All the figures add up to a prosperous future for Sutton Coldfield-based Squirrel Financial Management and James & Co, of Lichfield. The two firms have merged in a deal that will create many new jobs and increase stability for the existing 50-strong workforce.
Advisors Jim Higgins, Phil Morgan and Andrew Fearne, of James & Co, will continue to operate from the company’s Waverley Court offices. Administration will be focused at the Squirrel Group offices in Mere Green.
Jim Higgins, director of James & Co, said: “Any changes will be relatively seamless as far as our clients are concerned. However, joining forces with the Squirrel Group will bring significant advantages to both companies and, more importantly, our clients.
“We have taken this momentous decision against the background of a huge upheaval within the financial services industry that has reduced the numbers of IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) firms and insurance companies alike.
“The trend is very much towards ‘strength and security in numbers’, so for James & Co the merger with another, larger, firm represents a logical step forward. Squirrel is an established local firm whose greater size will enable clients of James & Co to take advantage of our existing services and gain access to a wider range of services, including mortgages.”
Ian Bascombe, director of Squirrel Financial Management, said: “Our company has expanded substantially since it was formed and we have recently added Secure Mortgages and SQ2 Mortgage Packaging to the group as we develop and grow. We currently have 40 staff within the group and, with our direct FSA (Financial Services Authorisation) authorisation, we are well placed to continue our growth and development in 2004 and beyond.
“The merger of these two successful companies means that the Squirrel Group, incorporating James & Co, will become one of the largest financial advisory groups in the Midlands. We are looking forward to a very successful future together.”
