Boutique fund manager Charteris Treasury has hired well known Liverpool wealth management professional Derek Gawne to head up its first office outside of London. Tony McDonough reports

Boutique fund manager Charteris Treasury is opening a Liverpool office and it will be led by leading local stockbroker and investment specialist Derek Gawne.

Mr Gawne is well known in Liverpool, having previously worked at a senior level for Charles Stanley, Redmayne Bentley and Raymond James. He also founded his own consultancy, DG Capital Services.

He will run the new Liverpool operation. Another experienced professional, Lizz Ewart, also joins as a business development consultant. They will look to spearhead Charteris Treasury’s push into the North West wealth management sector. It is the first office the firm has opened outside of London.

Ian Williams, chairman of Charteris Treasury, said: “I am delighted to welcome Derek and Lizz into the Charteris family. Their vast industry experience and connections, together with our new Liverpool office, will provide a flying start to our push into the North West.

“Despite the area’s historic wealth and potential, we believe investors here are being under-served by high quality and bespoke fund management firms. As a result, we are making this investment in people and premises to bridge that gap.”

Mr Gawne brings more than 35 years’ track record in the discretionary fund management industry with a strong background in business development, including in the IFA sector. He is a Chartered FCSI and Chartered Wealth Manager (Level-6).

Ms Ewart also brings 30 years’ industry experience and previously worked at several blue-chip firms including Schroders and Aberdeen Asset Management. Her last job was as managing director of a private equity firm specialising in enterprise investment schemes.

“Charteris has an excellent performance record that could greatly benefit a wide range of private and institutional investors in the region,” said Mr Gawne. “We aim to provide a full discretionary management service which will be highly personalised and deliver a superior investment performance to match their needs.”