Charleston Financial Services is a mortgage and protection broker based in Milton Keynes. The firm specialises in the commercial, bridging, buy-to-let and specialist property sectors including houses in multiple occupation (HMO). 

The firm was established in 2009 and is led by its founder and managing director James Hardwick. 

The acquisition is part of Pivotal Growth’s expansion plans into specialist markets and to scale the Pivotal Group. 

The transaction has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

Earlier this month, Pivotal Group acquired mortgage and protection broker firm Morrison Ward Associates (MWA) and John Charcol Group. 

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It also purchased two Northern Irish firms Select Mortgages and Financial Solutions and Select Brokers. 

Simon Embley, chief executive of Pivotal Growth, said: “I am pleased to announce our latest acquisition in Charleston. Charleston has successfully tapped into specialist markets and grown to be an industry-leading specialist broker.  

“I am looking forward to working with James to accelerate the growth journey of Charleston. James is a highly experienced leader whom we are delighted to welcome into the Pivotal Group.” 

Hardwick added: “We are excited to join the Pivotal Growth journey and look forward to achieving accelerated growth in this new partnership. We are delighted by the opportunity to join Simon and his team to grow the Charleston business and add value to the Pivotal Group.” 

Pivotal Growth was founded in 2021 as part of a £200m joint venture broker between LSL and Pollen Street Capital. Since its establishment, it has made 14 acquisitions.

Speaking to Mortgage Solutions earlier this year, Embley said the firm was focusing on “proactive expansion and strategic recruitment”.