Bristol-based pension-led funding specialists Clifton Asset Management has made the first of a series of targeted acquisitions to create a regional network of small financial advisory businesses.
The addition of Shrewsbury-based Plan For Life Wealth Management is the first step in Clifton’s ‘blueprint for the future’ which will focus on great customer service and providing value for money to clients. 
It aims to build a new regional advisor footprint in key target areas around the country. This new model aims to disrupt the established advisory firm acquisition model by creating targeted, geographic ‘Centres of Excellence’.
The centres will be delivered by Clifton Asset Management, via its subsidiary Clifton Wealth Partnership. The model will allow smaller firms to compete with larger rivals by providing access to services and products under the Clifton umbrella. They can join the centres either through acquisition or appointed representative (AR) status.
Clifton said Plan For Life was exactly the type of advisory business is was looking to attract to its regional network, which is set to reinvigorate client relationships with hi-tech solutions at low-cost, leading to greater profitability.
It will also provide access to back-office functionality to improve efficiency and ease increased regulatory burdens.
Clifton Asset Management Group financial planning director Anthony Carty, pictured, said: “Plan For Life is a great business which has been running since 2011 in a region not known as a ‘hub’ for financial services.
“We aim to build on the excellent work that Plan For Life has delivered thus far, with a package of services to enhance the customer journey still further. These services include our own low-cost investment platform, in house DFM model portfolios and highly-interactive client portal.
“We have spent years developing our capability, both with resources and technically. We believe we have a model which will appeal to advisers who simply want to concentrate on providing the best outcomes for their clients. This is the first in a series of targeted acquisitions”
Plan For Life Wealth Management founder Russell Beesley added: “Clifton’s focus on the client journey and use of technology where appropriate, means my clients can look forward to developing their financial plans with a safe pair of hands.
“Plan For Life will continue to trade under its own brand and retain ownership of their clients with Clifton providing additional systems, technical support and expertise to future-proof the business.”
Ham Green-based Clifton is one of the largest providers of alternative business finance in the UK. Its core business is assisting owner managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK to raise business finance, mainly through the use of Small Self-Administered Pension Schemes (SSASs) and Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).
