Business

Worldwide Financial Planning in key growth strategy

Belfast-born Irish News personal finance columnist and Worldwide Financial Planning chairman Peter McGahan (right) with new appointees James Barclay (left) and Simon Funge
Belfast-born Irish News personal finance columnist and Worldwide Financial Planning chairman Peter McGahan (right) with new appointees James Barclay (left) and Simon Funge Belfast-born Irish News personal finance columnist and Worldwide Financial Planning chairman Peter McGahan (right) with new appointees James Barclay (left) and Simon Funge

WORLDWIDE Financial Planning has appointed a new managing director and new compliance and head of risk in a drive to take the firm to the next step in becoming a market leader in independent financial advice.

The firm, set up in 1998 and which has offices in Northern Ireland and England, will be headed by Simon Funge, previous head of financial planning at Wesleyan, where he managed a team of 300 specialist financial advisers. He will be joined by James Barclay, who will head up risk management in the compliance department.

Simon, who previously held the role of head of operations, strategy and proposition for Wesleyan, has held some key roles including client relationship director at Doran Scott Williams.

Belfast-born chairman Peter McGahan - who writes a regular financial advice column for the Irish News - said: "As a strong team of independent financial advisers we are building on our Financial Times business awards and successes which we have built up over the years.

"We are developing our award-winning investment and pension proposition and mortgage department to make us a market leader in financial advice. These new appointments are instrumental foundations in making this happen and the firm is delighted to have the new team players on board.

"Worldwide Financial Planning is growing and as well as the new additions to the team we are seeking new advisers in Northern Ireland and increasing our administration support team. Similarly we will grow by acquiring companies over the coming years."