A Cardiff-based chartered financial planning firm has purchased additional space as part of plans to grow headcount, turnover and geographic footprint across the UK.
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Bartholomew Hawkins will use the space to accommodate an increase in staff, as it looks to increase its current portfolio of more than £270m to £1bn within the next five years.
Launched in 2006, the firm has gone from strength to strength, expanding its service offering from pensions and retirement advice to providing a full suite of wealth management services including investment management and estate planning.
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In the past six years alone, revenues have grown from £600,000 to more than £3m. The premises purchase has enabled the firm to take ownership of the building it previously leased at Cardiff Gate Business Park. It also secures an additional 900 sq ft of floor-space acquired from a retiring tenant.
The purchase was supported by more than £500,000 from NatWest and marks the next phase in the company’s ambitious growth plans. Since 2013 staff headcount has grown from seven to 36 as the firm looks to scale-up with the best talent possible. In a move to attract the right people, a share-scheme will also be introduced this year to allow staff to benefit from the success of the business. A Cheltenham office will also open in the coming months as Bartholomew Hawkins expands its geographical reach.
As part of the growth strategy, the firm recently appointed chairman Martyn Ryan, former chief financial officer at Genesis Investments, who managed a portfolio of more than £35bn. Additional investment has also been made in technology, which has led to the creation of an inhouse software development team – an uncommon division for a wealth management firm.
Richard Lord, Director at Bartholomew Hawkins, said:
“We’re grateful to have such a talented team behind us helping drive the business forward – something we see as key to continued growth within the firm. In addition to purchasing the office we’ve invested substantially in refurbishment, helping to create an attractive working environment for our staff. Our larger premises, give us room to expand and together with our recruitment strategy, smart approach to technology and commitment to customer service, is central to the firm realising its next phase of growth.”
Matthew Maunder, relationship manager at NatWest said:
“Bartholomew Hawkins has experienced tremendous growth in a relatively short space of time, which is testament to the hard-work and strategic planning by Richard and the team. Not resting on its laurels, the firm continues to grow with its latest premises purchase. We wish Richard and his team the best of luck in the future.”
