RichardMeinMemorialBook

RICHARD MEIN
26 July 1963 – 16 January 2016

To Richard's wife Virginie,
and children, Sebastien and Emilie.

“
I feel very
privileged to have
known and worked
with Richard for so
many years and to be
able to call such a
remarkable and
wonderful man my
friend.
”
Claire Robbins | Head of Investment Solutions, Parmenion
1

Early Life
Richard was born in Stannington near Morpeth,
Northumberland, into a medical family, with a long
tradition of general practice. His father Bruce and his
grandfather were both doctors, and his mother Allison
practised in midwifery. The family later moved to
Shepton Mallet in Somerset.
2

3

Education
Richard went to prep school in Bruton, before his time at
Clifton College in Bristol. Restless and looking for
something to inspire his interest, he was not keen to fit the
mould of conformist school boy, but did leave with a strong
sense of the scientific method which would condition his
approach to business, time and time again, in future.
Left: Clifton College
4

“
Richard had a gentle manner, an intelligent man that had
real business acumen and applied his qualities to become a real
pioneer in financial services. I remember more humble
beginnings 4 years ago, that I look back with fondness, and will
not be forgotten from my mind. It makes me so proud to have
been a part of Parmenion ‘growing up’ and carving its
bright future.
Three years ago Richard believed in me to create something
new, for myself and for the better of the company and I will
always feel I am in debt for that. Fast forwarding on from that,
his legacy has supported a breeding ground for young talent in
the industry and the entrepreneurial spirit found at the old
days in bath when I worked around the likes of Chris, Dave,
Neil, Jeanette, Ross to name a few, has manufactured great
loyal staff; and long may that continue.
In every meeting our CEO had presence, he knew the subject
matter inside out and ultimately what he wanted from a
technical point of view. If Richard didn’t like something, he
would pull the plug and I admired him for that, because it had
to be absolutely right. You also could never pull the wool over
his eyes and I admire how he strived to keep things simple and
had a great eye for design, echoes of this can be seen in every
fragment of the fabric of the office and I seek to carry the
brand forward in a way that protects the legacy of the values
that made Parmenion, Parmenion.
Thank you Richard.
”
Mike Santiago-Griggs | Marketing & Design Manager, Parmenion
5

“I was fortunate enough to have known and worked
with Richard for 19 years. I was there from the very
beginning of Parmenion, before we even found offices
or indeed investors! He was a true inspiration in the
workplace, a man of vision and utmost integrity, a
gentleman in every sense of the word. His wonderful
sense of humour brightened up many a dull day and a
light has gone out at Parmenion. I was privileged to
be able to call him my dearest friend. I shall miss you
Richard.
”
Vivien Anderson | Executive Assistant, Parmenion
6

“
There are those
who jump about and
make a noise and there
are those that just 'do'.
Richard was definitely a
'doer' and his vision,
focus and ambition led
Parmenion to being the
company that it is today,
and hopefully will be
forever more.
”
Peter Dalgliesh | PIM & Managing Director, Parmenion
7

A Beautiful Career
Richard began his career by selling insurance door-to-door
for Hambro Life. He lasted six months. It showed him
everything that was wrong with the industry: the only driver
of success was quantity, which was totally disconnected from
appropriateness for the client. Inspired, he went to start up
the financial services department of a medium-sized
accountancy firm, which later became Old Mill Financial
Services.
8

9IPS Capital Management, Bond Street, Bath

“
Richard’s public achievement was building a
successful business with a great reputation, in an
industry with very little, without any starting capital
except for an exceptional courage and belief in his
own vision. Ideas he absorbed from the scientific
method, and his medical connections, gave his
approach to business a particularly effective, empirical
cutting edge.
He also brought his flare and imagination to work,
and was enthusiastic about encouraging creativity.
Outside the office, Richard could be great fun. He had
the wide range of interests of a well read man, and an
appreciation of life’s more satisfying pleasures. Above
all, he cared about his family. Nothing motivated him
more strongly, or meant more to him than their
security and well-being. I suspect nothing gave him
greater happiness.
”
Patrick Ingram | Head of Corporate Relationships, Parmenion
10

