Brunel Wealth acquires Academy Associates

Brunel Wealth has announced the acquisition of Bristol-based Academy Associates for an undisclosed sum.

Academy Associates Principal Tom Jones has joined Brunel Wealth. He will continue servicing his existing clients while supporting the wider team.

Brunel Wealth was established through client requests to work with and benefit from a client-centric advice firm. The successes and growth of Brunel Wealth complements the Group’s achievements. The commercial insurance broking business has received chartered status three years running, the gold standard award within insurance.

Incorporated in October 2019, with FCA authorisation in February 2020, Brunel Wealth has grown rapidly over a short space of time. The acquisition of Academy Associates also comes less than a year after the merger of North Star Wealth Management.

Group CEO Russell Lane commented:

“I would like to thank Iain Black and the team on what has been a remarkable first year. The company started trading just weeks before the pandemic and a little over a year later, we are nearly a quarter of a billion under management which is a fantastic achievement.”

“Following the acquisition of Academy Associates, I am delighted to welcome Tom Jones to the Wealth team. Tom has a distinguished reputation in Bristol and extensive knowledge and experience within the wealth management sector. Tom will be a real asset to Brunel and will be an integral part of helping drive continued growth through our unique proposition” said Russell.

Academy Associates Principal Tom Jones commented:

“My business has grown rapidly in recent years and I considered the best way to continue to provide a high level of service to my clients was to join a prestigious firm of advisers who are as committed as I am to providing professional, bespoke and friendly financial advice.  I met with a number of firms and Brunel Wealth were head and shoulders the most suitable option.  They are a fast growing and increasingly significant part of the adviser landscape, particularly in Bristol, and I am really excited to be a part of that in the coming years.”

“Also on a personal note, I worked with MD Iain Black many years ago, and I am fully aware of his own personal professionalism and dedication to providing quality advice to his clients and those of Brunel Wealth. This was obviously an encouragement to join them.”

Managing Director, Iain Black added:

“I am delighted Tom has chosen to bring his business into Brunel Wealth, as it is a great strategic fit. I have known Tom for many years and it is going to be great to work with him again. Our achievements in the past twelve months have been exceptional, despite the pandemic. This acquisition is a further boost towards our growth plans.”

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