Bristol-based Financial Planning firm Paradigm Norton has merged with London-based Financial Planner The Red House to create a firm with 55 staff.

Paradigm Norton now has offices located in Bristol, Torquay and London. The combined firm will use the Paradigm Norton name with Red House rebranding. The Red House, a firm led by high profile Financial Planner Ruth Sturkey, is based in Farringdon, London.

The merger is part of its planned strategy to build a significant Financial Planning business in the UK, say the firms. Paradigm Norton and The Red House officially and legally became one firm on Thursday 14 December but only announced the news today.

Paradigm Norton’s chief executive Barry Horner, a former President of the Institute of Financial Planning, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be merging with The Red House, a firm we have watched for a number of years, who share our values, passion and commitment to delivering an excellent client experience.”

Chartered Financial Planner Ruth Sturkey CFP FPFS, managing director of The Red House, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Paradigm Norton, a firm we have known and admired for nearly ten years.

“This merger is great news for both our clients and our team, bringing greater strength, depth and continuity to our offering. The integration of our teams, each of whom have an excellent track record of delivering innovative financial planning solutions, gives our mutual clients a range of additional resources, expertise and life skills”

Paradigm Norton was founded in 2001 and is an award-winning firm achieving an additional two honours in 2017 alone. The Red House was founded in 2007.

The merger was announced on social media with a video chat between Ms Sturkey and Mr Horner.

The video is available here: http://bit.ly/2Ew1UkO