Jim Low, Nick Foley and Virgil Higglesden have joined national financial advice firm Continuum, bringing over 60 years of combined experience.
The West Country-based trio joined from Fleming Financial which was acquired by consolidator Shackleton in December. Shackleton was taken over by New York-based private equity firm Lee Equity Partners in June.
Jim Low has joined the firm as an Independent Financial Advisers based in Plymouth and will serve clients across Devon and Cornwall. He brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, with the last 16 years as a financial adviser. Previous roles include over a decade with a regional Chartered Accountancy firm. He specialises in supporting high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients in achieving their financial objectives and mitigating tax liabilities.
Jim Low says he was attracted to Continuum due to the combination of the strength of the firm with being able to maintain independence.
He said: “What truly sets this role apart for me is the independence: I’m not tied to any provider or product, which means I can give honest, tailored advice that’s always in the client’s best interest. Building long-term relationships, often across generations, and being a trusted partner through life’s major milestones is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously.”
Nick Foley has joined Continuum as a Chartered Financial Planner and is based in Bristol. He has over 16 years of financial services experience, with the last 13 years as a financial adviser, and is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. Previous roles include ten years at an IFA firm attached to an accountancy practice, and six years at an advice firm within a larger pension consultancy.
He said: “Whilst I have the freedom to build my own business with Continuum, I feel like I get as much support (if not more) than I would elsewhere in an employed role; business support, marketing, compliance, training – leaving me more time to focus on my clients. I also love there’s a network of like-minded other advisers to bounce ideas off.”
Virgil Higglesden is a Chartered Financial Planner based in Exeter, he serves clients in the city and across the surrounding Devon area. He has over 25 years of experience and started his financial advice career in 1999.
Virgil Higglesden chose to join Continuum due to the partnership’s beliefs aligning with his own.
He said: “I decided to leave my former employed role as it became clear my professional view about independent financial advice and how it should be provided did not align with the kind of constrained linear approach expected there.”
The reason I chose to join Continuum is because the entire focus is on the client, and doing the right thing. Very much in line with my own beliefs.”
The trio joined the partnership earlier this year, having been introduced to the other advisers at Continuum’s conference.
Martin Brown, Managing Partner at Continuum, welcomed the trio to the partnership.
He said: “We are thrilled to have Jim, Nick and Virgil join the Continuum team. All three bring a huge amount of knowledge and experience to the partnership, as well as helping to expand our presence within the South West.
“In an ever-changing legislative and political landscape, the need for truly independent financial advice has never been greater. Constant shifts in tax policy, pension regulation, and investment markets can leave clients uncertain about how best to plan for the future. The experience Jim, Nick and Virgil bring from working within an accountancy environment is particularly valuable, and will help clients navigate the latest changes to the UK tax and pensions system with confidence.”
The business focuses on creating a three-way partnership between Continuum, the adviser and the client, in an environment where each party can only succeed and grow if the other parties also succeed and grow.
