The companies say that the alliance, which includes adding Brooks to Castlegate’s panel of DFMs, will allow Castlegate’s clients to retain the same level of personal service they have come to expect from their local IFA, while benefitting from Brooks’ “institutional buying power” and market access.

The alliance with Brooks Macdonald will allow Castlegate’s clients to access the full expertise of Brooks investment capabilities, including its 80-plus strong investment team, through the use of the company’s centralised investment process.

Peter Townsend, managing director of Castlegate Financial Management, said: “Access to Brooks Macdonald’s track record and investment process and governance will establish these new services we are able to provide to our clients. In forming this strategic alliance, we have established a combined investment and advisory proposition that truly sets us apart from the competition.”

Nick Holmes, managing director of Brooks Macdonald Asset Management, said: “At Brooks Macdonald we are strong believers in the mutual benefits of strategic alliances. We have been particularly impressed with Castlegate’s approach to working with its clients and are confident that this partnership will enhance their service offering.”

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management BMAM is a specialist investment manager providing discretionary management services for private clients, trusts, charities, pension funds and corporates. It has offices in London, Manchester, Hampshire, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Edinburgh, Taunton and York. It is part of Brooks Macdonald Group plc which managed funds totalling £7.82 billion as of 31 December 2015.

Castlegate Financial Management is a firm of Independent Financial Advisers. Operating from its head office in Grantham it serves clients across the region, meeting with clients at their homes, business premises or at its sister business, Duncan & Toplis, sites across the East Midlands.