WIRRAL-BASED chartered financial planner, Alchemy Advisory Services, has launched a new family office division as part of its plan to grow funds under management to £200m by 2012.

Alchemy is one of only a handful of planners specifically aimed at this market in the North-West, and has linked with Edinburgh-based Family Business Solutions to develop the offer.

The division will provide financial planning, wealth management and lifestyle management services for family businesses and high-net worth individuals across the North-West.

Alchemy is also looking to develop strategic links with key professional services firms in Liverpool, offering family office referral capabilities, as part of its growth strategy.

Gaynor Lyth, chartered financial advisor at Alchemy, said: “These clients have a very distinct and often complex set of financial needs.Š

“It’s the combination of family social values and the performance values of business that have made this such a specialist niche area.Š

“We’re seeing a growing number of well-established family businesses move away from the larger institutions in favour of more specialist personal service, where the focus is on relationships and advice.”