Mr Zoing has spent the last 12 years at the helm of Harrogate IFA Marshall Zoing and his previous experience includes roles with Brown Shipley Independent Financial Services and Ellis Bates Group.

In his new role, he will focus on wealth planning service to Harrogate Wealth Management’s clients and developing links with fellow professionals.  He specialises in working with family lawyers and their clients to help them through the financial consequences of marital breakdown. Harrogate Wealth Management was set up late last year.

A keen sportsman, Mr Zoing played for and coached at Harrogate and Leeds Rugby Clubs, as well as being the co-founder of the ‘Swing Low Sweet Charity’ fundraising event.  He is also a governor of Cundall Manor School.

He said: “As someone who is staunchly wedded to the principles of independent financial advice, I am really pleased to be working in a firm that is also fiercely protective of its independence.”

“Lee has done an amazing job of creating a truly client-focussed Financial Planning and wealth management firm, successfully providing bespoke advice to individuals, businesses and trusts. I am looking forward to working with Lee and the team to drive further growth, building on our reputation and service, while keeping clients firmly at the heart of everything we do.”

Co-director Lee Hurst said: “Ralph is one of the most respected Financial Planners in the region and brings invaluable experience to the firm.  Already, our fledgling business has grown to a six-strong team and in our first calendar year of trading, we have exceeded our predicted turnover by 40%.

“Ralph will add strength and depth to the team, helping us to meet growing demand for our services, which is particularly being driven by current interest in the topics of pensions and retirement planning advice.”

Harrogate Wealth Management provides retirement planning, tax planning, personal inheritance, investment and pensions advice and works closely with clients’ other professional advisers as required.  Since launch, non-advisory consultant Howard Marshall, another well-known and respected financial services professional with a wealth of experience, has joined the team.  In addition, senior administrator Amanda Jones and directors’ PA Lisa Casey have also added their combined 32 years of financial services experience to the firm.