The company says the hires will strengthen its Financial Planning services across the UK and help build its footprint, particularly in the North.

Charles Stanley was acquired by rival Raymond James in 2021 for £280m.

The appointments are:

• Chartered Wealth Manager and Certified Financial Planner Harry Bell joins the Manchester team from Close Brothers Asset Management. Mr Bell has over 15 years’ experience in wealth and investment, advising HNW families, entrepreneurs and family business owners.

Charles Stanley says his appointment will allow the Manchester-based team to offer more personal and bespoke Financial Planning services alongside tailored investment management.

• John Moseley joins the Charles Stanley Leeds office. He previously worked at Allots Chartered Accountants, where he was an independent financial adviser. He has over 27 years’ experience as a financial adviser, starting as a senior financial adviser at NatWest.

• Chartered Financial Planner Stephen Hughes, also joins Charles Stanley in Edinburgh from Schroders Personal Wealth. He previously worked as a financial adviser at Lloyds Banking Group and Bank of Scotland before moving to the new wealth management joint venture between Lloyds Banking Group and Schroders - Schroders Personal Wealth. He started his career in 2006 as a financial adviser at Bank of Scotland.

• Gary Quick joins the Exeter office from Francis Clark Financial Planning. He holds Chartered status and is a pension, tax planning and investment specialist - having held a role on the investment committee of his previous firm. He has over 20 years of industry experience.

Andrew Meigh, managing director of Financial Planning at Charles Stanley, said: “I am extremely pleased to add four senior and talented people to the team.

“Especially of note is our ambition to expand Financial Planning services in the North to complement our bespoke investment management service and provide a holistic wealth management service.

“A strong regional presence in Manchester and Leeds allows us to offer the excellent personal and local service that our clients have come to expect from us.”

Charles Stanley has 35 Financial Planners working alongside 169 investment managers in 23 regional offices.