Hi newbie2009,
I researhed this a couple of years ago & from what I remember the most independent adviser you will get is an authorised adviser. You pay them money and they are supposed to give you independent advise & shop the market for the best product to suit your needed.
The alternative guys are linked (banks sell these & thus selling there own products) or I think the other type are called multi advisers who sell a select few products & you don't pay them commission they get it from the companies who's products they are selling.
N.D.,
Fi.