Air Group has signed an agreement with wealth management group, St. James’s Place (SJP), to supply its range of services to support and build the expertise of its equity release-qualified advisers.

Having recently joined the Equity Release Council, SJP, which has offered equity release for over 15 years, will be offering additional support to its advisers by providing access to Air Sourcing and Air Club, which provides members with access to exclusive products, support, enhanced income and deals.

Stuart Wilson (pictured), CEO at Air Group, said: “Equity release and other later life lending options are increasingly becoming not only a mainstream choice but a key part of many advisers’ tool kits when it comes to retirement planning, estate planning and gifting. We are therefore delighted to have been chosen by a well-known brand like SJP to support them as they seek to upskill and develop their advisers who operate in this market.”

Paul Johnson, head of mortgages at St. James Place Wealth Management, added: “With residential property not only playing an increasing role in retirement but also making up a larger proportion of many peoples’ assets, we want to offer our clients access to specialist highly-trained advisers.

“Our partnership with Air Group will help to ensure our advisers are at the forefront of market developments, as new plans and product features make equity release and other later life lending options a flexible financial planning tool for an increasing number of older clients.”

SJP advisers will also be able to access the Air Later Life Academy, which is endorsed by the London Institute of Banking & Economics and provides access to a curriculum of educational support designed to help advisers better meet their clients’ needs.