Prest Financial Planning has reported a record first quarter, adding more than £15 million to its funds under management. March 2018 was also its strongest-ever month for new funds under management, accounting for £7.7 million of the total.

Chartered Financial Planning firm Prest now manages approximately £350 million in client assets, £50 million of which was added in 2017. Market fluctuations notwithstanding, the Hazel Grove, Stockport-based firm is on track to increase its funds under management to more than £400 million by the end of the year.

This year's first-quarter figure of £15.4 million in new funds under management compares to £13 million for the same period in 2017 and £9.4 million added in the first quarter of 2016.

Graham Prest, Chief Executive of Prest Financial Planning, said, "We have experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and the rate is actually accelerating. Our current growth rate would be impressive for a five-year-old firm but, for one that has been operating for more than five decades, it is truly exceptional.

"Investing clients' assets is only one part of what we do as financial planners. Nonetheless, funds under management do provide a good indication of growth, and these latest figures show that we are emphatically heading in the right direction.

"The last quarter's record growth in funds under management was achieved while we were implementing major regulatory reforms that came into force at the beginning of the year. I couldn't be prouder of the team, who have pulled together and continue to give their all to make this happen."

As a result of its continuing growth Prest is now looking to add to its Administration and Financial Planning Support teams. These roles require some financial services experience and knowledge but the key attributes the firm is looking for are attention to detail, organisation and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Graham said, "We are looking for individuals who have what it takes to join a dynamic team, and are motivated by the sense of achievement that comes from knowing clients are really well looked after. We treat all clients and employees as part of the extended Prest family and are looking for recruits who are just as committed to delivering fantastic client outcomes as they would be to looking after their parents' or siblings' personalfinancial affairs."

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Notes to editors

About Prest Financial Planning

Prest Financial Planning is a firm of Chartered Financial Planners. It implements comprehensive financial plans and investment strategies that enable clients and their families to meet their lifetime goals and objectives. It has been based in Hazel Grove, near Stockport in Greater Manchester, for more than half a century and serves a loyal client base of business owners, professionals and retired high net worth individuals based mainly in South Manchester and Cheshire.

The firm has particular expertise in transfers from defined benefit (final salary) pension schemes, with highly qualified specialists who provide independent, authoritative advice on the suitability of exchanging a guaranteed lifetime income for a lump sum that could benefit from the recently introduced "pension freedoms" legislation. In cases where transfers are found to be suitable, Prest implements lifelong investment strategies and provides generational wealth planning advice to ensure transferring remains the appropriate choice.

Another specialist area is socially responsible investment. The firm has a long track record of advising clients on green and ethical options that can generate the investment performance they desire without compromising their socially responsible values.

Prest also provides expert, highly qualified advice on the funding of long-term care.

Prest Financial Planning was established in 1961 by James Prest, the father of its current Chief Executive Graham Prest. After more than five decades Prest retains a strong family ethos that defines all of its relationships with staff, clients and business partners.