Two advice firms have been bought by Succession Group for a total of £4m as part of plans to create the UK’s largest independent wealth management business.

Friends and industry colleagues of Simon Chamberlain have expressed their sadness and shock after his sudden death last week. They have hailed his leadership and dry sense of humour, while noting his commitment to his family and business.

Succession’s non-executive chairman Ray Pierce is to take over as executive chairman of the national Financial Planning business Succession Group immediately following the sudden death of 51-year-old founder and group CEO Simon Chamberlain last week.

National advisory firm consolidator Succession is planning a ‘robo-advice-style’ service which will add human intervention to review any investment decisions.