“
I knew Richard firstly as a client
Software and he always commented
team of people with the ‘magic’ as
everyone in an organisation trusts
move quickly together to achieve
achieved the magic with Parmenion,
amazing things.
It has been a pleasure to be involved with
and the team has been an exciting
be the team he put together who
been touched by the magic.
”
11

at Rowan & Co whilst I was at 1st
on how he wanted to build a great
he called it. The magic is where
each other and that helps business
great goals. There is no doubt Richard
a small team of great people achieving
Parmenion. Working with Richard
adventure and one of his legacies will
will continue to do great things having
Mik Cons | Partner, Parmenion
12

“
There are some people
in life that make you laugh
a little bit louder, work a
little harder, smile a little
more often, and be just a
little bit better, Richard
was one of those people.
He was a truly brilliant and
gentle man with vision and
strength, he whispered
great things to innovate,
motivate and calm - I miss
him dearly. Sleep well my
friend.
”
Jeanette Cook | Partner & Head of Compliance, Parmenion
13

“
I am extremely fortunate to have known Richard
for almost 15 years. I have worked with him for most
of my adult life and I am honoured to have had him as
a mentor. He was an inspirational man whose
knowledge, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit will
continue to shape our people, our business and our
industry for years to come. He possessed the foresight
and leadership to build a very successful business that
we are all extremely proud of and I will always be
saddened that he is not with us now, enjoying this
success with his family and friends.
It is a privilege to have known him and I will always
be grateful for the opportunities he has given me.
Richard was much more than a colleague, he was a
friend who will be sincerely missed.
”
David Tanner | Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Parmenion
14

15

Parmenion
Established by Richard in 2006, the award winning business
has gone from strength to strength. In February 2013, after a
year of exceptional growth, the 40 strong team in Bath were
relocated to Bristol's financial district. The impressive space
would enable them to continue their ambitious growth plans.
Today, Parmenion has over £2bn of client assets, 900 firms
and over 100 employees. Parmenion will remain as one of
Richard's greatest accomplishments.
Left: Taken shortly after relocating to the new Bristol offices in 2013
16

Andrew Martin Smith
Partner, Parmenion
18 January 2016
________________________________________________________
It was an immense privilege to have worked with Richard over
the past nine years and to see him create and realise his vision
for a most successful and excellent business. He was a very
kind, thoughtful and trusting man.
Richard bore his illness with great dignity and with the
straightforward and clear sighted pragmatism with which he
led Parmenion throughout its nine year life as an independent
business. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends
including the staff in Bristol who have carried on so
steadfastly over the past three uncertain months and against
such a sad backdrop. I know that he was extremely proud of
them. He was a truly good man. May he rest in peace.
Andrew
17

“
I was interviewed by Richard back in the Summer of 2009,
I was working for a DFM at the time and was hearing some
great things about this small operation in Bath called
Parmenion. I can remember asking my then MD if he felt
Parmenion were a threat, he said Parmenion were an ‘enigma’
and wouldn’t be around for long as the advisory community just
wouldn’t understand the proposition. Notwithstanding this, as I
loved the software and I loved the visionary thinking of the team
(I met further with Richard, Patrick and Mark prior to accepting)
when Richard offered me the role I jumped at the chance, but
was nervous as I would be joining a firm with about a third of
the FUM of my then current employers.
I remember my first few months, spending time with Richard as
he tried to break me out of the product world of DFM sales and
into extolling the virtues of investment solutions – typically this
would involve a pint at lunchtime! The Bath boules events will
be long remembered where I was introduced to Virginie, what a
lovely lady, indeed as will bumping into Richard and Virginie
whilst holidaying in St Ives, just a fabulous couple.
I have messages of thanks and support from Richard that I’ve
kept over the years, one theme Richard was always clear to make
in them was that ‘Mr Smith, glad to have you with me and glad
that you’ve made it work’ – well Richard thank you and I’m very
grateful to have been with you and will always remember and try
to repay your faith.
”
Neal Smith | Regional Sales Director, Parmenion
Ed Dymott @eddymott • 21 Jan
@parmenionuk very sad to hear the news about Richard. I didn't
know him well but he's made a huge impact on the industry &
left great legacy
18

