WH Ireland's first half driven by growth in private wealth management

WH Ireland reported a strong first-half performance thanks to growth in its private wealth management division.The broker said the division saw its asset base grow during the period, with assets under management and administration rising 3.7% to £2.8bn. Its management fee income increased compared to same period last year.Its corporate broking subsidiary also grew thanks to an increase in its client base. Chief executive Richard Killingbeck said: "Both our divisions have had good half years, with strong progress in their respective key metrics: increased discretionary funds under management in private wealth management and increased numbers of clients in corporate broking."We look forward to making further progress in the balance of the year," he added.Shares in WH Ireland rose 2.45% to 1045 BST on Friday.