Firm to double advisers in pursuit of bigger rivals

Andrew Goodwin, managing director of the Carlisle-headquartered firm, said a recent move into a new office space in the Scottish city would help Truly Independent to "become a leading national IFA company in the UK".

He told FTAdviser the long-term goal for the company was to recruit 100 IFAs, who would be given "the best support".

Mr Goodwin said: "We already have over 40 advisers ranging from London to Edinburgh. We place a huge importance in supporting our advisers so they can do what they do best; spend time with their clients.

"When our advisers are happy, their clients are happy too.”

With so many IFAs now on board, it was important we could continue to give them the best support. Andrew Goodwin

He said the recruitment drive offered “better opportunity for growth” and would build on the firm's recent introduction of a comprehensive back-office system, with single entry data, which is accessible to all staff across the UK.

In addition to the main Carlisle headquarters, there are mini business hubs based in Monmouth and Sutton Coldfield. 

The firm is now based at Atlantic House in Carlisle, following the upturn in the number of employees.

Mr Goodwin said the time to move seemed well-fitting, with the firm reaching ten full-time employees in Carlisle and 40 self-employed financial advisers throughout the UK.  

He added: "With so many IFAs now on board, it was important we could continue to give them the best support.

"This meant us recruiting extra members of head office staff and needing larger premises. Our office staff provide IFAs with everything they need, from training and supervision to case checking and pre-approvals.

“We’ve taken a long-term lease, which highlights our commitment and is a statement of our intent. We will certainly be recruiting further as we continue to grow over the next few years and reach our goal of having 100 IFAs."

There have been a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the adviser market this year, as firms look to grow assets and client numbers while benefiting from economies of scale.

On 10 August, Sanlam UK – part of Sanlam Limited, announced the acquisition of financial adviser network business  Tavistock Financial Ltd, from Tavistock Investments Plc.

According to a statement from Sanlam UK, the deal will see the firm buy Cheltenham-based Tavistock Financial’s network of 158 financial advisers along with 25 staff.

The advisers will join Sanlam’s team of 60 financial planners and expand the group’s reach across the UK. The acquisition is expected to add £1.5bn to Sanlam UK’s assets under advice.

joy.brooksgilzeane@ft.com