Chartered Financial Planner Andrew Gardiner has left his role as associate director with Lowes Financial Management in Newcastle after it was taken over by national firm Saltus.

He has joined rival Newcastle Financial Planning firm Greenarch Wealth Management.

Mr Gardiner said: “After many years delivering independent advice at Lowes, I felt it was vital to remain aligned with a firm that shares my values, putting clients first and offering truly independent advice. Greenarch stood out as a locally-rooted Chartered firm with ambition.”

Greenarch, founded in 2022, said it was committed to delivering high-quality, independent Financial Planning advice across the North East.

Alister Gaines, director at Greenarch, said: “Andrew’s professionalism, deep client relationships, and shared belief in independent advice make him an ideal fit for our team. As we continue to grow, we’re focused on attracting the highest quality people and Andrew certainly adds to our team as an experienced and talented Financial Planner with strong relationships in the North East and beyond.”

Mr Gaines said the firm was “an ambitious business with a clear plan to attract not only advisers, but also clients, who are disillusioned with the large national consolidator model.”

He added: “We are also interested in speaking with those advisers who are approaching retirement and considering options for their clients.”

The Greenarch Wealth Management brand was formed following the merger of Arena Nagel Clark and Akrivis Wealth in January 2022. The brand was established in anticipation of a 15-year growth plan.

In February Financial Planner and wealth manager Saltus bought Newcastle-based Financial Planning firm Lowes Financial Management for an undisclosed amount.

In May fast-growing Saltus acquired £400m AUM Herts-based Financial Planning firm Delta Financial Management.

Saltus started life as an investment management firm in 2004 with Saltus Financial Planning launched in 2015. The group employs more than 300 people who look after more than £7bn for its clients.

Last October Saltus paid up to £37.75m to acquire Tavistock’s financial advice businesses, Tavistock Partners Limited and Tavistock Partners (UK) Limited, including the Abacus and Duchy brands.