The FCA has issued an update on steps certain firms need to take in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s preferred date of 31 October.

Blick Rothenberg, which alongside its accounting and tax services has a pensions planning and advisory arm, has made a new acquisition.

The purchase of Rees Pollock, a practice focusing on advising owner managed businesses with a particular expertise in businesses regulated by the FCA, was revealed by Blick Rothenberg last week.

John Connolly, executive chairman of CogitalGroup, of which Blick Rothenberg is a division, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues into our group.

“Rees Pollock’s team and client base complements Blick Rothenberg’s depth of experience in tax and international business.

“The acquisition builds on Blick Rothenberg’s ability to support  owner managed businesses particularly those that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

“This acquisition is part of Cogital’s growth strategy and is another step forward in our plans to build a technology driven international business services group strengthening our presence in the entrepreneurial business sector.”

Nilesh Shah, CEO of Blick Rothenberg said: “We are delighted to have acquired Rees Pollock.

“They have an outstanding reputation in their field and are a perfect fit for us.

“It is another step in our ambition to continue to build a high quality business focusing on domestic and international entrepreneurial businesses and their owners.”
 
Simon Rees, senior partner of Rees Pollock, said: “We are extremely pleased to be joining Blick Rothenberg.

“We both share a common culture and take pride in the services we provide to our clients.

“The Blick Rothenberg team and the wider CogitalGroup, with their investment in technology, will broaden the range of services we can offer to our clients both in the UK and internationally.”

The value of the acquisition was not revealed.

The Financial Conduct Authority has fined leading City broker Tullett Prebon (Europe) Limited £15.4m for failing to conduct its business with “due skill, care and diligence.”

Reyker Securities, a firm which offered structured investments and a DFM service, has slumped into administration.