Perspective Acquires Four Firms and Expands Academy Team

These acquisitions create a new office location for the Group in Belfast, its first in Northern Ireland, taking its total to 27 offices. Perspective has completed eight acquisitions since the start of 2023, and 63 acquisitions in total since the Group was founded 16 years ago.

In addition, the Group has exchanged contracts on a further seven deals which will all complete in the coming months. Each acquisition meets Perspective’s criteria and shares the Group’s client-centric culture.

Gary Blakemore, Managing Director of Tees Valley Asset Management, said: “Following the sudden, sad passing of my close friend and business partner David Snowden last year, it was imperative that I obtained help and support from a larger national firm.

“Several firms were interested in acquiring my business. However, Perspective stood out as they share the same client-focussed ethos and values as I have. They are the perfect fit. I am very much looking forward to working with them, knowing my clients and I are with the right firm.”

Paul Bennett, Founder and Director of P Bennett & Associates Ltd said: “When I came to the realisation that I was not getting any younger and needed to address the issue of succession planning, I sought a way forward to protect the interests of my clients to ensure they would have continuity of advice in the years to come.

“In joining Perspective, I have identified a firm that shares the same values as myself and is committed to professional and personal advice on a whole of market basis. I look forward to working closely with Perspective to ensure a successful and harmonious integration.”

Martin Blackman, Director of Oak Financial Management (MCR) Ltd said: “After nearly forty years in the profession I felt it was time to follow the advice we have given so many of our clients and plan my own retirement. I am delighted to join Perspective as this will provide long-term security for delivering financial advice to our clients and enable me to step away with confidence, knowing that our clients are in excellent hands.”

Eamon Southwell, Director of Marlborough Place Ltd said: “We wanted to be confident we have a business model which provides a consistent and reliable high level of service for our clients, not just now, but long into the future.

“Whilst we have been part of the On-Line Partnership Ltd since we were founded in 2013, we decided the best long-term solution for our clients and staff was to seek a merger with a larger partner who could provide the assistance and support required to help sustain and grow the business further.

“We are delighted to become part of Perspective as they clearly share our ethos, ethics and client-focused approach. We are confident this will provide long-term security for our clients and staff.”

 Ian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Perspective said: “We are delighted that these four firms chose to become part of us. These deals add a further 880 households as clients and £240 million in AUM. We welcome everyone from these firms to the Group.

“We have our biggest ever pipeline of acquisitions, both large and small, and relish the opportunity to grow further at scale and pace.

“Our Perspective Academy, now nine years old, is fundamental to ensuring we have a strong pipeline of future talent to support our growth plans. With over 40 people in the Academy including Administrators, Paraplanners and Financial Planners, we are building the capacity to support future growth and provide excellent career prospects for our people.

“Perspective has been built around a culture of putting our clients at the centre of our decision-making process to ensure that we always deliver good client outcomes, as far back as our beginning in 2007.  We always put ourselves in our clients’ shoes first and foremost, so our vision and core values are perfectly aligned to the incoming Consumer Duty, as though the new Principle was written to match our entire ethos.”