I called up the Halifax this morning to change my 'Cash ISA' to a 'Stocks and Shares one'. As usual I battled through the automated service and finally got through to the ISA department. To my surprised I was told the Halifax hold no such account, to have an ISA other than the a 'Cash ISA' I need to go through a financial advisor. I asked a couple more questions at which stage the call handler resumed the position of "I know more than you, go away please I'm busy". I hung up and called back on another number, spoke another division and then got put through to the correct person who was very helpful and got me sorted.

When all else fails, persistence prevails.