Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has acquired a strategic stake in New Homes Mortgage Services (NHMS).

NHMS is the largest appointed representative (AR) mortgage and protection firm in SBG’s Sesame Network, of which it has been a member for almost 30 years.

The deal will see SBG acquire a significant stake in the 40-adviser strong firm, with the option to increase the shareholding in the future.

This is the first advice firm investment since SBG launched its new business growth strategy under CEO, Richard Harrison, earlier this year.

Harrison said: “The investment in NHMS is a significant step in our own journey and a clear indication of our ambitious business strategy and commitment to grow and develop our adviser network and the wider group, through both organic growth and investment in like-minded adviser businesses.

“Our focus remains on supporting advisory firms to grow and run their businesses, partnering with and investing in those who share our passion to deliver the very best outcomes for customers. Through our existing Network relationship, it’s clear that in Stewart and the team at NHMS we have that partner, and we look forward to helping them further thrive and innovate, driving real value for their customers and their people.”

Based in Cannock, NHMS is a mortgage and protection advisory business specialising in the new build market. It looks after 45,000 clients, with over £760m of mortgage lending and £1.4m of protection premiums annually.

While Harrison will join the NHMS board, the management team will remain unchanged, as will the roles and responsibilities of employees.

Managing director at NHMS, Stewart Bartle, added: “We have ambitious plans to grow the business, and this was a natural next step in our journey to enable us to do that.

“From day one, it was clear that SBG’s own adviser-led growth strategy and vision matched ours, making them the perfect partner to support our long-term aim to become the UK’s largest mortgage broker, helping more people to achieve their home ownership goals.”

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