Pivotal Growth expands network with two UK financial planning acquisitions
What's the deal? Pivotal Growth has acquired two financial planning firms — Purely Financial Planning Limited and KMC Financial Ltd — to expand its footprint across south east England. Purely, based in Walton-on-Thames and established in 2014, is led by Duncan Hodgson and Andrew Glover. KMC Financial, based in East Grinstead, West Sussex, is led by Kevin Orchard. Both firms will continue operating under their existing leadership.
Why now? The acquisitions reflect Pivotal's ongoing strategy of partnering with entrepreneurial brokerages. Group chief executive officer Mayank Prakash said the deals align with a focus on "partnering with entrepreneurial brokerages that value quality and long-term growth," offering smaller firms regulatory expertise and resources while preserving their independence.
KMC Financial's managing director Kevin Orchard called the move "a natural next step," citing access to the scale and support of a larger group. Purely's directors said Pivotal's long-term perspective and the backing of John Charcol's management team would help them grow while maintaining their client-focused culture.
What could go wrong? Integration is always a risk. Keeping the entrepreneurial culture that made these firms attractive in the first place — while folding them into a larger network — is a delicate balance. If the promised autonomy doesn't materialise, key staff and clients could drift.
The signal: Consolidation in UK financial planning continues apace. Larger networks are snapping up well-run independent brokerages, betting that scale brings compliance efficiencies and growth opportunities that smaller firms struggle to achieve alone. For founders, joining a network offers an exit path without abandoning day-to-day control — at least in theory.
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