National adviser group Continuum, which is set to be acquired by M&G Wealth, has recruited Stephanie McClarence as a new Chartered Financial Planner based in Tyneside.

Ms McClarence will work with both personal and business clients and has built a specialism in working with small business owners.

She said: “I enjoy meeting people and getting to know the issues that motivate and worry them. But it is the stage after that, putting what I have learned to work, that is the most rewarding. For me – and for Continuum – it means creating holistic financial plans that provide the solutions clients need to meet their goals.

“There are plenty of people with financial questions, and very real challenges right now. I want to be part of the solution, especially when it comes to closing the pensions gap between men and women.”

The national IFA firm says it expects “record numbers” of advisers to join the partnership in the second half of this year.

Martin Brown, managing partner at Continuum, said the addition of Ms McClarence will allow the national IFA to strengthen its presence in the North East.

Earlier this month fund manager and wealth manager M&G announced it would acquire Continuum for an undisclosed sum. M&G plc will take an initial 49.9% stake in the Plymouth-based company this year with an agreement to acquire the remainder over the following 2 years. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

Continuum will retain its own brand as part of the M&G Wealth businesses and no redundancies are planned.

Launched in 2014 by founding partner Martin Brown, Continuum has more than 60 IFAs and is Financial Planning focused. It has strong links with the UK’s accountancy profession. Assets under influence at Continuum rose 17% year-on-year to £1.53bn for the half year ending 30 June.

Continuum also saw a 31% rise in recurring income (year-on-year), a 37% rise in operating profit, and a 16% rise in average adviser 12-month rolling productivity to £206,259.