Longton has become home to a new stockbroker business - the first of its kind in the town.

Celebrations took place recently when Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Barrie Yates opened the town’s first stockbroking business.

The new venture is based at the office of financial services company Edward Jones, based in Longton, and run by Stockbroker and Financial Adviser Mark Higginson.

Speaking at the opening Coun Yates said: “I am delighted to open Longton’s first stockbroking business. I am sure Edward Jones will be a great asset for the local area and wish Mark every success for the future.”

Mr Higginson said: “I have been working in the community for some time now and am very pleased to be opening my new office in Longton where I will be offering services associated with both a stockbroker and financial adviser.”

Tim Niemann, a General Partner of Edward Jones, said: “It is great to see Mark doing what Edward Jo nes does best – helping individual long term investors plan for their financial future and retirement.

"The Edward Jones philosophy is based on a personal face-to-face service with customers, which is the ideal way to get to know them and their personal financial goals.”

Mr Higginson added: “We are pleased to help all individual investors, regardless of their net worth and they are always welcome to call into the office.”