IFG Financial Services is forming a sports and entertainment management team at its Manchester office. The team is headed by the firm’s northern regional manager, Paul Barber, who is supported by recent hire Mike Lukic.

Mr Barber has specialised in advising entertainers and sports professionals since joining the firm in 2007. Some of his current clients include footballers Niall Quinn, Kenny Miller and Robert Earnshaw, boxer Ricky Hatton and comedienne Victoria Wood.

"We have centred this office in Manchester as it is a hotbed for sport and entertainment and this will expand once parts of the BBC move to Salford in 2010. It also allows us to build close contacts with solicitors, accountants and agents in the North and Midlands who also specialise in this arena," Mr Barber told WealthBriefing.

“As well as myself and Mike, there are three other advisors with specialist knowledge in the medical profession, pensions, investments and divorce plus a strong administration team,” he added.

In February, Mike Lukic joined IFG from Mitchell’s Wealth Management of Chesterfield, where he was managing director.  Mr Lukic specialises in advising professional footballers.  He also provides financial advice to managers, directors and officials at football clubs.  He will play a key role in developing the new sports management team. 

The IFG Group has overseas operations in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Cyprus, Spain and Switzerland. The principal businesses are the provision of independent financial advisory services in Ireland and the UK, mortgage business solutions and title insurance services in Ireland, and the provision of international and corporate trustee services.