19The Tramshed - Parmenion office, Bath 2007-13

20

“
On a
personal level,
Richard was always
generous and
supportive,
forthright in his
views, he always
enjoyed a good
conversation on
many topics. He will
be missed.
”
Simon Brett | Chief Investment Officer, Parmenion
21

Tom Pearson
Partner, Marwyn Investment Management
18 January 2016
________________________________________________________
I have many memories of Richard. I started visiting him when
he worked for a small business near Clevedon or something...
just off the M5 anyway. I got to know him because I think I was
about the only person who made the effort to seek out the
business which was in a "then" modern office park - which
has probably been demolished by now. I can't sadly remember
the name of the business. I don't know why the name J
Edward Sellars keeps springing into my mind, because I am
sure it wasn't. Anyway, our relationship grew from then and I
kept on visiting him (during what I call the "musical chairs"
period in Bath when everyone seemed to work with each other
at least three times). Finally, I was flattered he tried to hire me
more than once to Parmenion. I saw a stronger more steely
side to him and I think this was because he had finally
realised he had created quite some business. A lovely lovely
chap.
A specific memory:
I don't know why, I recall very clearly him standing in the
doorway of the office in Bath (bottom of Milsom Street)
puffing on a Sherlock Holmes pipe. Smiley, so friendly,
engaging and slightly eccentric. The other thing about
Richard, which so many people are not... he was interested.
He always took an interest in what you were doing.
Best wishes
22

23

“
Richard was much more than just a ‘Boss’ – He
had a quiet and calm nature, but radiated a strong
sense of sincerity and care towards the people that
he knew.
In 2012, I went through a tough time personally –
Richard simply patted me on the back, bought me a
drink and said “aren’t you glad that’s off your chest”.
That was all I needed – kind reassurance. Richard
didn’t have to do or say anything, but it’s the small,
seemingly insignificant things like this that make
Richard stand tall above the rest.
Richard created an exceptional team of people at
Parmenion, and I am extremely proud to be a part of
that and to have known and worked with him for
nearly 6 years. He was a true inspiration, an
innovator, but more importantly, a gentleman.
I will miss Richard and his presence, but will
remember him fondly.
”
Ross Cains-Razeq | Compliance Manager, Parmenion
24

“
It was one of the pleasures
worked for Richard. A man
passion for the industry
whenever he spoke about his
was happy to challenge an
trust in the judgement of the
Professionally I will miss his
chats about life, science and
25

of my professional career to have
of great intelligence who had
which came across so strongly
vision for Parmenion. Richard
opinion but also showed great
team he built at Parmenion.
counsel, but I’ll also miss our
the world in general.
”
Matthew Purcell | Finance Director, Parmenion
26

“
Richard always
had a clear sight of
what was right, and
had an ease with him
which relaxed
everyone to achieve.
The combination
has created outstanding
solutions, and Richard has
built a true legacy. I will
really miss working with
him.
”
Richard Goodall | Partner & Head of Distribution, Parmenion
27

“
I have the privilege of working at Parmenion and
also for starting at Parmenion at a stage where
Richard Mein’s influence was very apparent –
everywhere. He wanted us all as part of his staff to
encapsulate his spirit of perfection. He was very
particular about the image that he wanted for
Parmenion – and he was very ‘hands on’ when it came
to bringing that image to life.
Our CEO was a chief at multi-tasking! I witnessed
him personally liaising with builders when we were
going through our extension, getting into the fine
details with regards to a new business application,
showing clients around, getting involved with HR
issues and so much more – his reach knew no
bounds. He challenged us, taught us and encouraged
us to buy in to his high standards and he did it all
with style, class and a fantastic smile.
I am proud to have worked for Parmenion under
Richard Mein. It’s a fantastic place to work because of
Richard’s legacy, his spirit of kindness, fairness and
friendship lives on. Rest in peace Richard – I pray
wherever it goes, Parmenion continues to uphold to
your impeccable standards.
Alima Soliu | Parmenion
”
28

