A warm welcome to Mike Barnes

As Clarion continues to grow, we’re very pleased to welcome Mike Barnes as the latest addition to the team and our newest financial planner.

Mike joins us at an exciting time for the business, bringing our expert team to 18 people.

After another successful year, we have seen a 33% increase in funds under influence. This continues the positive trajectory we’ve been on since the management buyout in 2024, with our annual revenue increasing by 16%.

As we grow, expanding our team is important for ensuring we continue to deliver the high level of service you expect from us.

Read on to find out more about Mike and what he will bring to the team.

Mike’s professional background

Mike brings several years of experience in financial planning. He entered the profession in 2018, following in the footsteps of his father, who ran a successful financial planning firm for more than 20 years.

With a background in law and property investment, Mike developed his financial planning expertise at the academy of a national wealth management firm. More recently, he’s been working at a regional financial planning business.

Mike is a great fit for Clarion and has been impressed by both our approach and our values.

“Taking the time to understand what clients really want to achieve has always been central to the way I work,” said Mike. “Clarion has an excellent reputation for putting clients at the heart of everything it does, and I was particularly drawn to the business because it’s clear about who it helps and how it supports them. I’m excited to be joining such a talented team and to be part of the next stage of the firm’s growth.”

Strengthening our team

Mike is already a key part of the Clarion team and has hit the ground running.

Commenting on Mike’s arrival, Clarion managing director John Winstanley said: “Mike is a fantastic addition to the business. As we continue to grow, it’s important that we invest in talented people who share our values and commitment to delivering outstanding financial planning.

“Mike’s appointment will help ensure that we continue to provide the same high level of personalised service that our clients know and value.”

Mike outside of work

Away from work, Mike lives locally with his family and two dogs.

He likes to keep active and is currently training for the Chester Marathon later this year. When he’s not running, you’ll often find him on the golf course, playing padel, or out on his bike.

Mike and his family also regularly spend time at their holiday home in Abersoch on the west coast of Wales, which is the perfect place to relax and spend quality time together.

Looking ahead

Mike’s arrival will help ensure that the individuals and families who place their trust in Clarion continue to benefit from the highly personal, client-focused service that has always defined our approach.

As part of our continued growth plans, we also intend to recruit an associate financial planner and a client support adviser over the next 12 months.

Alongside investing in our people, we are also investing in new technology that enables us to work more efficiently. This gives us more time to spend on meeting with clients, understanding their needs, and providing long-term financial advice.

Everyone at Clarion is pleased to welcome Mike to the team, and we look forward to introducing him to many of our clients in the months and years ahead.

Get in touch

Email [email protected] or call us on 01625 466360.