Originally established in 1989, Courtover Investment Management was taken over a year later by John Evans, who remains the company’s managing director. Initially, the business specialised in single premium investments and handling personal accounts, but growth has seen it expand to cover a full range of financial services, including share dealing and probate services for the professional market. In 1993, the company opened the only independent share shop in Swansea and one of only two in South Wales. The company now offers independent financial advice based on the full range of UK providers and also handles offshore investment in Ireland, the Isle of Man and Luxembourg. The share shop deals in stocks and shares on the London, New York and other international markets. Currently, the company handles account for clients throughout the UK, Europe, South Africa and the United States. The success of the company is due to its awareness of, and rapid response to, market developments in both the investment and share dealing sectors. Success is also due in no small measure to a willingness to commit fully to technological developments and a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Another factor is Courtover’s impressive specialist coverage of the financial services sector including life assurance, pensions, permanent health insurance and long term care and income plans. Apart from fully developing its marketing and dealing activities on the Internet, the immediate plans of the firm are to consolidate its present position and maximise client service. This will involve improved network and administrative procedures with major financial institutions and authorities and a continuous commitment to the effective management of growth.