THREE finance professionals with more than 50 years' experience in the field have joined forces to help Worcestershire savers make the most of their hard-earned cash.

Peter Stonehewer, Steve Atwell and Sean Jones, of Malvern Independents, say that despite the flood of bigger financial houses moving out of small towns, many rural areas afford real business opportunities.

And they claim one-to-one advice from a home service professional is still very much in demand.

"Recent extensive building of both domestic properties and retail parks mean that Malvern, for example, is expanding rapidly with the current population of 77,531 expected to rise to around 85,000 by the year 2005," said Mr Stonehewer.

"In business terms, it's definitely a growth area.

"Our experience tells us that when it comes to advice on financial planning, clients like the personal touch - a system where their individual needs are regularly re-assessed and the services honestly reviewed.

"We'll be using the latest technology to facilitate access to all the market has to offer and keep our customers up-to-date with key changes."

He said the company was keen to "unravel the maze of jargon and red tape" associated with financial planning products and promote the most cost-effective investment and insurance opportunities.

"Many people think that an independent financial adviser is only for the wealthy or for those with complex financial circumstances when, in fact, it's probably the ordinary family that needs one most," he added.