A STOURBRIDGE firm of independent financial advisers has doubled its turnover in three years – and the upward trend has continued for the first half of 2016.

As Hayburn Rock Financial Planning celebrates its 20th anniversary in business, its managing director says high demand from “baby boomers” for pensions advice is part of the reason for the company’s enduring success.

He also cites the continuing demand for independent mortgage advice from the "buoyant" housing market.

And Steve Perks predicted the trend would carry on regardless of the result of the EU referendum.

“There is huge demand from baby boomers – born after the Second World War – who are hitting retirement age and needing pensions and investment advice," said Mr Perks.

“This is coupled with the government allowing people greater access to their pension funds.

“Hayburn Rock’s team has built up an immense degree of trust over our 20 years in business – and our clients appreciate that we have remained truly independent, without being tied to specific investment, pension companies or mortgage lenders.

“We now manage £110 million worth of clients’ money, which is a measure of people’s confidence in our experience.

“Our turnover has grown to £2 million in fees per year. Last year we were 40 per cent up on 2014, which in turn was 50 per cent up on the year before.

“Already, for the first five months of this year, we are 20 per cent up again and our turnover has doubled in three years.”

Mr Perks launched Hayburn Rock, originally based in Hagley Road, Stourbridge, in 1996, and his team has grown to a total of 25, including specialists in mortgages, pensions and investment planning.

The firm moved to its current premises in the former St James’s School in Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston, in 1999.

Commenting upon the “Brexit” issue, Mr Perks said: “There may be a short-term blip if the vote is ‘out’ – but in the medium term I believe it will have no effect, regardless of the outcome.

“A lot of potential issues have been costed into the stock markets, which are resilient.

“I would not wish to express a personal view on whether we should stay in Europe or leave.

“But, at the end of the day, Europe needs us as its export customers as much as we need them.”

Mr Perks added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients for their support over the years, and the firm looks forward to helping them in the future."

Hayburn Rock celebrated its 20th anniversary with a black tie event in Birmingham this month.