Yorkshire-based Financial Planning firm James Financial has rebranded as Lairgate Financial, named after the historic Georgian building the firm has recently agreed to purchase.

The firm said the purchase of 31 Lairgate in Beverley town centre and the firm’s rebrand are a “signal of their commitment to Beverley and the surrounding Yorkshire and the Humber region.”

The Financial Planning firm was established in 2016 and has a team of eight people.

Co-founder Wayne Audsley said having a high street office is key and that the firm’s rapid growth is partially due to the fact that the firm is continuing to offer something which is increasingly rate on the high street.

Mr Wayne said the firm’s independently-owned status in a market place increasingly characterised by the kind of consolidation which sees smaller firms swallowed up.

He said: “We were motivated to set up our own firm because we wanted to provide something special which we feel is sadly lacking in today’s financial advice market.

“In our experience, being part of a larger group company often creates pressure to chase sales and commission, charge higher fees and push a smaller set of products, from providers that company might have built beneficial relationships with, rather than those that are best for the client. 

“Whereas, Phil and I own our business outright, and that means we can genuinely guide our clients based on what’s out there in the whole of the market, that we think best suits their financial goals.

“We believe that’s increasingly special in today’s world and it’s something we will never compromise on.”