A New Year's message

As the door closes on another year, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the past months and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.

As with any year, 2024 saw a mixture of good and bad news for the world at large.

With more conflicts than at any time since World War II (56 involving 92 countries, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace “IEP”) many people have faced difficulties that are thankfully unimaginable to most of us in the UK. Natural disasters, from earthquakes in Japan to severe flooding in many parts of the world have also wreaked havoc and displaced countless families.

In the category of news that might be perceived as good or bad depending on your political persuasion, some 4 billion people across 80 countries were invited to the polls, with major upheavals a consequence, most notably here in the UK and in the United States. 2024 was indeed the year of the political challenger.

On the unequivocally good news front, researchers are closing in on a vaccine for HIV, Britain became the first G7 country to move fully away from coal power, Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral re-opened and even San Marino won a football match, after a record-breaking winless streak of 140 games.

Closer to home, 2024 heralded the beginning of a new era for Clarion, with the initial stage of the succession of the business from my family to the senior management team, which has been integral to the company’s success to date.

The sale of 60% of the shares in Clarion to its leadership team headed by John Winstanley was part of a carefully considered strategy to secure the long-term future of the business in a way that preserves the legacy of total commitment to providing the highest quality financial planning advice to our valued clients.

Personally, I am enthusiastic and excited about the future and looking forward to the next five years, during which I will remain actively involved in running the business and supporting the development of our wonderful directors and staff.

I can say with confidence and appreciation that our clients continued trust and partnership have been paramount to our success so far. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our clients and manage their financial planning and investment needs. You can be sure that our commitment to providing you with the highest level of service and unparalleled expertise remains unwavering.

As we usher in the new year, I wish you continued prosperity, health, and happiness and thank you once again to each and every client for your confidence and partnership. We look forward to another year of success together.

Best regards,

Ron Walker

A New Year’s message

A New Year’s message