Manchester-based Chartered Financial Planning firm Suttons Independent Financial Advisors has recruited Richard Higgs as a Chartered Financial Planner.

Mr Higgs joins from Wilmslow-based Equilibrium Financial Planning, where he was an associate financial planner.

Suttons, which is based in Sale, acquired Bolton firm Whitewell Financial Planning earlier this year for an undisclosed amount and its expanding client base has seen its assets under management rise to £300m.

Whitewell was its third acquisition.

New staff member Mr Higgs has 18 years’ experience in financial services and is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He worked at Equilibrium for just over 10 years and before that held numerous roles at Bank of New York Mellon.

Suttons was established in 2006 by Harvey Sutton to provide wealth management, tax, pensions and retirement planning advice to a client base which includes professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs.

Its services also include providing advice on mortgages, illness and life insurance and savings.

Ben Preston, managing director said: “Richard’s appointment further strengthens our team and the service we provide to clients.”

“Mr Higgs said: “I look forward to playing my part in helping Suttons to grow and bring its plans for the future to fruition as I progress my career with the firm.”

Suttons, which has 19 staff, continues to seek opportunities for further acquisitions alongside organic growth.

Revenues for Suttons’ latest financial year, which ran until 30 June, were on track to reach a record £3.3m, the firm said.

Suttons achieved Corporate Chartered status with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) last autumn.