A NORTH-EAST investment specialist ended last year in style by breaking through the £100million funds under management barrier.
Scott James & Associates is an appointed representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, based in the heart of Aberdeen’s west end.
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The business has experienced increased demand for sound financial advice throughout the pandemic, leading to double-digit growth in funds under management over recent years. Between January and December (2021), this figure rose 35 per-cent from £74million to £100million.
This level of new and repeat business – encompassing retirement, investment, protection, estate, and tax planning advice – has allowed Scott James & Associates to grow from three people in 2019 to a 10-strong team today.
The recent appointments of mortgage adviser Jackie Cowe and administrators Frances Boyle, Natalie Murphy, and Lesley Sim bring significant expertise in all aspects of financial management, while complementing the existing team.
Scott James, director, commented: “I want to pay credit to every member of the team for their hard work and commitment to achieve this fantastic milestone. It’s a proud moment for me, having started-up nearly seven years ago, but it’s time to drive the business forward once again and make improvements where we can.
“The success of Scott James & Associates to date has been built on providing our customers with the highest levels of service to help achieve their goals and aspirations. We’re extremely fortunate to have been entrusted by our clients, particularly over recent years – with positive feedback and referrals continuing to be a major factor in our double-digit growth.
“The new recruits will certainly add fresh impetus to the business, and I’m pleased to welcome them all on board. Given their combined years of experience and broad range of financial services expertise, I have complete confidence they will help take the business to the next level.”
Scott James & Associates, which now supports more than 720 clients, has largely grown through referrals and recommendations from existing customers and contacts. In 2019, the company opened a second office in Blairgowrie, Perthshire to extend its reach beyond its traditional north-east base.
Director Scott James has also been a proud advocate of the St. James’s Place Academy since its inception in Scotland in 2016, having mentored three candidates so far to help realise their goal of becoming certified professionals.
This includes former private banking manager, Alaina Howie, who joined the firm in August and is currently working towards qualifying as a financial adviser through the respected career change programme.
