Financial planning firm Chilvester has more than doubled its office space by relocating in a move that also gives it ample room to expand.
The company, which oversees client investments of £100m-plus, has upped sticks from Calne, where it was founded in 1999, to Chippenham to set it up for growth.
Its new premises at Avon Reach on Monkton Hill also allow it to meet face-to-face with clients and to stage events with local businesses, focusing on financial planning topics.
In recent years Chilvester, which specialises in personal financial planning advice, including for retirement, has expanded to a 17-strong team through organic growth and the acquisition last year of a small Bristol-based practice.
It is now planning to open more branch offices, including one in Bristol to better support the clients who joined with the acquisition. It already has a Marlborough office, which is open for client meetings.
Chilvester managing director Andy Tottman said the Chippenham move was allowing it to improve the services it offered to clients.
“I hope the local professional services businesses in the area will be able to join our events and seminars, to add a legal and accounting angle to financial planning which Chilvester provides.
“We’d wanted to move to larger premises for some time. Covid changed our plans a little, but as we looked into moving in earnest in early 2022 we’re very happy with the premises we have found in Chippenham, which enable us to retain a town centre presence for our clients to call in and see us.
“Many financial advice firms have moved to remote working, or out-of-town offices, but to be accessible for our clients is very much part of who we are.
“While banks are moving out and closing branches, there are fewer and fewer opportunities available for people to talk to a financial adviser.’’
Investment director Sam Binstead, who has been with Chilvester since 2011, is also excited about the move.
He added: “Chilvester oversees client investments which total over £100m, which I am responsible for as chairman of the investment committee.
“We work hard to ensure we are managing our clients’ investments sensibly and carefully, especially during these volatile times, both politically and economically.
“We partnered with major investment managers last year to enhance our investment strategies, which also provides access to funds and asset classes that we otherwise may not have been able to.’’
The Chilvester team helps with complex matters, such as supporting clients who have lifetime allowance concerns, saving and investments, which includes establishing trusts and planning for clients’ wellbeing in the future.
As independent financial advisers, the team also helps small businesses with their staff benefits, such as private medical cover or workplace pensions.
Pictured: Chilvester directors: Andy Tottman, left, and Sam Binstead
