BREWIN Dolphin has a long and distinguished history in providing financial advice - it can trace its origins back more than 250 years to 1762.

But it combines tradition with the modern, progressive approach needed to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The Glasgow office recently had its excellence in providing services to IFAs recognised by winning the Best DFM (Discretionary Fund Manager) in Scotland and Northern Ireland award at the prestigious Citywire Wealth Manager Regional Stars Awards.

The win was particularly significant as it was voted on by the financial advisers themselves.

"We're absolutely delighted," says Stephen Martin.

"It's been hugely positive for us and has also brought us new business."

The company is working hard to develop new business streams and build specialisms in certain areas.

It has, for instance, experience in matrimonial, which can include providing advice to people going through a difficult period in their life in divorce and those legally representing them.

It is especially useful if the firm becomes involved early on in the process. It also has strong skillsets in corporate exits and families selling their owner managed businesses.

"It includes things like cash flow modelling," adds Stephen.

"Again, it's helpful if we're able to get involved early during the planning stage when the seller needs to have a clear picture of how much income and capital they will need once the business has been sold."

We also help advise partners in professional services and have specialist services in personal injury, agriculture and estate planning and are all specialist areas of activity into which Brewin Dolphin plans to continue to grow.

It is also improving its communication with clients through My Brewin, a new online client portal which is about to launch.

"We think this will help us transform the business.

"Both direct clients and IFAs will have access and it will be radically different to anything we've had before.

"It will be more interactive and provide far more data, information and detailed analysis. It will also be accessible via an App for mobile devices."

Brewin Dolphin's Glasgow operation, based in the city's St Vincent Street, is one of 28 offices across the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland, with other Scottish offices in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

In total, it has £35 billion of funds under management.

As the business is discretionary, it is tailored to the needs and wishes of individual clients, with their wishes fully respected at all times. Decisions are aided by a strong dedicated research function, top quality staff and a strong relationship ethos.

As Stephen Martin puts it: "Our service levels really are the very best the industry can offer.

"Clients get a first class investment service and we also have a fantastic record on performance and are very much open for business."