Wood Kirkbride IFA keen to grow after Wearside office move

A family-run financial adviser is looking to create jobs after moving into new office space.

Wood Kirkbride IFA hopes to recruit three staff to bolster operations at its Washington Business Centre base.

The firm, founded last year by David Wood, provides savings, investment, pension portfolio and mortgage support.

A financial sector veteran of more than 30 years, David set up the business during the pandemic, with a view to passing it down the family tree.

His team includes niece Lois-Eryn Kirkbride, who worked with David as an administrator while studying finance and business at the University of Sunderland, before becoming a level four-qualified independent financial adviser.

Business manager Jackie Patterson and business support administrator Abbie Taylor are other staff members.

David said: “My aim has always been to assist clients to achieve their personal financial goals.

“Bringing in the younger generation of my family, who are just as passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes, is not only great for their career development and attracting new clients, but it futureproofs the services I have been delivering for years.

“We plan to grow to a team of eight later this year, and I’m confident the business will continue to go from strength-to-strength as my niece becomes more experienced and builds her own client relationships.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s great to see David and his family building a strong and robust business, which will continue to service new and old clients for years to come.

“I’m thrilled they have chosen to be based out of Washington Business Centre.”