Wrap platform Nucleus has found that 62 per cent of its advisers expect to see an increase in client numbers during this year, with 14 per cent believing their business will experience ‘significant growth’ over 2015.
The wrap’s annual census report, based on the responses of over 200 advisers, showed that average gross turnover increased year-on-year. Just under half of respondents (47 per cent) reached a turnover in excess of £400,000 - compared with 40 per cent the previous year.
Existing clients continue to play a major part in ongoing business for adviser firms, with two-thirds of firms revealing that more than 60 per cent of their business comes from existing clients, while just over one-third reported less than 20 per cent of business comes from new clients.
The findings also highlighted how face-to-face contact and helping clients ‘make sense of it all’ are the two most important elements of an adviser’s service, with Nucleus users spending most of their time - 21 per cent each respectively - on ‘client reports’ and ‘time with clients’.
Social media continues to play an important role in adviser firms, with 72 per cent of the Nucleus community using LinkedIn and 51 per cent using Twitter.
The majority of advisers have between 100-499 clients, who typically own between £100,000 to £250,000 of investible assets, with the majority earning between £50,000 to £100,000 per year.
Just under 40 per cent of businesses manage over £100m at firm level and just over half manage assets between £20m and £100m.
Finally, 69 per cent of Nucleus’ adviser audience is under the age of 50, with just over one-third being aged less than 40.
The firm’s business development director Barry Neilson, said that the latest findings reflect the positive attitude of the community, which is determined to make the most of the available commercial opportunities and position themselves to achieve further growth over the coming year.
“With turnover up sharply and a strong increase in client numbers expected in the next 12 months the future looks extremely positive.”
peter.walker@ft.com
