Financial services firm Cottons launches in Bristol

NORTH West financial services company Cottons Financial Planning Group has expanded with the opening of its first office in the south.

The new base, in Bristol, is Salford Quays-based Cottons’ fifth in total. The IFA firm already has sites in Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent and Ossett, Yorkshire. It employs 30 people in total and is hoping to grow turnover from £700,0000 this year to more than £1m in 2014.

Mark Albinson, director of Cottons said: “We already service a national client base from our existing offices, but in order to give a greater level of service and a personal service that is expected of the Cottons brand we want to have more local office locations, so our client base can choose where they see us.”

The Bristol office will initially be staffed by a team of four, providing businesses and individuals with advice on wealth management, pensions, protection, estates and trusts.

The new operation is being led by Paul Walkinshaw, who has been appointed as South West area manager.

Mr Albinson added; “Paul has many years of experience in the financial services industry and comes highly recommended having worked as a tax accountant, financial adviser, business development consultant and learning and development manager over the years, he is ideally suited to take Cottons Bristol to the next level.”

Mr Walkinshaw said: “Cottons is really progressive and supportive. It has expertise within and a willingness to share this for client benefit which means that each client will get the best service and the best solution, every time. I look forward to making Cottons the best IFA business in the South West and want to continue to recruit top quality advisers who are both ambitious and client focused.”