A YORK firm offering financial advice is on the up and has started exporting its expertise to the Midlands.

Hallmark-ifa was started in York over ten years ago by brothers David and Clive Holbrook under the name Hallmark Limited. The company re-branded in 2001 and now has prominent premises in Museum Street, York, with a team of seven advisers providing pensions, savings and investment advice to customers all over the country.

The next logical step for Hallmark-ifa was to open a branch office. So the firm has launched a new office in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, with an additional seven advisers.

Now the business is looking for success in this year's Evening Press Business Awards. The team is hoping to secure the title of Small Business of the Year.

They certainly have the experience to do it.

David, the managing director, is a highly qualified pensions specialist while Clive, the investment director, has worked in the financial services market for 25 years.

Two years ago they launched their website, www.hallmark-ifa.com, where customers can arrange policies, buy and sell shares and follow the world stock market without leaving their computers. The aim of the web service was to give customers 24-hour access to their financial affairs.

David said the firm has a cherished reputation for dependability.

He said: "Hallmark-ifa treasures the trust clients have in the firm, many of whom it has dealt with for several years, often taking care of several generations of the same family.

"The firm's vision for the future is to continue to expand and develop as a business, making a meaningful contribution to York's growing reputation as a leading professional services centre for the north."

Updated: 09:45 Monday, June 28, 2004