Founded in 2015, and an appointed representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, the Aberdeen-based company saw an 18% increase in funds from £128.4m to £151.7m between January and December 2023.

This figure is more than doubled since December 2020, rising from £74m over that period.

The business continues to experience significant demand for sound financial advice, particularly around retirement, investment, estate and tax planning, from families and individuals across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perthshire.

Since the turn of the year, funds under management have increased by a further £6.5m representing a strong start to 2024.

Scott James & Associates has largely grown through recommendations from existing clients and contacts with positive feedback and referrals continuing to be a major factor in double-digit growth. Today, it supports more than 1,100 clients – with around a third of these having been onboarded during the past two years.

Scott James, director, commented: “I’m extremely proud of what the team has achieved not only over the past 12 months, but year after year through tremendous hard work and dedication to their profession.

“While we ended last year on a high by passing the £150m milestone, 2024 is already off to a positive start with more than £6.5m in new business secured across a range of services.

“The continued loyalty and support of our clients has been the driving force behind our success to date. Almost every year since starting the company, we’ve achieved close to 20% growth and I’m confident we can continue in the same vein with anticipated levels of new and repeat business.

“We continue to support our clients with retirement advice, including pension consolidation, as well as growing demand from local people looking for advice around inheritance and what to do with their estate; something which is likely to increase in the coming years.”

Keith Willett, regional director for Scotland and Northern Ireland at St. James’s Place, said: “We are delighted to support Scott James and the team as they serve the needs of clients across the north of Scotland and beyond.

“Scott has built a great practice and has a superb reputation for giving great advice that allows people to reach their financial goals and is equally passionate about developing lifelong relationships to serve that purpose. We celebrate with them at this milestone and wish them well for the future.”

Scott James & Associates has benefited from organic growth as well as several strategic acquisitions and expanded from a three-person outfit in 2019 to an 11-strong team, including four financial advisers and one mortgage adviser.

In addition, Ceri Dey has recently been promoted to admin team lead following her return from maternity leave, while the business is considering additional hires or right-fit acquisitions in future.

Mr James added: “We have an extremely capable and talented team, each bringing significant expertise in various aspects of financial management. We have buy-in from all the team, pulling in the same direction to deliver the best possible service while helping our clients achieve their personal goals and aspirations.”