Leicester based independent financial advisory firm Westerby Group’s original operation Westerby Investment Management has marked 30 years in business whilst Westerby Trustee Services is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
All aspects of the group continue to thrive, with significant growth in combined turnover (50 per cent-plus), profit (300 per cent-plus) and employee numbers (50 per cent-plus) over the last three years.
In the past three months, WTS (provider of bespoke SSAS and SIPP schemes) have taken on a record number of new schemes. Both WTS and WIM’s growth are mostly driven by varying factors, with a mutual element being the company’s positive ethos and spirit. Where WIM’s business comes from mostly client referrals and professional connections, WTS’s comes from Independent Financial Advisers across the UK together with direct enquiries from an increasing number of High Net Worth/Sophisticated Investors.
Steve Harvey, Managing Director for Westerby Group since 2012, says: “I’ve been in the industry for 36 years and with Westerby Group for the past five. It’s a huge achievement to have grown so much in size over such a short space of time. Each and every year the company reinvents itself in light of current compliance, politics, economic conditions and industry trends. These constant challenges in the industry actually allow us to differentiate ourselves by staying ahead of the game, where we need to be.”
While the business isn’t looking to acquire competitors, they are looking to expand further, both in Leicester and are also considering developing a presence in London.
Harvey says: “I think our organic growth very much stems from the ethos and positivity of the team. We have a very flat management structure and working conditions are extremely flexible. We get offers once or twice a month to sell the businesses, but we’re not interested in that. We’re excited to build on 30 years and take Westerby Group on to the next era.”
