Unique Financial Planning has launched a new wealth management arm in Surrey to target expansion in the HNW market. 

The launch of Unique Wealth follows the merger of Unique and part of Bright Blue Wealth (BBW), a Surrey-based wealth manager founded in 1999. 

Both businesses are part of the Openwork network.

As part of the move, Bright Blue founder and owner Rhiannon Vallis and three Bright Blue advisers have merged with Unique to create Unique Wealth, based in a new office in Weybridge, Surrey.

Ms Vallis, who has more than 20 years’ financial service experience, and her team will focus on HNW individuals looking for “generational planning services” and wealth preservation advice.

The merger will increase Unique’s assets under influence to just under £700m and expand staffing to 32 advisers across five locations in Dorset, Surrey, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Stewart Williams, CEO of Unique Financial, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rhiannon and her team to Unique and are incredibly excited for the opportunities that await us in the wealth management space.

“Over the past few years, we have been gradually expanding our offering to ensure we can provide the full range of services to our clients throughout their lives. 

“The creation of Unique Wealth is a transformative step for us and will allow us to offer a wider range of wealth preservation and generational planning services to those with more complex financial needs.”

Rhiannon Vallis said: “The added support that being part of a bigger organisation such as Unique will allow us to offer an even better service to our clients.

“I speak for all four of us when I say that we can’t wait to get working with our new colleagues to create an offering of genuine benefit to clients looking to preserve and grow their wealth.”

Unique was established in 1991 and provides advice on investments, mortgages, pensions and protection to clients across the south of England.