TWO Kent firms aim to be leading lights in financial services after creating one of the largest independent groups in the UK.

Jackson Batten of Sidcup and AFPS, Watling Street, Canterbury, now form the Aurora Financial Group. It becomes one of UK's top 40 independent financial adviser (IFA) groups.

The new organisation has 110 staff. Robert Rackliffe, former Jackson Batten managing director and joint chief executive of Aurora, said there would be no staff cuts as a result of the merger.

In fact, there were plans for considerable future growth that were likely to create up to 40 new jobs over the next three years. The merger was good for staff and good for clients, he said.

A number of changes in the financial services sector, especially the implementation of new N2 regulations and CP121 accounting proposals, meant that firms wanting to offer the full range of services had to be big.

Explaining the choice of company name, Mr Rackliffe said "aurora" suggested potential, excitement and opportunity.

"Our aim is to be a leading light in the financial services industry and we both feel that the Aurora branding exemplifies our goals perfectly."

Aurora has a combined turnover of almost £6 million. The merger follows extensive talks between Mr Rackliffe and former AFPS chairman and chief executive David Taplin.

Mr Taplin said: "Robert and I have been friends for many years. A major part of this venture has been about the match in our personal and business values and our vision for the future."

Jackson Batten was founded in 1964 and AFPS in 1990. In 1999, Jackson Batten became the first IFA in Kent to be awarded the Investors in People National Standard.