National Financial Planning firm Fairstone has this week moved into a new flagship office HQ, formerly used as the head office of sportswear firm Nike.

The new HQ building is in Doxford International Business Park on the outskirts of Sunderland.

Fairstone says the new building will help act as a “catalyst” to spur further expansion of the fast growing group which has acquired numerous adviser firms in recent years.

In the first half of 2023 six firms joined the group as part of its Downstream Buy Out (DBO) progressive acquisition model.

The firm now has more than 1200 operational staff and regulated advisers working from 45 offices across the UK.

The new flagship office has been refurbished and includes collaborative meeting spaces, business lounges, private pods, a media studio and an amphitheatre to host events.

The company moved its HQ from Boldon near Newcastle, home to Fairstone for the past 15 years.

Fairstone CEO Lee Hartley said: “Our new space will house the expanding teams that are driving forward our ambitious growth plans and strategic objectives as well as helping us to continue to attract high calibre talent.

“Sunderland has a long track record of supporting ambitious, growing businesses so we’re proud and delighted to join the likes of Nissan, EE and Barclays in making this investment.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: “We are thrilled that Fairstone, a very successful company in the competitive financial services market, have chosen to invest in the city.”

Fairstone oversees £15bn in funds under management on behalf of more than 55,000 wealth management clients.