With a strong presence in Birmingham and the wider Midlands region, Investec Wealth & Investment (IW&I) is proud to be a part of the Birmingham Post Business Awards 2013.

The firm is perfectly positioned to help the extensive Midlands legal community with investment management services for their clients and work with them in the provision of what we believe a market leading range of services.

Following the acquisition of Williams de Broë in August 2012, IW&I now has around £22 billion of client funds under management and 15 offices across the UK, including a major presence in Birmingham at Colmore Plaza.

Williams de Broë was a very familiar, successful brand in Birmingham, and a key reason why IW&I was keen to acquire the franchise.

There was a strong geographic fit between the two, with Williams de Broë’s footprint adding to IW&I’s existing UK network through Williams de Broë’s offices in Birmingham and the South West of England.

Combining IW&I and Williams de Broë has created a significant player in the private client investment management industry, and IW&I believes it is even better equipped to look after the needs of clients.

A year after the acquisition and IW&I has successfully integrated the business with negligible disruption or loss of clients.

The enlarged business creates a stronger platform able to serve clients across the UK and one that is well placed to attract the best talent in the industry – as evidenced, for example, by the dedicated, highly experienced staff the business has in its Birmingham office.

Established in 2005, the office now has around 40 staff with a number having worked for Williams de Broë for over 20 years. The office remains dedicated to working with professional advisers such as lawyers to provide their clients with the highest level of service and to meet their particular investment requirements.

Client service excellence and strong investment performance

By focusing on the two fundamental tenets of wealth management – client service excellence and strong investment performance – IW&I has seen strong growth in total assets under management (AUM). AUM has risen from £11.48 billion as at 31 March 2008 to £22.2 billion as at 31 March 2013.

Acquisitions such as Williams de Broë have played an important part in this as IW&I’s management, together with Investec group, has executed a strategy to build a major force in the UK’s investment management industry.

Indeed, growth in AUM has been achieved during a period of unprecedented market volatility by investing in the business, in particular in its research and service capabilities, and providing the right tools and platforms to make sound decisions for clients.

This high level of service has recently been recognised by a number of influential market commentators. IW&I won the Private Client Asset Manager of the Year (Institutional) award at the 2013 Citywealth Magic Circle Awards, for instance – a fantastic indication of the firm’s private client capabilities in a very competitive industry. The firm’s business with independent financial advisers was also recognised when it won the 2013 Best Discretionary Fund Manager award at the prestigious Incisive Fund Manager of the Year awards.

A comprehensive range of private client investment services

IW&I has a developed a very strong standing in the market due to the strength of its distribution network, service offering and bespoke specialist independent investment management expertise, brand awareness and support from the Investec Group PLC, one of the world’s leading specialist bank and asset management firms

By being of part of the Investec group, IW&I and its clients have access to significant research capabilities, international and cross-border investment management experience, and the ability to provide innovative financial services.

A good example of such innovation is IW&I’s AIM Portfolio IHT Plan, which invests in a portfolio of qualifying companies selected from the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). It reduces both clients’ IHT liability and gives them the potential for equity-related returns.

IW&I offers a comprehensive range of investment services, from bespoke portfolio management for private clients to a full discretionary fund management proposition for independent financial advisers. Indeed, investment services are provided for a range of clients, from private individuals, companies, trustees, pension funds, personal injury claimants, and charities.

A leading player for many years

With a history dating back to 1827, IW&I has been a leading player in the investment and discretionary wealth management space for many years. IW&I has now become one of the core pillars of Investec Group: around 1,000 of Investec’s 3,000 UK employees now work within Wealth & Investment.

The firm’s market position has strengthened significantly over the past five years and it has a focused development programme to engage in and grow market share across all selected markets.

Birmingham and the wider Midlands region is such a market. The firm has been at great pains to integrate the Williams de Broë business seamlessly and successfully, engaging fully with clients and financial advisers to reassure them about the quality of the service.

A year after the Williams de Broë deal, and Investec Wealth & Investment has become a significant – and growing – part of the Birmingham business and wealth management scene.

The firm is perfectly positioned to help the highly successful Midlands legal community with investment services for their clients and work with them to provide an award-winning, first-rate service.

• Nomination deadline for the Business Awards has been extended to August 15. Nomination forms and more information is available at www.bpbusinessawards.co.uk .

The Birmingham Post Business Awards
The Birmingham Post Business Awards

 

Nominations are now being sought for the 2013 Birmingham Post Business Awards , which will take place at Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday, October 17.

The Post will be recognising the fantastic achievements of the companies that have not only weathered the recent economic storm but have delivered success for themselves, their staff and their customers.

It is an opportunity for companies to showcase the efforts of their teams – from managing directors to menial staff – who have come together to strengthen and grow despite an imperfect economic situation.”

Categories include Communications, Property, Legal and Business Advisory, Finance, Environment, Manufacturing, People Development, Small Business and Business Start-Up, Emerging Professional, Medium to Large Business and Company of the Year.

Among last year’s winners were IM Property, Wesleyan Assurance Society and Chiltern Railways, who all enjoyed strong years despite tough conditions.

Being shortlisted is a great way to raise your company’s profile as its achievements will be highlighted in front of hundreds of the city’s movers and shakers on the night of the awards.

The success will also feature in a special post-awards supplement in the Birmingham Post.

Full details and eligibility criteria are available at www.bpbusinessawards.co.uk

• To discuss sponsorship options or for more information contact Andy George on 0121 234 5476 or email andy.george@trinitymirror.com.