WEALTH manager Brewin Dolphin said its funds under management rose to £37.9bn at the end of December from £36bn a year ago.

The firm, which employs more than 350 people at its North-East offices, said fee income for three months to end of December increased to £47.4m, a 14 per cent jump over the same period in 2013.

However, commission income fell 23 per cent and total income rose only by 1 per cent during the quarter to £70.2m from a year ago as volatile markets led to lower transaction volumes.

"Continued market volatility from global economic concerns coupled with political uncertainty in the UK and Europe is likely to persist in the short term," chief executive David Nicol said in a statement.

"This may lead to a continuation of the trend for lower transaction volumes and associated commission income."