Private client investment managers that still call themselves stockbrokers have become endangered species in recent years. So Newcastle Upon Tyne-based Vertem, the trading name of Vertem Asset Management, could be considered to be something of an anachronism despite the fact that it was only established in 2010.

But Vertem, which specialises in managing portfolios for professional clients, private individuals, charities and pension funds, considers that its business model is still very relevant.

It doesn’t provide wealth and financial planning or advice so faces no conflict of interest problems with IFAs and other pro...