Fast-growing Chartered Financial Adviser and wealth manager Shackleton, formerly Skerritts, has acquired Norfolk-based firm Harrold Financial Planning Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

The purchase brings in £300m of AUM and widens Shackleton’s presence to the east of England.

It increases to 16 the number of deals that Shackleton has completed since a £55m investment in March 2021 by UK private equity buy & build specialist Sovereign Capital Partners.

Paul Feeney, chief executive of Shackleton, said: "This acquisition expands our presence into the east of England and aligns perfectly with our goal of being Britain’s financial adviser."

Harrold Financial Planning was formed in 1988 by husband and wife team Paul and Pauline Harrold in Hingham near Norwich. 

They were joined by Neil Warne in 1993 and Robyn Lovatt in 2001 with Harrold Financial Planning Limited formed in April 2008 with the Harrolds selling their shares to Mr Warne and Mr Lovatt In February 2014 ahead of Mr Harrold's impending retirement at the age of 66.

Neil Warne and Robyn Lovatt, managing directors of HFP, said: “We spent significant time evaluating companies that would complement our ethos and ensure we are able to continue offering a comprehensive range of services to our clients. Joining Shackleton allows us to provide the added resources and benefits that come with being part of a larger group.

“Being part of Shackleton will help us invest in and grow the business while ensuring our valued clients remain well cared for into the future."

Shackleton launched in December 2024 with the business being renamed from Skerritts and moving its HQ from Hove to London. It was named after British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

In December it acquired four firms:

 • Scottish-based Save & Invest Group Limited, which manages £550m of AUM. It was launched in 1985 and has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

• West Country-based Fleming Financial Limited, which manages £250m of AUM. The firm was part of Bishop Fleming LLP and has offices in Bristol and Plymouth.

• Sutton Coldfield-based Robson Lister Limited, which manages £350m of AUM and was established in 2001.

• Chesterfield-based Shorts Financial Services LLP, which manages £350m of AUM and was part of Shorts Accountants.

In September last year, it broadened its regional exposure to include the North of England and Scotland through the purchase of Ellis Bates.

In July Skerritts bought £540m AUM London-based Black Swan Financial Planning as well as £400m AUM Surrey Financial Planning firm KMG Independent Limited and its sister firm KMG Investment Management Limited.

In December 2023 Skerritts bought £230m AUM Financial Planning firm Chadwick McLean, which is based in Chester. In September 2023 Skerritts Group acquired Kent-based Chartered Financial Planning firm Ambrose Fisher, adding £62m in AUM to the group.

In March 2023  Skerritts acquired Horsham-based Financial Planner Mercier Allen & Associates, adding £73m of AUM. In January 2023 it bought Kent-based Financial Planning firm Equinox Wealth Limited, which added another £62m of AUM. In 2022 Skerritts completed four acquisitions.