AN asset management company launched a new office in York last Thursday and will provide for an opportunity for private and business investors alike to invest in an exciting portfolio of entirely Yorkshire-based listed companies.

Focusing on companies headquartered across Yorkshire that are currently listed on the stock market, Mole Valley Asset Management (MVAM) is determined to champion some of the best businesses that the county has to offer and provide a way for people to grow their savings through local, home-grown industry.

Heading up the experienced team at MVAM’s new York office is local resident and fund manager Duncan Sanford, previously CEO and CIO for Nestlé Capital Management Ltd, formerly based at Haxby Road, York.

Speaking before the launch reception at York’s Chocolate Story on King’s Square on Thursday evening, Duncan said:“In the time I’ve lived and worked in Yorkshire, I’ve been continually staggered by the variety, quality and success of the business enterprises of all shapes and sizes to be found across the county. To my mind, Yorkshire is at the forefront of business innovation in the UK across a broad range of industry sectors, which provides the perfect opportunity for people who would like to invest their money closer to home.”

MVAM’s flagship Yorkshire Portfolio will include a reassuringly diverse selection of Yorkshire-based listed companies, some of which are global leaders in their field, thereby demonstrating its firm commitment to local community-based asset management. The portfolio will be capped at £25m, in order to remain agile and better able to adapt quickly both to the market and to clients’ wishes.

Mr Sanford said: “As a company, our aim is to encourage clients to have a healthier, more personal relationship with their money. Too often these days, people’s lifetime savings are invested impersonally and anonymously, with multiple levels of administration, each of which takes its own percentage cut.”

“By comparison, we will deal directly with both our investors and the companies we invest in, so we can be upfront about our fees and keep all costs to a minimum. We pledge to take an active personal interest in all our clients, so we can better understand what sort of investment decisions they are comfortable with, and the rewards they can expect.”

MVAM’s other financial services include bespoke investment portfolios, a Premium Dividend Portfolio, an AIM Inheritance Tax Portfolio along with managed portfolios, retirement planning, ISAs and corporate pension schemes. A dedicated investor portal app is available to all investors, along with personalised monthly financial reports.

The new office is now open for all enquiries via 01904 929430,