Paradigm Norton, the Bristol-based financial planning firm, has taken over one of its appointed representative businesses as it continues its strategy of growth through acquisition.
Direction Financial Planning, founded by Jane Wheeler, teamed up with Paradigm Norton in June to sell its products and services to her clients.
Now the Taunton-based firm has become the latest independent financial advice business to be acquired by Paradigm Norton. Direction, like many small firms in the sector, has been impacted by increased regulation and significant changes in the way it can sell financial products.
As a result, Paradigm Norton has identified the opportunity to snap up small, independent businesses like Direction which bring with them an existing client base and strong revenue streams. 
Ms Wheeler has become an employee of Paradigm Norton and will continue to work with her clients but within the context of Paradigm Norton’s wider financial planning team.
She said: “I have been concerned for the long-term viability of a small directly authorised firm such as my own. There are strong synergies between the way in which the two firms work and I am confident that this arrangement will benefit both parties. It will be great to be able to work within the context of a larger and highly-respected firm, where I will now have access to their resources which will allow me more time to spend more time with my clients.”
Paradigm Norton chief executive Barry Horner added: “I have known Jane for many years. Jane is well respected within the financial planning profession and runs an excellent business: we are thrilled at the prospect of working more closely with her and her clients. Both firms have a similar ethos and approach to financial planning and the merger of the two firms will enable Jane to spend more time with her clients.”
Paradigm Norton, formed from the merger of Paradigm Capital Management and Norton Partners five years ago, employs a team of 40 and works on a fee-only basis. It provides comprehensive financial planning, investment portfolio management and tax and estates services to private, corporate and charity clients, primarily in London and the South West.
The firm was recently awarded the title of accredited financial planning firm of the year by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP).
