The Scotsman

English financial advice firm Progency extends Scottish footprint with acquisitio­n of financial planning practice

- By SCOTT REID

An Ayrshire-based financial advice firm has been snapped upasanengl­ishgroupex­tends its reach north of the Border.

Leeds-based Progeny, which already has an operation in Edinburgh, said the acquisitio­n of the Affinity financial planning practice would extend its “multi-disciplina­ry profession­al services offering in Scotland”.

Affinity specialise­s in providing financial planning services to a “select number” of private clients and their families in Scotland and the UK. The Troon-based firm, which has a team of five, was establishe­d in 2008. Financial terms surroundin­g the deal have not been disclosed.

Shona Barr, managing director of Affinity, said: “Affinity was establishe­d from my desire to create an honest, plain-talking, financial planning business, without the typical constraint­s of the corporate world.

“Our approach has always been broader than that of a traditiona­l firm, with our key aim of making a positive difference to peoples’ personal and finan

cial lives and to inspire them to live life as they desire.

“It’s our continued commitment to this approach that has informed our decision to become part of Progeny. It’s clear they have a very similar client-focused attitude and a more extensive service will be possible thanks to the addition of investment management, tax and legal services.”

She added: “We invested a great deal of time and thought into the decision and weighed up a range of factors to ensure the right fit for our clients and team. Whilst change can be unsettling, I am certain that when it is done for the right reasons, it brings great longterm benefits for all parties.”

Neil Moles, chief executive of Progeny, said: “We’re proud that Affinity have chosen to join the Progeny business. We share a similar mindset when it comes to looking after our clients and we are transparen­t and consistent in the rationale behind our business decisions.

“We are seeing more and more deals announced in the financial advice sector where what’s good for clients seems to be a secondary concern for the parties involved, and where profits and shareholde­rs are prioritise­d. This is not our aim and never will be. We have a clear philosophy for growth and clients.”

 ??  ?? 0 Neil Moles: ‘We share a similar mindset’
0 Neil Moles: ‘We share a similar mindset’

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