A FIRM of independent financial advisors which specialises in the medical, dental and healthcare sectors is celebrating its first anniversary by doubling the number of specialist advisors on its team.

Gallagher & Tarran in County Durham works with GPs, hospital doctors, dentists and NHS executives across the North-East and North Yorkshire, as well as other clients elsewhere in the UK, and offers a full IFA planning service, including expertise on the NHS pension, protection, mortgages and investment management.

Set up by Eamonn Gallagher and Christine Tarran- Walker, the Newton Aycliffe-based firm has grown quickly in its first 12 months, predominantly on the back of word of mouth recommendation.

To help manage the increasing demand for its services, it has now recruited two further advisors, David Barber and Rachael Hall, who both have previous experience in the healthcare sector.

And they are also being joined by administrative staff Kelly Smith and Rachel Nelson, who have been brought in to help keep Gallagher & Tarran's operations running smoothly.

The new team members will enable the firm's principals to expand the teaching work that they undertake with junior doctors across the region to help them build an early appreciation of the financial issues they'll come across during their careers.

Mr Gallagher said: "Our first year has flown by, and what's been especially pleasing is the amount of referrals that have come our way from clients who've been impressed by what we've had to offer and wanted to share this knowledge with their colleagues.

"Having the right financial plans and structures in place is vital for medical, dental and other healthcare professionals right from the start to the end of their careers, and we work to find the optimum route for each client to take throughout their working lives.

"Both David and Rachael have substantial experience in what is a niche marketplace, and having them on board will give us the capacity to both manage the demand for our services and increase the amount of teaching work we're able to undertake with younger staff who are beginning to make their way in the workplace.

"Kelly and Rachel will help to provide the solid operational foundations on which we can continue to grow, and with this additional capacity now in place, we're excited about our prospects for our second year and beyond."