LIVERPOOL wealth management group Rathbone Brothers saw profits and funds rise in the six months to June 30.

The business also extended its office space at the Port of Liverpool Building by 10,300 sq ft, where it now employs 330 staff.

Its interim statement today revealed that pre-tax profits rose 30.4% to £20.6m.

Underlying pre-tax profits, which exclude costs such as the exceptional £3.6m levy by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, increased by 33.7% to £24.2m.

Total funds under management grew by 4.7% to £16.36bn compared with the December 31 level of £15.63bn.

Total net organic and acquired growth in funds managed by Rathbone Investment Management was £616m, showing a net annual growth rate of 8.4%.

Net operating income in Investment Management of £69.5m was up 19.2% compared with a 12.1% average increase for the FTSE 100 Index.

Also, net interest and other income of £6m is 11.1% higher compared with previous figures, mainly due to an improvement in yields on treasury assets.

Chief executive Andy Pomfret said today: “The first half of 2011 has been positive for Rathbones as investment markets have remained resilient and we have seen the full benefit of recent acquisitions and continuing net organic growth.

“Uncertainties surrounding financial markets are continuing, in particular the increased potential for future adverse events impacting the European banking sector.

“Notwithstanding this uncertainty, we look to the future with confidence as Rathbones remains well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities.”