Mr Lent DipPFS joins the partnership from KLO Financial Services where he was a financial adviser for two years.

His previous jobs included roles in wealth management and pensions consultancy as well as compliance and Paraplanning positions.

Mr Lent has been working in financial services for over 20 years.

He said: “I believe having a broad foundation of experience across the financial sector is a plus for me – and for my clients. But just as important are formal qualifications. It means that when I talk to clients, they can feel confident in the advice I provide.”

He says he chose to join Continuum due to it offering him the independence he needs, alongside being able to call on professional support and facilities.

He said: “I take the view that being independent is vital if I am going to provide the most suitable answer for clients long and short term financial needs.”

Martin Brown, managing partner at Continuum, said: “Our commitment has always been to giving clients the most suitable solutions to the financial challenges they face. Richard has demonstrated an approach that is the perfect match for our own.”

Continuum, is based in Plymouth and is part owned by M&G. It has assets under influence of over £1.81 billion.

• West Lancashire-based financial adviser firm Acumen Financial Partnership, based in Burscough, has expanded its team with the addition of new senior adviser Paul Rathbone who has worked in the profession for nearly 25 years, most recently working for an IFA firm in Crosby.