Listed financial services firm launches new Cornish operation

A financial services firm is to open a new office in Cornwall.

Walker Crips Group, a national investment, financial planning and fintech company, has opened a new office in Truro.

Shane Bennett, has joined the firm from Exeter-based Cathedral Financial Management as Walker Crips’ new head of investment strategy.

Bennett spent more than a decade at Cathedral, where he joined in July 2012 as a research analyst and rose to head of investment.

The new Cornwall office will be headed up by Wesley Coultas, head of investment management.

Wesley has been at Walker Crips since 1997 and is responsible for developing the business strategy of the private client department.

Wesley also looks after client portfolios and specialises in bespoke and model portfolio investment management.

The new Truro office has three qualified investment managers, including senior investment manager Sarah Content, Shane Bennett and Wesley Coultas, as well as Stephanie Fox, head of client services,

Nikki Dark, investment administrator, and Jonathan Rowland, branch operations manager, to look after its £92mof assets.

Wesley Coultas said: “We continue to expand our regional presence in the South West and pursue opportunities and quality individuals in the marketplace.

“The arrival of Shane bolsters our Bespoke and Model Portfolio offerings for both retail clients and professional intermediaries.

“Appointing Shane is a great hire for the business as he is an experienced investment manager with a strong track record of portfolio performance, and it confirms our commitment to the South West as one of our core regional offices. We will undoubtedly benefit from his strengths within investment research, asset allocation and fund selection.”

Shane Bennett said: “It is great to join such a reputable company with such a strong heritage within the investment management industry.

“Walker Crips has an excellent team-based culture where clients are put at the forefront of its proposition. I am looking forward to working closely with the team and our clients to deliver high-quality financial outcomes.” –

Walker Crips Group plc is a  listed company specialising in investment management, financial planning, pensions advice, structured investments and technology services.

Walker Crips’ predecessors first bought and sold shares for clients on the London Stock Exchange in 1914.