Tom Moore
CEO
WBR Group, the UK’s largest independent provider of SSAS administration and integrated professional services, has acquired the small self‑administered scheme (SSAS) book of business from Manchester‑based financial planning firm Carpenter Rees, with effect from 30th April 2026 for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition forms part of WBR Group’s long‑term growth strategy combining scale, technical expertise and a consistently high level of client service. Over the past decade, WBR has expanded significantly both organically and through carefully selected acquisitions, investing in people, systems and governance to support advisers and business owners using SSAS pensions.
Carpenter Rees is a well‑established firm with a strong reputation in Financial Planning and SSAS administration . Its SSAS client base will transition to WBR Group’s dedicated account‑manager model, ensuring continuity of service alongside access to enhanced technical resources and broader professional support.
Founded in 2016, WBR Group has grown rapidly to become the market leader in SSAS administration. The firm’s executive team boasts unrivalled practical and pragmatic experience in advising business owners and professional intermediaries on complex tax planning, pension structures and the strategic use of SSAS arrangements. Previous acquisitions, including the SSAS books of James Hay and Rowanmoor, have strengthened WBR’s position while maintaining a clear focus on service quality and technical excellence.
Tom Moore, CEO of WBR Group, said:
“Our ambition has been to create a true centre of excellence for SSAS, combining scale with deep technical expertise and a personal service model that clients and their advisers truly value. Over the last ten years, we have grown consistently, both organically and through selective strategic acquisitions, while continuing to invest heavily in service, systems, and specialist support.
“With first-hand experience of understanding the unique challenges that business owners face, we are expertly placed to provide practical, integrated solutions that empower clients to make confident decisions and drive the success of their businesses. This expertise was a key factor in our decision to acquire the Carpenter Rees SSAS book, as their highly respected trustee business aligns strongly with WBR Group’s values and culture. This acquisition further strengthens our SSAS proposition and reinforces our commitment to providing long-term stability, expertise, and service excellence for members and advisers alike.
“We are delighted to welcome Carpenter Rees SSAS clients to the WBR Group and look forward to working with them while continuing our partnership with Carpenter Rees, who will remain dedicated to delivering holistic financial advice for these clients.”
Steve Rees, Director of Carpenter Rees, commented:
“We have built a strong reputation for high standards of service and technical expertise, supporting both individuals and business owners. The SSAS trustee business has been very important to us, but with upcoming changes to pension and tax rules and the increasing complexities of administering SSAS arrangements, we felt that now was the right time to move the administration to a larger organisation. The sale of the SSAS book ensures our SSAS clients continue to receive specialist support from a market‑leading provider. WBR Group was chosen following a thorough period of due diligence to ensure we found the right long‑term home for our SSAS clients. We are confident that WBR Group is the perfect fit, both culturally and operationally. We look forward to working closely with WBR Group and continuing to collaborate hand in hand to deliver the best possible outcomes for our SSAS clients.”