LONG-TERM friends have teamed up to launch a brand new company in Bolton.

Ian Taylor and Stephen Owen are joint directors of Money Solutions, a firm of Independent Financial Advisors based on Chorley Old Road.

The pair first met on a business course at Bolton College in 1982 before going on to become team mates at Turton Football Club for 15 years.

They have both worked in financial services and as independent financial advisers in the area for many years. But now they have decided to pool their experience to offer financial and investment advice to professional services, businesses and individuals.

Stephen, from Belmont, has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years at several FTSE 100 companies, including Lloyds TSB, Prudential and Norwich Union. He will specialise in retirement planning.

Ian, from Bromley Cross, has worked as an IFA for 16 years, specialising in investments for private individuals and several local companies.

A third advisor, Lynda Oakley, from Egerton will also be part of the business. She recently qualified as an indendent financial adviser after working in administration for six years with Ian and, before that, in customer services at Abbey National for 11 years.

Money Solutions will be the three IFAs as well as support staff.

The company's aim is to build specialist departments covering property, investment and pension advice, taking on more advisors over the next 12 months.

Ian Taylor said: "We see ourselves as financial partners working with our clients to help them find the most appropriate solutions to achieve their needs and goals.

"We already have good working relationships with several accountancy and legal practices in the region advising their clients, as well as individual clients who come to us directly.

"Stephen and I have been friends since we met in 1982. He was my best man and we went on to play football together for 15 years so we know we can work well as a team."