SAM Wealth, the Lanarkshire-based independent financial adviser partnership, has appointed a sixth partner and three new support staff to boost ambitious growth plans.

Alan Moore, formerly with McCrea Financial Services and Grant Thornton, is a qualified pension transfer specialist, and has worked in tax planning, pensions, investment management, estate planning, inheritance tax and advising trustees. It takes the Uddingston firm's headcount to 16.

Derek Stewart, SAM's managing partner who co-founded the business with Kenny McKenzie, said it aimed to double its £140 million funds under management through organic growth and by acquisition in England. He said a potential takeover target was on the radar and a deal could be done in the next year.

The firm recently achieved chartered financial planner status, seen as the gold standard in the industry, with only a handful of IFA firms in Scotland so far accredited.

Mr Stewart said: "We're in a position to look at expanding our business beyond our traditional base in Scotland, and recent regulatory changes in the sector mean there are significant opportunities for highly-qualified, experienced IFA businesses."