Clarion update – A message from Ron to our clients

I wanted to let you know that Clarion Wealth Planning is entering a period of transition, beginning with my decision to sell a portion of my shares in the company.

As a founding member of the Institute of Financial Planning – now part of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) – I founded Clarion in 1985, nearly 40 years ago.

My goal was to build a financial planning firm that was commercially successful but compassionate, and holistic – dedicated to supporting clients in every aspect of their financial journey while considering and respecting their entire life circumstances. I believe that with the help of my fantastic team, that goal has been achieved.

Clarion has grown into a trusted firm, known for its personalised, client-focused approach, helping individuals and families navigate their financial futures with confidence and care. Indeed, many of our clients have worked with us across multiple decades and multiple generations, and we’re honoured to have been trusted by so many for so long.

Since the inception of the business, Clarion has been family-owned, with the shares belonging to me and other members of the Walker family.

Looking ahead, the current Clarion management team led by John Winstanley will acquire 60% of the shares and I will retain 40%. Alongside John, this team consists of two longstanding directors, Adam Wareing and Matt Sherratt, plus Alistair Cartwright, who is set to join the board soon.

As we look to the future, rest assured that this change is part of a carefully considered strategy to ensure the continued success and stability of the business and the service we offer to you and all our clients.

Our commitment to delivering the highest level of service remains unchanged, and I will remain at Clarion for a period of at least five years to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Our esteemed Chairman Keith Thompson will also remain for the foreseeable future.

Beyond that period, our ethos, values, and commitment to the “Clarion Way” will remain unwavering.

Importantly, and against the trend in our sector, the business is not being sold to a consolidator, which can often lead to a significant overhaul and potentially a drop in service standards. Rather, it will remain in the hands of those who have been instrumental in growing and nurturing Clarion into what it is today.

So, you can trust that our commitment to excellence and care will continue, and that your relationship with Clarion and your Financial Planner will endure.

As ever, you are always welcome to our offices in Alderley Edge, and we look forward to your next visit.

Kind regards

Ron Walker