In 1971 against a backdrop of Supermac debuting for Newcastle, Michael Caine shooting the now iconic Get Carter in the area and T-Rex storming the charts with their effervescent hit 'Get It On' a young, well intentioned and determined Ken Lowes rented a small office on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle with a view to providing independent financial advice with a difference
People were living through 9.4% inflation1 , £5,632 average house prices2 and £2,000 a year average salaries3 so finances being structured correctly made a big difference to how people experienced the years ahead. His objective was to build an independent service which prided itself on a personal approach to financial planning, enabling him to help people with their personal finances and allowing clients and their families to achieve their goals to build, protect and ultimately pass on their wealth. Lowes subsequently moved to Market Street in 1973 and then to Clayton Road, Jesmond in 1984 where his son, Ian Lowes, finally took over the reigns as Managing Director in 2002.
Ian went on to push the company further by continuing the growth of the business, which in 2016 led Lowes to move to a stunning larger office, Fernwood House, just a few doors down from their longstanding home, Holmwood House, on Clayton Road. Fast forward to today and from that little acorn a mighty oak has grown, Lowes is extremely proud to manage over £1bn of client assets and regularly achieve remarkable client satisfaction results, where over 96% of clients would rate their client service and investment advice as “good” or “very good”.
For a thriving business with a 50-year longstanding history under their belt, the next chapter is cementing Lowes as the largest and best Independent Financial Advisory firm in the Northeast. With the kind support of Mayor Andy Preston, Lowes exciting next step is to join the Middlesbrough revolution and they have therefore, opened a new office in the prestigious Commerce House building on Exchange Square.
Sitting with Andy chatting in the understated elegance of the business lounge surroundings of Commerce House, Managing Director Ian says “Like most in the Northeast, we’ve been aware of the superb work the likes of Andy Preston and Ben Houchen have been doing for the Middlesbrough and wider Teesside area for years now and we’re thrilled to have a truly superb office space in Middlesbrough that our longstanding clients can easily visit. Commerce House is on the doorstep of an impressive proposed £34m railway station redevelopment alongside the superb current improvements taking place in the public realm across Exchange Square and is fitting for a company looking to make its own contribution to the exciting changes taking place on Teesside.”.
Andy explains: “Not for many decades has Middlesbrough known a period of investment and construction like we’re currently experiencing. We’re bringing new energy, ambition and, most importantly, all kinds of jobs to the centre of our town.
“Our wonderful Centre Square developments has already attracted a number of national businesses including Teesside’s first new bank for more than 100 years, Boho X will be the best offices for 100 miles around as part of my vision to make Middlesbrough the digital city, we’ve got direct London trains running to an enhanced railway station and two new secondary schools being built.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to have an established financial company with Lowes’ reputation and standing committing to Middlesbrough. These are exciting times and we look forward to working closely with Lowes in the years ahead.”
Christine Huntingdon, Facilities Manager at Commerce House, said “We’re honoured to have a firm of Lowes reputation and prominence move into the building and look forward to welcoming the Lowes team for many years to come. We’ve further exciting news coming soon so watch this space!” Say hello to Lowes to find out more about how Lowes unique investment approach and personal service can benefit your financial future, by visiting Lowes.co.uk, calling 0191 281 8811 or emailing Hello@Lowes.co.uk.
