The biggest company in Gloucestershire by turnover continues to forge ahead following a record year in 2017.

Cirencester headquartered St James's Place's third quarter results reveal a company increasing is size and forging ahead with confidence.

The wealth management firm said it had increased the money coming in the business from £3.23 billion in the three months to March 31 2017 to £3.91 billion for the same period this year.

Net inflows, said the business, were 31 per cent higher and business performance was "strong", said a statement from the company.

Andrew Croft (pictured below), chief executive of St James's Place, said: "After a record year for new business in 2017, we have maintained momentum in the first quarter of 2018.

"Gross inflows of £3.91 billion in the quarter were 21 per cent higher than the prior year, while net inflows of £2.60 billion were 31 per cent higher, reflecting the continuing excellent retention of existing client investments.

"Weaker investment markets resulted in funds under management closing at £89.91 billion, marginally lower over the three months but still up strongly over the past year.

"We continue to see a growing market for trusted face-to-face financial advice and believe St. James's Place remains ideally placed to meet this need.

"This growing market, together with the strong start we have made to 2018, reinforces our confidence in our ability to achieve our stated objective of 15-20 per cent growth in gross inflows during 2018 and beyond."

The firm enjoyed a strong retention of client funds (96 per cent) with total total funds under management now reaching £89.91 billion (2017: £79.84 billion).

Commenting on Citywire.co.uk Numis analyst David McCann said: "While SJP does indeed source most of its customer base from the UK, evidently these figures continue to suggest that there remains robust demand for its services: regardless of Brexit and other possible concerns, people ultimately still need to save into their pensions and for other future financial needs."