The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Perth-based financial adviser opens new office in London
Move to capital was an “easy decision” for six-year-old firm
A financial adviser firm which was founded in Perth has opened an office in London.
Carbon Financial Partners has expanded into the capital after previously opening offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The office will be headed up by Dundonian Darren Lees, a previous Carbon employee who has recently been handling high net worth accounts as a wealth manager in the capital with private bankers Coutts.
Mr Lees, who is a former Monifeith High pupil and Dundee University law graduate, said there was an opportunity in the city since some operators had dropped out of the industry due to increased regulation.
“It will be challenging because we are starting from scratch in a competitive sector in London,” said Mr Lees, who was on the first year of the Carbon graduate scheme.
“It is a blank canvas and the timing is good as many old-style financial advisers have been dropping out of the industry because of the ever-increasing regulations.
“We are cautiously optimistic and this is a long-term strategy.
“There is a niche for Carbon’s investment philosophy, and the company’s UK profile has certainly been enhanced by winning national financial planning awards in recent years.”
The financial planning company was founded by managing director Gordon Wilson in Perth’s Atholl Place six years ago.
Mr Wilson said: “Expanding into London was an easy decision and we have found the ideal base in Bloomsbury Way, but it was vital we secured the right person to take on the challenge.
“Darren is returning to us after five years in the capital and he brings a wealth of experience in London to this exciting new role.”