AN established York insurance broker and a new financial advisory partnership plan to link arms together under a new roof in the city.

BA Insurance Services group, based in Walmgate, and a newly-formed Grosvenor Financial Consultants are readying themselves to move into 2,800 sq ft offices above Raynors opticians in Swinegate on Friday September 29.

Both will maintain their names with BA Insurance continuing to deal predominantly in business-to-business insurance plus personal cover on homes, motors and caravans. Grosvenor will tackle life insurance, pensions and investment advice. But each will be able to broaden choice for their clients by offering the other's services.

The new combination will mean a total of 19 people sharing the modern offices.

Grosvenor consists of two well-known independent financial advisers formerly of Walsh Lucas, York, Gerry Gray and Mark Pepper, together with Charles Helfferich.

Rosemary and Tom Bellin started BA Insurance Services six years ago.

The move reverses the tide of recent history which has seen brokerage and financial advice split into two separate camps.

PICTURE: Partners and staff of Grosvenor Financial Consultants and BA Insurance Services Group breaching the divide at Clifford's Tower, York.