A NEW wealth management firm has been set up in North Yorkshire to provide independent, bespoke advice for individuals, businesses and trusts.

Based in Windsor House in the spa town, Harrogate Wealth Management devises comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services incorporating retirement planning, tax planning, personal inheritance, investment and pensions advice, and working closely with clients’ other professional advisers as required.

Initially with a team of three, the ambition is to grow the boutique firm rapidly by offering a niche service that rivals the larger national firms, but with the personal involvement and high level of individual service a boutique can provide. Founder Lee Hurst said: “Having been in the profession for almost 20 years, I understand that every client is unique, with their own particular circumstances and aims, meaning that they need a tailored, highly personalised approach.

“Putting the client first is at the core of our business – we pride ourselves on our ability to listen and work closely with each client to help them achieve their life goals and financial objectives.”

Recent changes to the regulation of financial advisers have presented an opportunity for new firms to enter the market, and the recent pension reforms in particular have created increased demand for advice around pensions and retirement planning.

Mr Hurst said: “As an independent, fee-based financial planning firm, we have no allegiance to any particular product or company, but can instead offer truly objective advice with only the best interests of our clients at heart. We have invested heavily in our back office systems in order to create the scale and efficiencies a growing business requires and have also adopted a transparent fee structure to ensure there are no hidden surprises for our clients.

“Given the uncertain economic climate, many people are wondering how best to protect and grow their wealth and need advice from experts they can trust. We are already receiving a number of referrals, particularly via our network of professional contacts, and are confident that the business will grow quickly.”