SSAS firm Westbridge Group has added three new hires following the announcement of its acquisition of failed pension firm Rowanmoor’s SSAS business.

Matt Gardiner and Hugo Witts have joined Westbridge SSAS as account managers, joining from similar roles at Mattioli Woods. 

Mr Witts has a Diploma in regulated financial advice.

Mr Gardiner said: “As well as carrying out SSAS administration on behalf of a portfolio of clients I am looking forward to being responsible for mentoring new starters and helping with the ongoing training of established team members.”

Sian Shade has joined Westbridge Tax as a senior associate from Grant Thornton.

Leicester-based Westbridge recently added offices in Salisbury and Bolton following the acquisition of the employees, clients, and assets of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions’ book of 3,500 SSAS for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition is set to be completed by the end of January 2023 when Westbridge will fully take over the business. All 97 staff will be retained.

The acquisition will include REPL’s actuarial team who will join the professional services team at Westbridge.

Before the acquisition Westbridge had a SSAS book of around 1,000 schemes.

Westbridge previously acquired the SSAS book of James Hay in March 2021.

The firm recently shared plans to rebrand its enlarged business in Q1 2023. 

Westbridge provides specialist tax advice and independent administration, consultancy and trustee services for SSASs. It was established in 2016.