A family of financial advisers expand into Washington Business Centre

A family-run firm of financial advisers that's thrived since arriving in Sunderland plans to expand and create new jobs.  

Wood Kirkbride IFA, which was set up last year by David Wood, specialises in the management of savings, investments, pension portfolios and mortgages, and has taken office space at Washington Business Centre with the hopes of creating three new jobs this year.

After working in the financial sector for 34 years and running his own business as an independent financial adviser for 18 years, David already has an established list of clients with whom he has long standing relationships, built upon trust and his financial expertise.

When considering his next career move during the pandemic, he decided to set up Wood Kirkbride IFA with the plan to pass the business on to the younger members of his family when he retires in the future, ensuring his clients will continue to receive the same great service and expert advice.

Now working alongside his niece, Lois-Eryn Kirkbride, who worked with David as an administrator while studying Finance and Business at the University of Sunderland before becoming a Level 4 qualified independent financial adviser, David is laying the foundations for a business with family at its core.

He has also brough onboard Jackie Patterson as business manager, who he has worked with in the industry for over 19 years, as well as Abbie Taylor as a business support administrator, who is studying towards professional qualifications later this year.

"My aim has always been to assist my clients to achieve their personal financial goals and I take great pride in the relationships I have developed over the years through word of mouth and a high level of trust, which has been won because of my track record of being measured on what I deliver, not on what I promise," said David.

"Bringing in the younger generation of my family, who are just as passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes, is not only great for their career development and attracting new clients, but it also futureproofs the services I have been delivering to some clients for years, having worked with my longest standing client for 35 years."

Wood Kirkbride IFA is also bringing three experienced independent financial advisers onboard in October this year, who plan to retire in the near future, and who will help to establish the business as it grows in its new office space at Washington Business Centre.

David said: "Our new office is great and businesses should snap up the chance to take space here at the centre. The location alone is fantastic with easy transport links and the team are friendly and supportive.

"We plan to grow from a team of five to a team of eight later this year, and I'm confident that the business will continue to go from strength to strength here as my niece becomes more experienced and builds her own relationship with clients."

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said he is delighted Wood Kirkbride IFA has chosen to make Washington Business Centre its home.

He said: "It's great to see David and his family building a strong and robust business that will continue to service new and old clients for years to come in the region, and I'm thrilled they have chosen to be based out of Washington Business Centre.

"Our three state-of-the-art managed business centres - Sunderland Software Centre, Evolve Business Centre at Rainton Bridge and Washington Business Centre - were set up to help businesses grow and succeed, and it's fantastic to see skilled jobs being created for local people by businesses such as Wood Kirkbride IFA."