Headquartered in the North East, Akrivis Wealth launched earlier this month and has already attracted several new clients across the UK.

Its founder, Alister Gaines, was previously investment director at Sunderland-based CDC wealth management for 11 years and held various roles at Lloyd’s Private Banking before this.

The deal sees Akrivis Wealth become an appointed representative of Beaufort Financial, with the group providing marketing, administrative and technological support to the business and allowing Mr Gaines “to focus on advising clients”.

Mr Gaines said: “Now, more than ever, people need top quality financial advice and we have strong ambitions to build a significant business that will help support this increasing demand.

“The advice landscape is changing and, with many advisers leaving the industry and many more set to retire over the next few years, there is a clear opportunity for those forward-thinking advisers who want to drive progression in the industry.

“Our partnership with Beaufort Financial is essential in achieving these aims, providing the support we need to grow the business and help us change more peoples’ lives for the better financially.” 

Beaufort Financial chief executive, Derrick Dunne, said: “Building an extensive partnership of regional firms, via both established names and newly-founded businesses, is a key part of our long-term strategy to become one of the UK’s largest and most successful networks.    

“In Alister we have found the ideal partner, given his excellent track record and enthusiasm for building a successful business and we are proud to be backing his ambitions.”