Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited has announced the acquisition of Orchard Financial Management – the latest milestone in its ongoing strategy for growth and making sure that as many people as possible in the region have continued access to trustworthy financial advice.
Founded in 1998 in Chester Le Street, County Durham by Graeme Leigh, Orchard Financial Management offered advice on investments, pensions, and protection. He and his wife Michele have grown the business through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited, the Financial Advice subsidiary of Newcastle Building Society, has completed the acquisition of the County Durham-based financial planning firm, as Graeme and Michele prepare to retire.
Newcastle Building Society introduces customers to Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited, who provide accessible advice on investment, retirement, inheritance tax planning, and protection advice through our network of 32 branches across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Around 200 customers of Orchard Financial Management will continue to benefit from accessible, face-to-face financial advice services through Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited.
Graeme Leigh, founder of Orchard Financial Management said: “The top priority for Orchard Financial Management is to find the right and trusted home for our clients. Newcastle Financial Advisers has a fantastic reputation and we’re impressed by its strong high street presence both in County Durham and throughout the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria, which will help to ensure a smooth transition and integration of our local client base.”
Iain Lightfoot, Managing Director of Newcastle Financial Advisers
“We’re pleased to be able to welcome Orchard Financial Management’s customers to Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited. Graeme’s focus on fostering long-term relationships based on a foundation of trust is one that very much aligns with our own purpose, and the acquisition of his business therefore feels like an organic fit for Newcastle Financial Advisers."
Iain adds: “Graeme’s customers will continue to benefit from our commitment to providing personalised, trustworthy financial advice that is accessible to all via our experienced local advisers who are available face-to-face on high streets across Newcastle Building Society’s branch network, and also remotely via video call. Customers will also now benefit from our in-house support team who help our advisers in delivering great advice."
Download the press release (PDF, 163kB).
Approved by the Openwork Partnership on 11/04/2025.
Some aspects of inheritance tax planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority nor the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Newcastle Building Society introduces to Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited for advice on investments, pensions, life and protection insurance, and inheritance tax planning. Aspects of inheritance tax planning are not regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority nor the Financial Conduct Authority. Newcastle Financial Advisers is a trade name of Newcastle Financial Advisers Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
