An accountancy firm twice named the best in the UK has joined forces with an up-and-coming financial planning and wealth management company.

Bosses at JF Hornby believe the new partnership with Harwood Financial Planning will help achieve the company goal of becoming a one-stop shop for clients.

Harwood Financial Planning was established by Ryan Woodhouse in December 2018 and has already built assets under advice valued at £25 million.

It is based at the Ulverston headquarters of JF Hornby.

Ryan said: “Sound financial planning is an integral building block in terms of achieving financial independence, however many people don’t necessarily appreciate this.

“This is the case with retirement planning more so than any other area I deal with.

Younger people, perhaps understandably, believe they don't have to think about it for many years, but a sound financial decision in your twenties can prove to be very lucrative in later life.

"That said, for those who are hurtling towards retirement without a plan, all is not lost, and it’s never too late to act."

Blackburn-born Ryan has lived in Ulverston for most of his life.

He studied for a degree in business enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University and also holds financial planning qualifications from the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

He has been working in the finance sector since 2007.

Paul Hornby, managing director of JF Hornby, said: “The new relationship with Harwood Financial is another step towards us becoming a business which offers a complete package of financial services for clients."