Lycetts has appointed Linda Wheatley as an independent financial advisor working from the company's Milburn House headquarters in Newcastle.

Linda, 44, from Holystone in North Tyneside, joins a team of highly qualified and experienced financial advisors that give independent advice to businesses and private individuals. Linda brings to the role 20 years of experience in the field with a proven track record in all areas of financial planning; advising on private and company pensions, taxation, mortgages, investments and employee benefit programmes.

Speaking on her appointment, Linda said, "Lycetts has an excellent reputation in financial and wealth management and I look forward to working with the team. My role will be to help clients position their wealth for their long-term objectives and benefit."

Nick Straker, managing director of Lycetts Financial Services Ltd, adds, "Linda's expertise in creating bespoke financial plans that address individuals and owner-managed businesses will be especially valuable to the team. Lycetts has successfully established long-term relationships with clients through our knowledge and understanding of the financial needs of both businesses and professional individuals, and we are certain that Linda will further enhance our financial services capability."

Established in Newcastle in 1961, and recently listed by Insurance Age magazine as one of the top 15 insurance brokers in the UK, the company now has 11 offices nationwide and has more than doubled its workforce over the last 5 years.