29Rowan & Co , Queen Square, Bath

“In the short time I worked with Richard it was
clear he was a very intelligent and engaging man. He
successfully combined clarity of vision with an
unwavering focus on getting the job done. I am sure
his personal qualities and business acumen will live
on in Parmenion for many years to come. He is an
extremely sad loss.
”
Mark Davidson | Director, Jigsaw Tree Limited
“
Although our paths didn’t often cross, Richard
was always a welcoming and well humoured man,
with a deep-rooted kindness. I hope that he was very
proud of what he built at Parmenion, and his legacy
that remains. I believe consolation can be found in
the gratitude of all the people who have ever known,
worked for, or worked with him, whose lives he had
an undeniable effect upon.
We will all miss the values he created and influence
he had at Parmenion, a company built in his vision.
But above all else we will miss the man that he was.
George Berry | Compliance Manager, Parmenion
”
30

Bimal Balasingham
Partner, Parmenion
19 January 2016
________________________________________________________
'A truly good man' is a perfect description of Richard. The
news triggered many, many positive memories of his
'goodness' and 'good sense'. His success in building and
selling Parmenion was really remarkable.
I feel privileged to have known him. We've lost a great friend.
It's a very sad time. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and
all at Parmenion.
Best Regards
31

Phillip Rose
CEO, Chartered Financial Planner
18 January 2016
________________________________________________________
Really sorry to hear the sad news, please pass on my regards to
Richard’s family and the team at Parmenion.
Take my hat off to a man who can build a business from
nothing to a value of over £50 million within 10 years, truly
remarkable.
Best Wishes
Claire Goodwin @theactualclaire • 21 Jan
Oh that is sad news, condolences to all
@parmenionuk
32

33
“
Richard was not only my
boss, mentor and colleague
but a true friend. We worked
very closely over the last
eight years and shared the
highs and lows of building a
business together. It is tragic
that he did not live to enjoy
the benefits of his success
with Virginie, Sebastien and
Emilie, whom he loved and
was so very proud of. I will
always be grateful for the
opportunity he gave me and
will truly miss his intellect,
direction and wit.
”
Mark Bonehill | Partner & Head of Sales, Parmenion

Jeff Charles
Managing Director, 26 Financial
21 January 2016
_________________________________________________________
It was with sincere sadness that I received the news of
Richard's death from you this morning. He was a person of
great integrity and thoroughly deserved the respect he enjoyed
from his peers and the wider financial services industry.
For my part, as you know, I first met Richard at the beginning
of the Parmenion story when you could barely put out a five a
side team! But despite being brand new and unknown he
persuaded me to be an early adopter of what was, with his drive
and enthusiasm, to become a fantastic company. I think above
all else he knew that getting the right people in the company
was going to be key to Parmenion's success and so it proved.
I shall remember him for a few sparky conversations we had,
that he really seemed to enjoy and for his obvious intelligence
and thoughtfulness. In an industry which seems to have more
than its fair share of self aggrandising and self publicising
blowhards, Richard was a genuine and extremely likeable
person. Mostly though, I shall remember him for being a very
decent, nice man. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at Parmenion.
Very best wishes
34

35The Mendip Hills

Andrew Williams
Associate Director, 26 Financial
18 January 2016
_________________________________________________________
Planting the acorn is just the start... it needs to be nurtured and
cared for, and given constant guidance to develop into a mighty
oak.
By the time I came across Parmenion in early 2009, the sapling
was well under way, and having met Richard on a couple of
occasions, in Bath and in your Bristol office, it was obvious that
he was a 'Head Gardener' with vision for the future whilst
paying careful attention to the present, especially in building
the team around him.
I am sure that his legacy will be the continued successful
growth of Parmenion, and that although he will be sorely
missed he will be fondly remembered.
With best wishes
36

37
“Richard’s always been a
from strength to strength.
a number of occasions over
incredibly quick at identifying
sorted without messing around!
of funding my driving lessons and
IMC and CFA when we were
grateful and our thoughts are

visionary and led the company
Having worked with him on
the years, he’s always been
the key points and getting it
Having taken the unusual step
sponsoring me through the
a young company, I’m incredibly
with his family.
”
Andrew Gilbert | Investment Manager, Parmenion
38

