Over two thirds of advisers (68%) have said their firm is looking to grow by taking on new clients.

This figure is up from 50% last year.

Meanwhile, 40% plan to grow by hiring new staff, nearly double the number in 2023.

The research by NextWealth, based on a survey of 340 financial advice professionals, also reveals fewer firms are looking to sell up or exit the profession.

This is despite the “constant drumbeat of news” about the consolidation of financial advice firms.

Nearly half (46%) of respondents said that their number of active clients has increased – up from just over a quarter (29%) in 2023.

Only 11% said they have fewer clients this year compared to 17% in 2023.

Most clients come from referrals, either from existing clients or professional connections.

However, larger firms – those with six advisers or more – are increasingly attracting clients from digital and traditional marketing, the research shows.

It also highlights the positive sentiment people have over a career in financial advice.

Over three quarters of respondents said they are “confident” or “very confident” in the future of their role when it comes to long-term career prospects (79%) and continued satisfaction with their current role and activities (77%).

Overall, 71% of respondents said they are confident in their firm’s ability to attract new clients.

A SUPERMARKET’S own-brand cheddar has been crowned winner of a blind taste test, pipping Cathedral City to first place.

The group of shoppers, put together by consumer champion Which?, gave the top spot to a retailer’s Best Buy cheese.

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The Tesco Finest 12-month Matured Cheddar was praised for its firm but smooth texture, saltiness and strength of flavour.

Tasters also said the 350g pack, on sale for £4, was crumbly and creamy.

Overall, shoppers gave the classic cheese a 78% rating factoring in flavour, aroma, appearance and texture.

A Cornwall cheddar came second in the blind taste test, which asked tasters to try a range of own-brand and branded packs.

The Davidstow Classic 12-month Matured Cheddar, on sale at Amazon, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco from £4.75 for a 350g pack, scored a decent 75% rating from shoppers.

They rated the cheese highly for its strength of flavour, crumbly texture, saltiness and creaminess.

M&S’ Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar got a 73% overall rating from shoppers and was classed as a good all-rounder.

Shoppers said the cheddar’s salt level was just right while its smooth firm texture also had tasters singing high praise.

The 350g pack came in at £4 and can be bought at M&S in-store or via Ocado.

Shoppers also tested out six other major cheddar cheeses, including from Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Sainsbury’s.

The Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar on sale at Ocado and Waitrose for £4.75 for a 300g pack, came in fourth place.

Shoppers said it tickled their taste buds but a few who tucked in wanted a slightly stronger hit of cheddar.

Major brand Cathedral City’s 350g pack of Our Mature Cheddar came in at £3.50 and while many loved the taste, shoppers also said it lacked a tangy punch.

Meanwhile, two cheeses from Aldi and Co-op came in second bottom and bottom place, with 68% and 66% overall scores.

Here is the full list of cheeses and how they fared in the taste test:

• Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar Cheese – 78%
• Davidstow Classic Cheddar – 75%
• M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar Cheese – 73%
• Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar Cheese – 71%
• Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar – 70%
• Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar – 70%
• Sainsbury’s Barber’s Mature Cruncher Cheese, Taste the Difference – 69%
• Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar – 68%
• Co-op Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar Cheese – 66%

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Finding an affordable and tasty cheddar cheese is a must for many shoppers.

“Tesco emerged as the preferred choice in our taste tests for its firm and smooth texture and was awarded a Best Buy.

“This narrowly beat Davidstow’s Classic Cheddar, proving that own brand products can be just as delicious and more affordable than the big brands.”

It’s worth bearing in mind, the prices included in Which?’s taste test are correct as of October 7.

That means you might have to pay more or less when you come to buying one of the packs as supermarkets change prices on products regularly, sometimes daily.

It’s worth using a price comparison site like trolley.co.uk which compares prices on thousands of products to find the best deal.

The cheddar blind taste test is not the first Which? has carried out in recent months.

The consumer website, a non-profit which advocates for consumers, recently revealed the results of a blind taste test of Irish creams.

And shoppers gave the top spot to Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference tipple ahead of the branded Bailey’s.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

FOUR in 10 holidaymakers are now equally or more likely to have their ‘main’ holiday in October and beyond, rather than the traditional summer period.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 67 per cent would consider switching their ‘main holiday’ to the autumn period.

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Whereas 60 per cent are likely to take shorter holidays in the summer and October, rather than one longer trip.

Nearly half (48 per cent) believe holding off until October provides them with better value for their trip – estimating it will save them over £400 per person by travelling a few months later.

And 18 per cent even think they can make their money go further by picking up holiday clothes and essentials in the post-summer sales.

Seven in 10 went on to agree that value for money is the biggest driver when booking a holiday.

Paul Sokes, from M&S Credit Card, which commissioned the research, said: “Our research has shown a growing trend of holidaymakers opting to get away in October, or later in the year.

“With 36 per cent saying they can still seek out the sun in Europe and further afield later in the year, now is the perfect time to take a trip.

“This not only allows travellers to make the most of the quieter holiday period, but can also unlock significant cost savings.

“With value for money top of mind for many of us when planning a holiday, October getaways can offer an opportunity for savvy travellers to make the most of their holiday budget whilst enjoying their their time away.”

When it comes to these autumnal getaways, sunny breaks in Europe lead the way, followed by a UK-based city break.

As one in five (19 per cent) estimate they will take the chance to go on more trips in October, or later in the year, in the next five years.

When it comes to organising their trips throughout the year, cost of accommodation, what the weather will be like, and cost and availability of flights are the most important factors.

And researching destinations, planning itinerary and booking flights and hotels are the ways in which travellers get excited for their excursions.

In fact, 90 per cent get their children or younger family members involved with holiday decisions and 46 per cent have even let them pick the location of the holiday.

Nearly two in three (64 per cent) have taken this approach because they want them to be more a part of the planning process.

But it’s not just the location young holidaymakers are influencing, with 54 per cent being allowed to pick activities, and 40 per cent selecting what sights to see.

The average age children, or younger travellers, begin having a say in holiday planning is nine.

Paul Stokes added: “Planning a holiday is increasingly becoming a family affair, as younger travellers are getting more involved in the decision making process.

“Involving younger family members and travellers not only teaches them decision making and budgeting skills, but also helps build excitement for the trip ahead.

“This collaborative approach can also make for a more enjoyable family experience, making memories everyone will remember.”

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