Liberate Wealth establishes south west presence with second acquisition
Liberate Wealth has announced its second acquisition after its launch in October 2023.
The independent financial planning and wealth management business announced the acquisition of Somerset-based advice firm, Stafford House Investments.
Stafford House Investments is responsible for £275m of client assets and the acquisition brings Liberate Wealth’s assets under management (AUM) to £475m.
In October, former EQ Investors joint chief executive Mark Howlett launched Liberate Wealth with the acquisition of Yorkshire-based Ebor Financial Planning.
The senior leadership team of Liberate Wealth has identified the north and south west of England as “strategically important regions with excellent opportunities to grow”.
Stafford House Investments was founded in October 1999 and is led by chief executive Nick Webb and director Andrew Mayne.
The firm has over two decades experience of specialising in “full-suite” financial planning and tax services for private clients, trustees, solicitors, and accountancy firms as well as providing bespoke portfolio management services.
Liberate Wealth has applied to receive registered B-Corp status and is running the business in line with B-Corp requirements.
Stafford House will rebrand to the Liberate Wealth corporate identity.
Liberate Wealth chief executive Mark Howlett said: “It is a hugely exciting time for us as we establish our second location in the south-west region – an area we believe to be full of opportunity for the long-term growth of Liberate Wealth.
“It is particularly satisfying to emerge as the successful candidate in a highly competitive tender process – Stafford House commands a strong reputation and track record in its own right.
“We were delighted to win the right to take this talented team of financial planners and support staff forward to the next stage of their growth and development, and found the Stafford House team’s collegiate culture, client-centric values and long-term vision for the future of financial advice closely matched our own.
“Building an advice firm from the ground up means we have the freedom to innovate and ensure our business is ready to meet the challenges facing the modern adviser of today as well as their clients.
“With the support of our patient capital investors, I am looking forward to bringing our innovative proposition to advisers across the UK who are thinking about how to evolve their business whilst protecting the interests of staff and clients.
“Liberate Wealth is building the advice firm of the future – we would love to hear from like-minded advisers and expect to announce further expansion in due course.”
Webb added: “We have always placed the wellbeing of our clients and staff at the heart of everything we stand for. Liberate Wealth were an outstanding candidate during the tender process and clearly demonstrated the advantages of their infrastructure, depth of experience, entrepreneurial growth strategy and supportive culture. I am excited at what we can achieve together for our staff and clients and keen to begin this new chapter – I am certain our talented team will flourish under Liberate’s stewardship.”
