Richard Mein, the founder and Chief Executive of Parmenion, a long-standing supporter of the financial planning profession, passed away on 16 January after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by a wife and two children.
Joss Harwood CFPTM Chartered MCSI, Director of Eldon Financial Planning in County Durham, paid tribute to Richard. She said: “I was distressed to hear about the loss of Richard. Our hope is that Richard’s inspirational integrity and determination to do the right thing means that in his memory, Parmenion can continue to flourish and provide a bespoke service without compromise within a larger organisation (after acquisition by Aberdeen Asset Management).
“Sadly, the ‘good guys’ are not given any special treatment by life itself. Richard’s passing reminds us how we can’t take tomorrow for granted but we know that his legacy is a company of which you (Parmenion) are immensely proud and we have been pleased to be part of your journey.”
Parmenion opened for business in 2007, with Richard and a small team, several of whom still work in the firm today.
A Parmenion statement read: “Richard was an entrepreneur, establishing a business that did not fall within the usual boxes of either platform, technology or investment management, but instead he vertically integrated all three functions. The industry took some time to appreciate the brilliance and foresight of this move. His vision was to harness new technology, supporting the widest possible choice of professional investment proposition, to make life simpler and business more efficient for financial advisers. His vision was to improve the outcome of investing for retail customers. Richard was justifiably proud. His drive for the next horizon led him to launch the UK’s first online regulated advice system in July 2014.”
Dawn Pearce-Herzberg, MD of IFA acquisition advisory business Vines Row, said: “Richard was a considered man, enjoyed a lively debate, never afraid to put his thoughts and opinions forward, but given his knowledge and experience it was always worth listening to. He was passionate when speaking about his family and that is one of the many reasons I am so sad he has gone.”