Mansfield-based financial planning firm and St James’s Place Senior Partner practice Collins Wealth Management Ltd (CWM) has said farewell to founder Mike Collins on his retirement.

But that doesn’t mean the end of the Collins family at the successful business, for Mike’s son, Ben Collins, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Collins, are to take over leading the company.

ABOVE: Mike Collins (left) in 2014 with St James’s Place joint founder Mike Wilson CBE and Sarah and Ben Collins.

Managing director Ben said: “Sarah and I are honoured to take up this legacy from dad.

“There’s no doubt it’s a huge responsibility, but we’ve been prepared well and over the last few years have been very touched by the tremendous support we’ve received from our clients and professional associates, as we’ve taken on more prominence in leading our business forward.”

In September 2003, Mike founded the business as Mike Collins & Partners, a ‘day one start-up’ with no premises, clients or fee income.

Ten years later it became Collins Wealth Management (CWM) to reflect the increasing family involvement in the business.

One of Mike’s proudest achievements was being appointed a senior partner of St James’s Place Wealth Management.

Since then, CWM has become one of the successful practices of St James’s Place and is regarded as one of the company’s mentor practices.

Ben added: “We all owe Mike a significant debt of gratitude, the CWM team members, the senior management of St James’s Place and our clients, many of whom worked very closely with Mike during the firm’s early years.

“He has shared himself with everyone in the firm and shown us how to lead a successful business with passion and generosity at its heart.”

That generosity has seen Mike be “a champion of giving”, both personally and through the firm.

He was proud to be asked in 2013 to sit on the national committee of the St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, on which he served for four years.

During his time at the helm of CWM, the company has supported many large and small charity initiatives, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Mike is a keen photographer, sport enthusiast and lifelong Mansfield Town supporter. He is also known for his work in the charity sector, currently being an honorary member at The Armchair Club, a group of businesspeople that has been raising funds for sportsmen and women across the area since 1982.

He said: “I am immensely proud of my Mansfield roots and the fabulous support and friendship I’ve received from local people and businesses over many years.

“It has been the privilege of my life to lead the truly awesome CWM team for nearly 20 years and I look forward to watching the firm go from strength to strength over the years ahead through Ben and Sarah’s leadership.

Ben added: “For nearly 20 years dad has made a significant difference to so many clients, but what’s been so special for us is hearing from them first-hand the stories of when dad helped them with other personal challenges, not at all linked to his professional responsibilities. For that we all thank him and wish him the happiest of retirements.”