AN expanding wealth management has opened its first office in the Solent area and recruited a trio from a rival firm to run the new operation.

Liam Pryce-Jones and Robert Hale, Discretionary Investment Managers, have joined the new office of leading wealth management firm Raymond James at its Fareham office.

The pair join Nicola Tomlin, who set up the new business last month, as founding partners.

All three came from Southampton offices of Charles Stanley.

Robert Hale said, “Liam and I were attracted by Raymond James’ clear, strategic thinking and understanding of the industry and regulation. This approach ensures our clients’ interests remain at the centre of the service we provide.

"Whilst many wealth managers have chosen to use recent industry advancements to offer a more prescribed, off-the-shelf offering, Raymond James provides the autonomy, financial strength and robust investment tools we need to provide a bespoke investment solution for our clients. In our experience, we are now best placed to provide our clients a first-class service.”

Raymond James is one of the fastest-growing wealth management firms in the UK with 90 commercially independent wealth management practices with more than 32,000 client accounts representing just over £6 billion in total assets.