Guardian received a £850,000 investment from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund towards the £1.5m UK Financial Planning and Training Centre the firm has established in Llantrisant, near Cardiff.
The advisory firm’s chief executive, David Howell, said the company is focusing on increasing its presence in the UK – a decision partly driven by the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review.
Today’s announcement follows news earlier this month that the company had hired industry heavyweight Marlene Shalton to head its expansion in the UK. It is understood that Shalton, who is due to join on 1 September, will head the new office.
Welsh business minister Edwina Hart said the investment in Guardian’s new office through the Economic Growth Fund was made in anticipation of the job creation expected. Guardian said the office will create nearly 60 jobs this year, with employee numbers expected to exceed 100 in three years’ time.
“Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing financial and professional services sector and it is great news that Guardian has chosen Wales over all other possible locations for its new headquarters,” said Hart
“Attracting head office functions to Wales is a key priority for us and I am pleased the Welsh Government is supporting the investment through the Economic Growth Fund which is helping to create jobs, growth and wealth. Guardian Wealth Management will be creating a significant number of highly skilled, well-paid jobs and is a welcome addition to one of our key sectors.”
Explaining the company’s decision to open the office, Howell said: “The introduction of the RDR will have a profound and dramatic effect on the way financial services are delivered in the UK and will undoubtedly create favourable market conditions for financial planning firms that are committed to investing in people and technology.
“Our company intends to be the vanguard of this new dawn, providing strong innovation, thought leadership and a proposition that is second to none.”
