INVESTMENT management group Brewin Dolphin yesterday reported a surge in half-year profits.

The group is the parent company of Wise Speke, which has offices in Teesside and Newcastle, employing almost 320 people. Brewin Dolphin also has a small office in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, employing three people. The group reported a 140 per cent leap in pre-tax profit to £17.3m for the six months to 31 March and total income rose 28 per cent to £88m.

Mike Lyons, director of Wise Speke, said: "We are very proud of the contribution the Wise Speke offices have made towards these strong results for the group."

Brewin Dolphin said total client funds reached £22bn at the end of the period, of which £19bn is managed, including £8.5bn on a discretionary basis.