“
Richard was the reason I
joined Parmenion. It was his
passion for the business coupled
with his vision for the future that
sold me on Parmenion. He was
truly inspirational, a terrific leader
but most of all, just a really nice
man. Now I want to continue
building what he started and
ensure his legacy continues.
I have so many fond memories of
Richard. He touched my life in
such a positive way. He'll be sadly
missed but lives on in our hearts
and minds.
”
Gordon Jackson | Regional Sales Director, Parmenion
39

Jim Aitkenhead
Chartered Financial Planner
18 January 2016
________________________________________________________
Apart from providing an investment solution that suited us
perfectly I was impressed with "Richard the man" I felt that he
was someone who was trustworthy, had business acumen and
a fresh approach and yet did not seem to be unduly focused
on money-making from clients; the emphasis was moneymaking
for the clients; the achievement of successful
investment solutions, which was to everyone's benefit.
Richard certainly was the most affable Chief Executive I've
met and this was combined with a very professional approach
to getting things done.
We will all miss him.
Please pass my condolences onto his family.
Best wishes
40

41Queen Square, Bath

Joss Harwood
Eldon Financial Planning
18 January 2016
________________________________________________________
When we first came down to Bath to meet with you in 2009, I
wanted to use ‘female intuition’ (if indeed this is a gender
specific trait), to gauge the honesty and integrity of those around
the table. I felt that you all, and in particular Richard as leader of
your group, spoke our language in emphasising the importance
of honesty, ethical behaviour and fairness in a world not known
for those attributes. It was different to the usual financial services
dialect and music to our ears.
Coming up seven years later time has vindicated our faith in each
other to do what we said we would do, with the focus firmly on
clients. Our mutual trust was well founded and has enabled both
businesses to progress.
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 are immensely proud and we have been pleased to be part of
your journey.
Our own 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.
Kind regards
42

Malcolm Gordon
Development Director, Investcentre
22 January 2016
________________________________________________________
I just wanted to say how shocked and sad I was to note the
passing of Richard at such a young age. I dealt with him way
back when we first set Parmenion up as an Investment Partner
on what was at the time Sippcentre. I didn’t know him well,
but always considered him a very bright and energetic person.
I just wanted to offer my condolences to all at this difficult time.
Best wishes
43

Gillian Cardy
Insight Consultant at Defaqto
21 January 2016
________________________________________________________
Just a very quick note to say how sorry I was to hear that
Richard had died. His passing at such a young age is a real
tragedy. Hopefully Parmenion will stand as a worthy tribute to
a man who wanted to make a real difference in financial services.
His loss will obviously be keenly felt by his wife and children,
but I am very sure that you, and all of your colleagues at
Parmenion, will obviously be deeply saddened and affected by
the loss too.
With kind regards
FundStrategy @FundStrategy • 27 Jan
Industry pays tribute to @parmenionuk
founder Richard Mein
44

45Parmenion office, Bristol 2016

46

“
Richard was an incredible
man, a true gentleman who
I hold in great regard. An
inspirational determined
leader in business yet kind
and compassionate at the
same time.
”
Words are few,
thoughts are deep,
Memories of you,
we will always keep
Ben Fowler | Regional Sales Manager, Parmenion
47

“
It is a pleasure to have worked with such an
inspirational gentleman, Richard had everyone’s best
interests at heart and that is everything you could
ever want from an employer. He will be deeply
missed. I thank him especially for everything
Parmenion has done for me.
”
Jo Newey | Implementations Manager, Parmenion
“
Richard was a lovely and gentle man who gave
me this opportunity of a lifetime. He was obviously
very intelligent and could see how the market would
develop. He was enormously proud of this business
and I am proud to say that I worked with him.
”
Diane Jones | SIPP Manager, Parmenion
“
Richard and I only spoke a few times but, never
the less our conversation always ended up with a
smile from us both. My thoughts go to him and his
beloved family.
”
Bader Cains-Razeq | Software Tester, Parmenion
48

49
“Richard was more than just a good boss,
and a successful entrepreneur.
He was a good man, someone you could trust,
depend on and we admired.”