LOYAL NORTH HAS BOUGHT NORFOLK-BASED IFA

In a recent development, Loyal North, an advisory group, has successfully acquired Quay Financial Planning, an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) firm based in Norfolk. This strategic move brings with it a substantial £40 million in assets under management.

Loyal North has an impressive track record, managing a substantial £1.6 billion in assets and serving a client base of 3,500 individuals. Their unique operational approach involves a regional model, where acquired IFAs become part of regional hubs, operating under the branding of the hub firm.

Following the completion of this undisclosed deal, Quay Financial Planning and its principal, Katie Hately, will integrate into Loyal North’s Hertfordshire hub, known as GPFM Chartered Financial Planners. Hately expressed that what drew them to Loyal North was the company’s commitment to a personalised and regionalised approach.

Debbie Dry, the Group Acquisition Director at Loyal North, emphasised the significance of maintaining a local culture within the firm. She noted that in today’s increasingly competitive landscape, preserving a high level of service quality and demonstrating value has become more challenging. According to Dry, what sets Loyal North apart is its departure from a one-size-fits-all approach, offering a more tailored and effective solution. This, in her view, represents the ideal middle ground.

Notably, GPFM Chartered Financial Planners has been in operation since 2001 and is led by Managing Directors Scott Atkinson and Simon Frost. Loyal North has been actively acquiring firms since 2016 and shares ownership with Fusion Asset Management. Additionally, Loyal North has a sister company called JustFA, specialising in providing back-office support and portfolio management services tailored to clients with lower assets.