Ms Hopton will join the Bromsgrove / Worcestershire-based AFH Group’s growing team of financial advisers.

After graduating in business and economics, she started her career at Lloyds before moving to Santander as a Financial Planning manager.

Ms Hopton, who is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: “I wanted my next step to be somewhere I could offer holistic Financial Planning, as opposed to the sometimes restricted offering found in the big banks.

“I’ve been looking at alternatives for about a year, looking for the right fit. I liked what I heard about AFH, and when I talked to them I felt there was a good cultural fit and wanted to be part of the really exciting things the group is doing.

“I’m really looking forward to building up my client base, supported by all the in-house expertise we have at AFH. The extra support allows me to spend more time with my clients and less time chained to my computer!”

AFH head of business development Dawn Walker-Bennett said: “As a growing business we’re always looking for like-minded individuals to join us, and that’s why we’re delighted to welcome Ellie to our team.”

AFH recently acquired Colchester-based Financial Planner Britton Financial for £2m, adding £57m of funds under management.