Clarion celebrates 35 years in business

After six months of learning new ways to work during lockdown, we are taking a moment to reflect on our values and how far we have come in 35 years of business.

Clarion has been simplifying complex financial affairs for individuals and business owners with significant assets since 1985.

Ron Walker, a founder member of the Institute of Financial Planning, opened Clarion right at the inception of the financial planning industry making it one of the longest established firms in the sector.

He began business with just a secretary in a Liverpool office furnished by luxurious office furniture brand Herman Miller.

Ron said: “People thought I was mad spending that much to start out but I knew I wanted to attract the right clients.

“I set out to be something different. The industry was – and still is to some extent sadly – too product sales-oriented. Our company vision is entirely advice and guidance based.

“Although we have saved our clients countless millions of pounds in tax and grown their wealth significantly, we also are deeply involved with their wellbeing.

“Through our wide network of contacts built over 35 years we have helped our clients with matters ranging from buying property in Switzerland to introductions to private GP services.”

We still retain the loyalty of clients won in that first year – a testament to our long-termism ethos.

From that small but beautiful office in Liverpool the company has grown into a team of 15, with an adviser retiring this year after 26 years of loyal service to our clients.

In 2012 the business divided into two sister companies, Clarion Wealth Planning Limited for financial planning and Clarion Investment Management Limited.

After more than 20 years based in Knutsford, Clarion moved to our present elegantly-appointed home in Alderley Edge in 2017.

Ron said: “There had been plans for a lavish reception for our clients, business partners and friends to celebrate our 35 years and thank them for their support. However, the unprecedented circumstances of covid have made it a low-key but nonetheless significant milestone to mark.”

Although the coronavirus has thrown the world into chaos this year, he is focusing on taking the positives from the pandemic.

Ron added: “We have not furloughed any staff and continue to serve our clients’ needs. The experience has brought the team even closer together, from daily online meetings to virtual cooking lessons led by me.

“I am so proud we have been around for 35 years. I am unlikely to be here in another 35, but one thing I know for certain is that Clarion will still be at the forefront of financial planning creating better lives for our clients.”

We are celebrating 35 years of growing your wealth

We are celebrating 35 years of growing your wealth