The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 12: Summer 2019 | Page 4

BUSINESS NEWS Double award win for housing association Curo Bath-based housing association Curo has won two awards at the Internal Communications and Engagement Awards. BREWIN DOLPHIN EXPANDS INTO BATH Brewin Dolphin has acquired Epoch Wealth Management, an IFA firm based in Bath. After the deal completes, Epoch managing partner Barry Newbury and his 37 colleagues will transfer to Brewin Dolphin, along with their clients. Brewin Dolphin, a UK FTSE 250 provider of discretionary wealth management, will take over Epoch’s Queen Square Place office, increasing its UK footprint to 31 offices. Nick Fitzgerald, Managing Director of financial planning at Brewin Dolphin, said, “What we’re seeing across the country is pent-up demand for good financial advice, especially in these uncertain times. “Barry and his team have built Epoch Wealth Management into a successful business trusted by their clients. We’re so pleased that their advice-led team are joining us to continue their growth journey, and as one of the UK’s largest wealth managers we’re able to provide them with the resources they need to provide their excellent advice to more clients and to grow.” Barry Newbury, Head of Office designate for Brewin Dolphin (Bath), Curo was shortlisted for two awards alongside well-known brands including Nationwide, RBS and Travelex, winning the Silver award for Best Ongoing Commitment to Internal Communications and Bronze in the Best Intranet award. The awards, hosted by comedian Zoe Lyons, recognise excellence in internal communications. The panel of judges praised Curo’s Limelights scheme which encourages employees to reward their colleagues for doing a great job, for example delivering exceptional customer service. One judge was particularly impressed with “the involvement of all the colleagues and participation rates for a small organisation.” Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, said, “Business success requires a foundation built on effective, timely, strategically-aligned two-way communications at every level in the business and that is precisely what we have here at Curo. “I know this not only because of informal feedback from colleagues, but because regular surveys tell us that our colleagues value the range and quality of our communications channels. “I know this too because we are an IIP Gold employer and one of the Best Companies to work for in the UK according to The Sunday Times.” Andrew Thomas, publisher of Communicate magazine and founder of the Internal Communications and Engagement Awards, said, “For the past 10 years Communicate magazine has written about internal communications and employee engagement. “We are delighted to now take that to the next level, to benchmark best practice and to celebrate excellence in this important corporate communications field.” said, “We’ve grown Epoch to this point by cultivating great people who have built strong relationships with clients and those who refer their clients to us. “Becoming part of an integrated wealth management firm like Brewin Dolphin will give our clients even more support; whether it’s insight from their central research function, head office support or financial support to grow the business. “Meanwhile, we plan to go from strength to strength with ambitious growth plans with the same team that has served our clients so well for many years, but now under the Brewin Dolphin name.” The acquisition is expected to be completed this summer. Industry leading document & print management solutions Headquartered in Bath since 1984 0845 688 6868 4 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 [email protected] www.1st-office.com