TOWER York Financial Services Ltd in Clifton Moor is on target for its fifth record year - reason enough alone for it to enter the Growth Business of the Year category.

It was started in October, 1995, by Alan Brown, former manager with a life assurance company, starting as a sole trader, taking on a trainee adviser, then an administrator and eventually expanding into a staff of six.

Last year Alan set up an invigorated practice at Tower Court Business Centre in Clifton Moor, hitching his allegiance to the Rothschild Partnership, with Tower York Financial Services as its subsidiary. That's why he is also entering his venture both in the New Business and Small Business of the Year categories.

The Rothschild Assurance franchise provides access to a range of personal investment products, while Tower York provides independent mortgage and general finance services, with cross-over on clients. Next step? To recruit more quality advisers and look for larger premises.