Before working at Tellsons he spent nine years at JM Finn.

Mr Macfarlane will bolster the company’s growing private client team which includes Robert Hunter, who joined from Brown Shipley last July, and James Edgedale, former chairman of JM Finn who joined in September.

Church House is a London-based specialist investment firm integrating wealth and investment management services. It has a substantial wealth planning arm.

Cranley Macfarlane said: “I initially got to know Church House through its corporate bond fund, which at JM Finn was one of my preferred choices when in charge of fixed interest funds.

“Since then, I have got to know more about their investment approach and resolute focus on capital preservation, which underpins their enviable performance track record.”

James Johnsen, director and head of private clients at Church House said: “Mr Macfarlane provides the perfect fit within our growing private client team.”

Jerry Wharton, chief executive at Church House, said: “Cranley Macfarlane’s joining CHI marks another important step in fulfilment of our ambitious growth plans and vision for Church House.”

The business also has a base in Sherborne, Dorset from where South and West Country clients are looked after.

Church House has been offering specialist services to individuals, financial professionals and institutions for more 20 years. It manages a range of six funds for use by advisers and wealth managers and has assets under management of more than £1bn. It is backed by the Cayzer Trust Company.