A rapidly growing Cardiff-based Chartered Financial Planning firm has revealed plans to more than double its staff from 36 to 76 over the next two years as it gears up for further growth. 

Bartholomew Hawkins is acquiring additional office space as part of its drive to increase turnover and footprint across the UK and a Cheltenham office will open in the coming months as it expands its geographical reach too. 

Since 2013 staff numbers have grown from seven to 36.  

Bartholomew Hawkins says it will use the extra space to accommodate an increase in staff as it looks to increase its current portfolio of assets under advice by more than £270m to £1bn within the next five years. The company recently set up a share-scheme to allow staff to benefit from the growth. 

Launched in 2006, the firm has expanded from offering from pensions and retirement advice to providing full wealth management services including investment management and estate planning.

In the past six years revenues have grown from £600,000 to more than £3m and a recent premises purchase - supported by more than £500,000 of cash from NatWest - has enabled the firm to take ownership of the building it previously leased at Cardiff Gate Business Park. It also secured an additional 900 sq ft of floor-space acquired from a retiring tenant.

The firm recently appointed as chairman Martyn Ryan, the former chief financial officer at Genesis Investments who managed a portfolio of more than £35bn.

Richard Lord, director at Bartholomew Hawkins, said: “Our larger premises give us room to expand. Our recruitment strategy, smart approach to technology and commitment to customer service, is central to the firm realising its next phase of growth.”

• Editor's Note: story updated to add additional details about expansion numbers. Also details of property purchase added.