Richard Clayton

We put some questions to Richard...

Your career to date?
In 1969 I went to Stratford Catering Collage and ended up working with very experienced Chef's in the UK. This was an excellent grounding for people skills, along with cooking for some very famous people. Learned a very important rule that has stayed with me over the years “If you can`t wash the floor don't tell someone else how to do it!!”

Ran my own business for a number of years with my wife. Followed this by helping to establish a successful wholesale business in Leamington Spa.

I took a career change in 1989 and joined Manulife. In 1995 I moved into Canada Life, then in 2001, became an IFA.

Now with Honister Partners, one of the largest firms of independent financial advisers in the UK, I work holistically and have access to specialist advisers which enables me to provide the best advice for my clients. We do not believe in typical clients and off-the-peg solutions but believe our clients to be unique and so tailor creative solutions to meet present and future goals.

What is your strongest childhood memory?
Falling out of a tree. My brother told me to jump!

What is your favourite piece of music?
“The Voice” by The Moody Blues.

Who would be your three guests at a dream dinner party?
Justin Hayward, Steve Redgrave and Winston Churchill. Sorry, I'm going to have four - and Paul McCartney.

Global warming, fact or fantasy?
Climate change is a fact!

What was the last major change in your life and why?
I was involved in a car accident in 2008 and it made me realise life is for living!

What did you want to do when you left school?
Be a chef.

A winter break, sun or snow?
Sun.

Your favourite view?
Looking out from Sheldon to Teignmouth in South Devon

The last piece of art you bought and why?
A lake scene with a lone fisherman, bought because my dad painted it.

Your perfect day would be spent doing...?
Salmon fishing in Ireland.