11 April 2007
11 April 2007
Investment Managers celebrates two years in operation
Leading Belfast investment manager Bell Lawrie, has today announced the appointment of Kenneth McCaw and Andrew Burns. This comes as the company celebrates the second anniversary of its Belfast operation.
The appointments will strengthen Bell Lawrie’s offering, broadening its range of expertise in the evolving office. McCaw joins as divisional director from Rensburg Sheppards where he was joint director in charge, while Burns follows him from the same company as a fully qualified fund manager from his previous position as lead discretionary fund manager. These individuals have impressive track records that will add further depth to Bell Lawrie’s client services.
The number of staff has more than doubled since a team of former employees of Cunningham Coates set out their stall under the Bell Lawrie banner in 2005. With several high profile appointments, including that of Michael McQuade who joined as divisional director from the Bank of Ireland, the company is building an unrivalled team.
With substantial funds under management, the company has now established itself as a leading player in the sector. It now provides a broad range of services to its sizeable client base from advisory dealing and portfolio management, through to full discretion.
Head of office, Henry Algeo, said, “The appointments of Kenneth and Andrew are a real coup for the company, adding a wealth of knowledge which will reinforce our standing in Belfast and our clients are sure to reap the benefits of their expertise. This growth demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our presence in Belfast, whilst ensuring we continue to provide the best possible service to our diverse client base.
“Our first two years have been very successful, firmly establishing ourselves as a leading force in the sector. We have exceeded targets and growth looks set to continue at this pace. This is not a company that is content with standing still as we are always looking to strengthen our market position in Northern Ireland and as such, we look forward to the future with confidence.”
There have been several milestones for the company since its inception. In November 2006 the company took ownership of the Bank of Ireland’s Northern Irish equity portfolio management business from its financial services division, which amounted to around £55 million of discretionary portfolios being transferred. In addition it has built up valuable relationships with the ever-expanding financial intermediaries market who have been particularly attracted to their SIPP management and IHT planning, through the use of the AIM market share portfolio.
Bell Lawrie is also the first ever sponsor of the IRFU Ulster Branch Youth Cups. This new sponsorship is a positive step for the future of the youth game in Ulster and signals a new partnership for the branch. The finals take place on Saturday 5 May at Ravenhill. This sponsorship follows the company’s long standing association with youth rugby. In Scotland, Bell Lawrie has been title sponsors of the Scottish Schools Cups for the past seven years. Bell Lawrie has also sponsored the Northern Ireland Law Society Conferences for the last two years, Prague 2006 and Barcelona this year.
ENDS
For additional information please contact Viv Mackay or Lorraine Alonzi at IAS SMARTS on 0131 555 0425. Alternatively please contact Henry Algeo on 0845 213 1130.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited (“BDS”) is the principal operating company of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. BDS is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.
BDS is the largest independent private client portfolio manager in the UK. The Group manages £19 billion of funds on behalf of more than 100,000 clients, and of this £8.8 billion is on a discretionary basis. BDS has 36 offices and is corporate adviser to around 133 small and medium sized quoted companies.
The Group provides complete investment management for private investors, charities and pension funds and trades as:
Please see Media Centre section on www.brewin.co.uk for details and photos of all commentators and analysts throughout the BDS Group.