North-East based financial advice firm, Lowes Financial Management, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of its first associate director.
The firm has appointed Andy Gardiner to the new role as part of a wider restructure and expansion of the practice and its services.
Lowes has recently opened a new office in Teesside to further develop its national and regional profile.
Headquartered in Newcastle, the firm has plans to open further offices during the year and is adjusting its team structure to accommodate and manage the planned changes and growth.
Gardiner is a chartered financial planner and fellow of the Personal Finance Society and has been with the firm for more than 16 years.
He said: “It’s a real pleasure to be taking up this new role at this exciting time. Lowes has some big plans to build on its strong traditions of personal finances being cared for personally whilst also embracing greater use of technology to enhance client service and our fantastic investment proposition.
“I look forward to playing a key role in helping to promote and develop the firm, taking things to the next level, establishing an enhanced advice proposition to ensure sustained growth for the business.”
In his new role, Gardiner will continue to have a client-facing role but will also have a focus on developing new strategies to further grow and enhance the business.
“Financial services have changed significantly in the last 15 or so years. We need to understand and use technology more, but only for those tasks that can and should be automated,” he added.
“Face-to-face meetings and the personal service will always be key features of what we do but we also need to be aware that some of our younger, internet savvy clients, are far more comfortable using digital services.”
Lowes advises clients across a wide range of financial aspects such as inheritance tax planning, investment management, pensions, tax mitigation, long term care and other general financial planning.
Managing director Ian Lowes, said: “For a successful business with a 50-year history under our belt, it’s time to start writing the next chapter. We need dynamic people like Andy and others in the team to drive the business forwards, to cement Lowes as the largest and best IFA in the North East.
“It is important that our advisers constantly add value and help clients build and maintain their wealth. It’s important that in the next few years we make Lowes the ‘go to’ company for financial advice.”
sonia.rach@ft.com
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