BRIGHTWELLS auctioneers have joined forces with West Midlands firm, AFH Executive Financial Planning Limited, to create AFH Brightwells Limited and provide independent financial advice.

Based at the Brightwells office in South Street, Leominster, the enterprise marks the entry of Brightwells into the financial services market for the first time.

Richard Grainger, Brightwells joint managing director, said: ''This initiative is seen as a natural extension of the services we provide. We have a large, diverse customer base as a result of our varied activities. We believe that the provision of truly independent advice is a service that a large number of our clients can benefit from.''

He added: ''We believe that our reputation and strong brand name across the region will prove key factors in developing this new business and we are very confident that AFH Brightwells will become a key part of our business.''

AFH Brightwells have already succeeded in attracting five experience independent financial advisers and are available for advice by telephone 01586611166.