North Wales finance firm opens new London base and targets £100m

A GROWING financial advisory firm is making a bold capital investment as it continues with expansion plans.
Mold-based Celtic Financial Planning has unveiled new offices in Canary Wharf, London, and welcomed award-winning Cleona Lira into the fold.

A chartered financial planner, Cleona has more than a decade’s experience in the sector and is delighted to be onboard.

“I am excited to be a part of Celtic Financial Planning as their commitment to offering sustainable investing aligns well with my own,” she said.

“Their processes and support systems are really efficient with a focus on using technology to provide wholesome financial planning, freeing up the adviser to spend time on productive activities around financial planning that add real value.”

Director Rob Lewis, who has seen Celtic Financial Planning go from three to 10 staff since 2018, welcomed Cleona to the team.

With more administrators and advisors expected to join in the months ahead, his ultimate target is to reach £100m in managed funds in the next year.

“Opening new offices in London and Cleona joining will certainly help us reach the next level as a business,” said Rob.

“She wanted to partner with an independent firm having worked for larger organisations, and for us the move strengthens our proposition, attracting clients in a multitude of different sectors.

“Cleona will also sit on our quarterly investment committee and be a big part of our strategic decision-making in the future.”

Rob said trends in financial advice have changed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with customers traditionally opting for large, multinational corporations turning to smaller, independent organisations offering a more personal, hands-on service.

“There is an increase in demand, we have seen it more and more over the last year,” he said.

“Big city clients want transparency; we are competitive, and client focused but also have that feel of a family business, and more people want that.

“They are moving away from the stuffy, pin-striped, faceless corporations that do not have their best interests at heart.”

Rob added: “We are a modern, dynamic and honest practice using technology and tailoring a service to their needs rather than being sales driven.

“As Celtic Financial Planning grows, we will have more funds under management and the target is to reach £100m in the next 12 months, as well as taking on three or four new staff in North Wales and London.

“That will be a big milestone for us and is achievable, especially now Cleona is on-board and helping us to raise the bar once again.”

Celtic Financial Planning has enjoyed a strong start to 2021, winning clients from across the UK and completing the takeover of the financial advisory arm of Widnes-based Halton Insurance Services, a move that brought a further £20m of funds and up to 100 customers under their management.