St James's Place has reported record figures over the first three months of the year as investors look at long-term options.

The Cirencester-based wealth management group was holding £135.46billion - up from £101.67billion for the same period last year.

Net inflows were up 22 per cent over the year at £2.9billion.

Chief executive Andrew Croft said: "The moderate growth in new business that we saw in the early weeks of 2021 gathered pace through the quarter as confidence improved and clients sought to commit accumulated savings to longer-term investments.

"This, together with strong activity linked to tax year-end planning, resulted in an exceptional new business performance in March.

"Although Covid-19 restrictions and economic uncertainty continue, the demand for trusted advice is stronger than ever and I am confident that, given the quality of the partnership and the strength of our client proposition, we are well placed to deliver another good year for St James's Place."