Chartered financial planning group Fairstone has added two more advice firms as part of its buy-out programme.
Joining the fold are Octagon Wealth Management and UskVale Financial Planning, bringing with them 17 new advisers.
Octagon principals Jon Routledge and Richard Hollington said: “Providing a quality, fully Independent ongoing service to our clients is of paramount importance to us. As we grow, being part of the Fairstone Group will enable us to continue to offer our clients the service levels and support that we are so proud of, as well as the peace of mind that as part of the Fairstone Group, we have access to in-house specialist advisers in almost every field.”
UskVale has 800 clients and £100m assets under management. Company principal Paul Pelopida said: “We recognised the benefits of becoming part of a leading national IFA. The support we will receive from Fairstone will allow us to concentrate on business development and client relationships whilst Fairstone oversees and manages the compliance and regulatory requirements. Fairstone wants businesses with an appetite to grow and combined with our long-standing relationships we will marry well into Fairstone’s customer-centric philosophy.”
Fairstone Group CEO Lee Hartley added: “Since launching in 2008 Fairstone has looked to establish itself as a significant force within the sector. Our national presence is continuing to grow as our portfolio of advisory businesses expands. We have never looked to acquire businesses who want to stand still; it is crucial that the firms that we partner with are high quality and share both our values and aspirations for the future. That means firms who embrace technology and who expect their clients to not be treated like a commodity.
“Fairstone has ambitious targets for growth but also for business quality. The addition of two companies of such calibre is an extremely welcome addition that will benefit both Fairstone and most importantly, our combined clients. Our aim is always to offer the very best whole-of-market choice and independent advice. It is my belief that UskVale Financial Planning and Octagon Wealth Management will help us to deliver on these objectives. We have spent considerable time in consultation with both businesses and look forward to helping them realise their full potential.”
