May 2004

KEITH MACKIE - NEW APPOINTMENT

North east firm Acumen Financial Planning has added to its capabilities through the appointment of Keith Mackie who joins as a financial consultant.

Keith, from Turriff, joins Acumen with over ten years' experience as a personal customer advisor with the Clydesdale Bank in Ellon. A member of the Chartered Institute of Banking, Keith will ultimately be based in Acumen's Peterhead office where he will provide advice and guidance to clients on protection, pensions and investments.

Keith, who has a number of years' experience as an independent financial advisor, currently holds three financial planning certificates and is also working towards the Certified Financial Planner status. Keith commented on his new role with Acumen: "Top of my priority list is to build relationships with my clients and I believe that my knowledge of the industry in the north east will stand me in good stead. I was attracted to Acumen as they provide their clients with advice on the overlap between personal finances and their business finances - something no other accountancy firm has yet tackled in the north east."

Sandy Robertson, managing director at Acumen, said: "Keith has a great deal of financial expertise and is extremely competent in his specialist areas. He is dedicated to the industry and is keen to further develop his knowledge and experience. I have no doubt that he will positively complement the Aberdeen / Peterhead team."

Acumen can be contacted on 01224 573 904 or by logging on to the firm's website at www.acumen.info.