Fast-growing Financial Planning and wealth management group Loyal North has completed the acquisitions of two financial advice firms in the South West of England to strengthen its regional presence.

Blue House Financial Services and Lewins Investments, both of Taunton, have been acquired for undisclosed amounts, with the two deals adding £80m of client funds to the group.

They will become part of Loyal North’s regional hub business Milsted Langdon Financial Planning (MLFS) which is based in Taunton, Bristol and the South West.

Peter Ruff at Blue House and Nigel Lewins at Lewins Investments have both built up long-established client relationships. As part of the transition, MLFS will take over the ongoing Financial Planning responsibilities for the clients of the two firms, ensuring continuity of service and ongoing personalised advice.

Simon Verrechia, managing director of MLFS, said: “These are well-established client books with strong personal relationships and a client-first approach, which is fully aligned with our values and philosophy.”

In a joint statement, Peter Ruff and Nigel Lewins said: “Our clients have always been at the heart of our work, and ensuring their long-term financial wellbeing was our top priority in choosing a successor. MLFS, as part of Loyal North, provides a strong local presence with national strength.”

Debbie Dry, group acquisition director at Loyal North, said: “These acquisitions represent a continuation of our strategy to partner with high-quality advisers and ensure that clients are transitioned into trusted hands.”

Loyal North manages more than £1.8bn in client wealth nationally. The group is focused on growing, supporting, and promoting the UK’s best local Financial Planning businesses.

In April 2024 it acquired New Malden, Surrey-based Whitman Fry Wealth Management Ltd for an undisclosed amount to add £60m of client funds to the group.

In November 2023 it acquired Scottish Borders-based Financial Planning firm Sovereign Financial Services for an undisclosed sum to add £60m of client assets to the group.

In August 2023 it acquired Kings Lynn Financial Planning firm Quay Financial Planning for an undisclosed sum.

That month it also acquired West Malling, Kent financial advisory firm Paul Wallis Financial Solutions.

Among other firms acquired by Loyal North in recent years are: Hertford-based GPFM Chartered Financial Planners; Financial Planning and accountancy firm Milsted Langdon Financial Services, which has offices in the South West and North East; H&D Financial Planning; Lowland Financial based in Scotland and MacBeth Currie, also based in Scotland. The firm also runs an online advice and investment platform serving advisers called JustFA.