15 May 2006

Bell Lawrie, a division of Brewin Dolphin Securities, the UK 's largest independent investment manager, this month celebrates the first anniversary of its Belfast office opening. Bell Lawrie Belfast has expanded rapidly over the last year and now has 1,000 clients with over £200 million of investments under management.

In recognition of the office's success, the Brewin Dolphin Group chose to hold its prestigious annual Heads of Office meeting in Belfast this year. The conference took place at the Europa Hotel on 11th May and was attended by over 80 senior managers from across its 34 UK offices, it was followed by a excellent dinner at the 10 Square Restaurant.

Jamie Matheson, Executive Chairman of Brewin Dolphin, said:

“We are delighted the Belfast office has established itself so quickly and successfully. The demand for high quality investment services in Northern Ireland continues to expand significantly and Bell Lawrie is well placed to widen its client base in this market. Establishing an office in Belfast had been a long term ambition for the company and we were very pleased to hold our annual meeting in the City.”

Henry Algeo, Head of Bell Lawrie Belfast, said:

“The financial services marketplace in Northern Ireland continues to develop and we are well placed to participate in this growth. We have developed an experienced team of high quality investment management practitioners operating in Belfast and expect to be hiring more in the near future.”

Bell Lawrie Belfast, opened on 16th May 2005.