Unique Financial Planning (Unique) has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Mike Gummerson as development director and co-director.

Mr Gummerson join Unique from Openwork, where he worked for eight years as business development director. During his career, which has spanned over three decades, Mr Gummerson has also previously worked for Prudential and Axa, alongside a period spent running his own consultancy.

In his new role, he will be spearheading the growth of the group’s advice proposition through both acquisitions and recruitment.

His hire follows the appointment of former Openwork director Philip Martin, who joined Unique in 2018 to work alongside founder Stewart Williams, as the looks to continue the expansion of its senior teams.

Unique currently operates with 30 advisers from four locations in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Dorset and London, and is responsible for £500m in assets under advice. The appointment of Mr Gummerson continues the firm’s strategy to grow its investment, protection and mortgage advice businesses.

With over, it provides advice on investments, mortgages, pensions and protection to a wide range of clients across the south of England.

Stewart Williams, chief executive officer of Unique, said: ‘Mike joins the business at a pivotal time for our ambitious expansion plans. His long experience supporting adviser firm development and driving growth will be key to our future success’.