- Investment
Investment Insights
Markets move fast. The world moves faster. Join Mike Deverell, Nathan Lingham and Harry Topping at our next Investment Insights as they cut through the noise and tell you exactly what it all means for your money.
Be part of the Equilibrium journey
Since 1995, we’ve focused on understanding what truly matters to our clients, so our advice fits real lives, not just financial plans. We listen carefully, explain things clearly, and guide clients through important decisions with care and reassurance.
For like‑minded financial planning firms, joining Equilibrium means becoming part of a supportive, values‑led environment where people come first, standards matter, and long‑term relationships are valued just as much as long‑term success.
Why your business will feel at home with Equilibrium
Culture
Equilibrium unites people and purpose, empowering teams to thrive through shared values, daily collaboration, and a culture of belonging together.
People
We support ongoing development through structured learning, mentoring, professional qualifications and real career progression, helping people grow skills, confidence and long‑term futures with us together.
Technology
Our bespoke back‑office CRM, Equate, streamlines data, workflows and compliance, giving our team clearer insight, efficiency and control to deliver consistent, high‑quality client service everywhere.
Diverse proposition
We deliver financial planning and disciplined investment management, aligning money with life goals, protecting wealth, and providing clarity, confidence and long‑term value at every stage.
Best of both integration
We integrate firms carefully, preserving their best features while enhancing them with Equilibrium’s experience and a supportive management team that handles day to day queries, ensuring clarity, continuity and quality of service.
How we do it
Dedicated team
With the support of our experienced M&A team led by Gary Lam, every acquisition is guided from start to finish, helping to keep the process clear, well‑managed, and smooth for all parties.
Staff-first approach
We're confident that many of the staff from acquired businesses will continue to grow their careers with us. We will work hard to integrate teams in a way that feels supportive and secure.
Focus on client relationships
Our focus will always be on continuity and service quality. We will take care to maintain and enhance the trusted relationships that acquired businesses have built with their clients.
Learning what works
Each acquisition adds new ideas, specialist knowledge, and valuable experience to our group. We focus on what makes each business strong and apply those strengths to benefit everyone.
Selling your business is a significant decision, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
How your journey might look
Initial conversation
Start the conversation with our Mergers and Acquisitions Director, Gary Lam, your first point of contact on what we hope will be a long and prosperous journey together.
Information requested
We take time to understand the numbers behind your business, helping both of us decide whether we’re the right fit to move forward together.
Understand your business
We’re a people‑centric business, so meaningful conversations help us truly understand you and your business.
Make offer
If we’re aligned on the numbers, the people and the ambition, we’ll move confidently into the offer stage.
Heads of terms
Heads of terms set out the core principles of a business purchase, giving both sides clarity and momentum before time and cost are fully invested.
Due Diligence
Due diligence is a detailed review of your business before purchase, examining finances, legal matters, operations and risks to confirm value, identify issues, and support informed, confident decision making for all parties.
Complete Sale
Complete sale is the final stage of selling your business, where contracts are signed, funds transferred, conditions met, and ownership legally changes hands.
Have an informal chat with Gary and explore what working together could look like.
ContactOur journey
Colin Lawson founded our firm with a vision to nurture lasting relationships and enhance financial wellbeing. Many of our earliest clients still walk alongside us today, reflecting the trust and care at the heart of our story.
1995-1998
- Colin Lawson founded Applewood Financial.
- We opened our first office in Didsbury.
- We welcomed our first team member.
- We held our first seminar at Adlington Hall.
1998-2000
- The company evolved into The Applewood Group.
- We relocated to our new premises in Handforth.
2000-2005
- Marked by the turn of the Millennium, the client base had a growing number of millionaires.
2005-2007
- We became a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
- Our office relocated to Brooke Court in Handforth Dean.
- We became directly authorised by the FSA (now known as FCA).
2007-2010
- Mike Deverell’s appointment to Investment Manager marked a new era.
- Model portfolios were launched.
- We transitioned to discretionary investment management.
- We became Equilibrium Asset Management, and a new business model was launched.
2010-2013
- The Equilibrium Foundation was born.
- Equinox made its debut.
- Our presence grew with a new office in Chester.
2013-2016
- We achieved CII Corporate Chartered Status.
- We acquired new premises at Evolution House and a permanent office in Chester.
- Our 21st anniversary was marked with a special client and team event at Tatton Park.
2016-2019
- We launched our core portfolio funds.
- We introduced Libby – a financial literacy programme for primary schools.
- The Foundation reached its £100k fundraising target.
- We made our debut in the Best Companies rankings.
2019-2021
- COVID-19 struck just as we moved to Ascot House.
- We swiftly adopted technology for client meetings, communication, and online events.
- Our first client advisory group was held.
2021-2022
- We launched our Live Love Legacy proposition, closely reflecting our core values of integrity, excellence, simplicity, and growth.
- We created our bespoke customer relationship management system to streamline client data and engagement.
2022-2024
- We hosted the first of many London events for our southern-based clients.
- The Equilibrium Foundation hit a £1 million milestone in donations to good causes.
- We hosted our first-ever masterclass.
2024-2025
- We introduced a streamlined service known as ‘Essentials’ for those with less complex financial planning needs.
- Our Christmas lunches attracted a record attendance of more than 700!
- We celebrated 30 years in business!
2025 and onwards
- The equity partners sold 60% of the business to Sovereign Capital Partners.
- With Sovereign’s support, we will grow Equilibrium nationally through selective acquisitions, bringing our high-quality service model to more clients across the UK.
30+
years in business
1,500+
clients helped
£1.4bn
assets under management
£925k
average portfolio size
Events
- Masterclass
Cyber Security
In this digital age, we’re all connected more than ever, making it even more crucial to ensure our online experiences are safe and secure. Join us for a masterclass and discover the most effective ways to protect yourself online.
- Masterclass
The Care Conundrum
Here, we will take you through the different stages of care and share real-life client stories so you can see how this works in practice.
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- Masterclass
Lasting Power of Attorney
Part of our Law in Order series, this masterclass will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to create a power of attorney document yourself.
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- Social
Padel
A relaxed padel event bringing clients together for friendly competition in a sociable informal setting.
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- Masterclass
Rapid Responsibility
Financial expert, Ben Harrison, will provide a gentle introduction to the world of financial planning and investment by sharing his expertise and insights.
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- Masterclass
Right People, Right Money, Right Time
How can your money benefit your loved ones when they need it most? In this compelling masterclass, Financial Planner Ben Rogers will share transformative strategies to create life-changing outcomes for your loved ones, while potentially saving significant amounts of tax in the process.
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We are extremely proud to have been consistently recognised for excellence for over 30 years.
