The Aberdeen-based firm revealed that it had benefitted from increased demand for financial advice throughout the pandemic, this led to double-digit growth in funds under management in the last two years. The firm now supports more than 720 clients.

By December 2021, the total had reached £100m, up by 35% from £74m at the start of 2021.

Scott James & Associates said its growth was driven by a combination of new and repeat business covering retirement, investment, protection, and estate and tax planning advice.

The firm also embarked on a hiring spree, swelling its numbers from three to ten.

Scott James, director, commented: “I want to pay credit to every member of the team for their hard work and commitment to achieve this fantastic milestone.

“It’s a proud moment for me, having started up nearly seven years ago, but it’s time to drive the business forward once again and make improvements where we can.”

“The success of Scott James & Associates to date has been built on providing our customers with the highest levels of service to help achieve their goals and aspirations.”

He continued: “We’re extremely fortunate to have been entrusted by our clients, particularly over recent years, with positive feedback and referrals continuing to be a major factor in our double-digit growth.

“The new recruits will certainly add fresh impetus to the business. Given their combined years of experience and broad range of financial services expertise, I have complete confidence they will help take the business to the next level.”

Scott James & Associates, which now supports more than 720 clients, has largely grown through referrals and recommendations from existing customers and contacts. In 2019, the company opened a second office in Blairgowrie, Perthshire to extend its reach beyond its traditional north-east base.

Scott James has also been a proud advocate of the St. James’s Place Academy since its inception in Scotland in 2016, having mentored three candidates so far to help realise their goal of becoming certified professionals.

This includes former private banking manager, Alaina Howie, who joined the firm in August and is currently working towards qualifying as a financial adviser through the respected career change programme.