Our Story

The business was founded with the vision to create a financial services group to challenge the market. We have grown to become a major player in UK financial services.

We have built the advisory business through several successful acquisitions, including Bates Investment Services, a research-driven business which has provided a quality IFA platform with scalability, and a high profile in the industry and consumer media. Our most significant acquisition to date in terms of scale was in July 2006, when we acquired the assets of Millfield Partnership Limited and the entire share capital of Sage Financial Services.

We are now a service provider to one of the largest affiliated groups of advisers in the UK, and a significant distributor of financial services products.

• Top 2 – by adviser numbers
• Top 2 – by revenue
• Top – by assets; £12.5 billion funds under influence
• Top 10 – by lending; annual advised lending of at least £6 billion
• Number 1 fastest growing IFA

The information above is correct as at 10th October 2008 and is subject to change.

Our strong balance sheet, efficient operating model and “clean compliance” position give us a platform for further growth. We have committed backers, and raised £25 million of new capital in March 2006, with potential for more.

We co-operate and proactively engage with the regulators. We grow our business in a controlled and disciplined way with a positive view of compliance, and with a commitment to strong and pragmatic regulatory management.