A wealth management firm that was about to launch its Liverpool branch just before the coronavirus crisis locked the country down in March has finally opened its doors to the city.
Raymond James is now ready to open its site branch at Oriel Chambers on Water Street after months of video calls, digital onboarding and PPE planning.
From this week, clients, and anyone in need of tailored investment advice will be able to visit the office locally managed by Paul and Glyn Edwards to discuss their financial futures.
Back in March, Paul Edwards and Glyn Edwards had been looking forward to welcoming clients through the doors of the building ever since deciding that the well-known local landmark would be the base of their new wealth management offering.
Ahead of the opening, co-branch principal Paul Edwards said: “Starting a new business is a huge undertaking at the best of times, but launching one under lockdown is definitely not for the faint of heart. In many ways, as a nimble speedboat, we’ve had an easier time turning around in the Mersey than some of the super tankers up the road, but it’s still taken a huge investment of time and trust to bring customers onboard digitally.
“Wealth management is such a personal business, especially here at Raymond James, that I was worried we just wouldn’t be able to make it work through a screen, but the world has changed, and we’ve been able to adapt to this new way of working incredibly quickly.
"I’m still being asked to recommend local plasterers and landscape gardeners, so there’s no doubt that the personal connection is still alive and well."
Branch co-principal Glyn Edwards added: “It’s been amazing to see how quickly people have adapted to the new way of working.
"Even our technophobic clients that tell me they love that we can still do things the old fashioned way, using paper and face to face meetings, have been happy to use Zoom after so many family get togethers online, but I know they will be happy to hear that the branch is finally open and we can talk in person.
“The streets of Liverpool’s financial district are still on the quiet side, but life is returning to Water Street, and we’re thrilled to be opening the doors of this incredible building to those that want to visit. I also hope the renewed activity will help local traders that rely on footfall for their livelihood.”
Built in 1864, and famed for being the world's first building to feature a metal framed glass curtain wall, Oriel Chambers is believed to have inspired the design of America’s first skyscrapers.
The branch opening is a boost for Liverpool’s burgeoning financial services industry - the city is now second to London in terms of funds under management.
