Most advisors are expecting their client base to widen this year, according to Nucleus’s ‘Census 2015’ report.

A 62 per cent majority of advisors anticipate a hike in client numbers over the coming year, according to a new survey by the UK-based advisor-built wrap platform Nucleus.

Business for advisory firms appears to have improved last year. Almost half (47 per cent) of 200 advisors surveyed reached a turnover of over £400,000 ($619,000) compared with 40 per cent who surpassed this level the previous year.

The encouraging growth outlook for new business did not diminish the importance of existing clients, who still made up more than 60 per cent of advisory firms' business, according to the survey. 

In other findings, advisors revealed they were spending much of their time, 21 per cent each respectively, on "client reports" and "time with clients". This cements the value of advisors' face-to-face contact with clients, highlighting its importance in tandem with technology.

Indeed, the survey called attention to the use of social media as a tool for engagement since 72 per cent of Nucleus's advisor community use LinkedIn and 51 per cent use Twitter.

“The latest findings reflect the positive attitude of our community, which is determined to make the most of the available commercial opportunities and position themselves to achieve further growth over the coming year,” said Nucleus's business development director, Barry Neilson.

“Our community is made up of ambitious, quality firms across the UK and the findings from this year’s census highlight that the conditions for growth are in place for the most dedicated and pro-active firms to succeed.”

The majority of advisors surveyed serve between 100-499 clients who typically own between £100,000 and £250,000 of investible assets with the majority earning between £50,000-£100,000 per year.