every assumption I have made when it's come to acquisitions.

Now that I've proven to myself that I can predict these things, I feel I had ought to put some money on it.

Firstly, I'm aware I'm gambling and I'll only 'gamble' what I can afford to lose.

I'm looking to set up a shares account, but have no idea where to start?

I'll be sticking to UK companies.
It's likely to be short-term investments (2 years max)
Tax efficiency (I don't currently use ISAs)
Cost efficiency (I don't want to be paying silly commission fees)

I've looked at iii.co.uk from suggestions on here, are there any alternatives? I do not currently bank with Barclays or Lloyds

Edited by I Love Lamp on Friday 25th March 20:48

[cailean]

I use iii for research and monitoring the discussion boards (beware there are a lot of people on their who should not be allowed to manage their own money...) but use Selftrade to trade on. I just seem to trust Selftrade more holding my money and shares and like the way the website operates. Selftrade also allows you to buy and sell funds (some such sites don't), ETFs, ETCs, and lots of overseas shares. I have accounts on Selftrade for ISAs, SIPP, CTFs for the little ones.

[Steffan]

40 years as an Accountant, many of the in the Insolvency business, have caused me to think that Horse Racing is a far more rewarding bet. If you go to the races you can at least enjoy the occasion and have a punt. And collect on the day

The Gold Cup strikes me as much more fun.

[I Love Lamp]

Erm..

Am I reading their prices right?

£12.50 per transaction, £35 per year, £35 to withdraw funds less than £2,500?

Pretty st if you ask me, for someone starting out with small sums.

Should've read this pricing before buying the shares, oops.

http://www.selftrade.co.uk/services/price-list.php

Edited by I Love Lamp on Wednesday 30th March 20:27

[limpsfield]

I Love Lamp said:

Erm..

Am I reading their prices right?

£12.50 per transaction, £35 per year, £35 to withdraw funds less than £2,500?

Pretty st if you ask me, for someone starting out with small sums.

Should've read this pricing before buying the shares, oops.

http://www.selftrade.co.uk/services/price-list.php

Edited by I Love Lamp on Wednesday 30th March 20:27

if you are going to be just an occasional investor it is probably far less hassle to do it through your bank

[HBFS]

I use Barclay's and I love 'em because they're so professional and efficient.

If you call them up (As I have done many times within different departments) you always get someone who knows exactly what they're doing. If there's a queue, they'll just call you back when you get to the top so you don't have to listen to hold music.

They offer lots of different trading facilities, Like turbos, covered warrants, trailing stop losses etc.

I've just transfered all my shares over to them from HSBC and I've been impressed throughout the whole thing.

[audidoody]

I've got a Halifax online share dealing account. Works fine.

[audidoody]

I've got a Halifax online share dealing account. Works fine.