Colin Lawson, the founder of leading North West-based Financial Planning firm Equilibrium, has died at the age of 56 after a short illness.
Mr Lawson founded Cheshire-headquartered Equilibrium in 1995 and also donated generously through the firm’s charitable foundation.
Sovereign Capital Partners, the former private equity owner of South Coast-based Financial Planner Shackleton, acquired a majority stake in Equilibrium in October, with the existing management team keeping a ‘significant minority stake’.
In a post on LinkedIn, the company said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our founder, Colin Lawson, died after a short illness. Colin started Equilibrium in 1995 with one purpose that never changed in 30 years, that Financial Planning should make people’s lives better.
"Last year, writing about our 30th anniversary, Colin said that everything we had built had been guided by a passion for making people's lives better, and that the story was one of ambition, adaptability and authenticity. He was writing about legacy without knowing how soon it would matter.
"Colin also had a set of Golden Rules:
- Stay positive. Dream big. Appreciate others.
- Never tell someone how much you know until they know how much you care.
- A smile goes a long way, even on a miserable day.
- Don’t waste time, every day counts, a year goes in a heartbeat.
"Sadly and as usual, he turned out to be right about the last one. He was also unfailingly generous with what he built, which is why the Equilibrium Foundation exists and why so many people across the North West have benefited from it without ever knowing his name.
"When he knew he was ill, Colin sat down to write a bucket list. He got some way in before realising he had already done all of it. He said he had no regrets, and he meant it, which for a man who spent 30 years telling us not to waste time is about the most Colin thing imaginable. Colin was never knowingly out of the spotlight and would have thoroughly enjoyed a post being about him. He would also have had extensive notes on this one.
"Our love and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest well, Col."
Mr Lawson was also a regular contributor to Financial Planning Today Magazine and predecessors over the years.
Kevin O’Donnell, editor of Financial Planning Today, said: “I knew Colin for many years and he was kind enough to write regularly for us. He was always patient and generous with his time.
“He was also a dynamic business leader and a great supporter of the Financial Planning profession. He leaves a huge legacy and his influence on the profession cannot be underestimated. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Several leading Financial Planners and industry figures have paid tribute to Mr Lawson, with many sharing anecdotes of how he helped them in their early careers.
Carla Brown, Chartered Financial Planner and President of the Personal Finance Society, said: “So sorry to read this. One of the professions legends who built a great business. Sincere condolences to Colin’s family and the Equilibrium team.”
Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Prism, Mark Tan, said: “Such devastating news. Colin absolutely lived by those golden rules. So charismatic and positive, and cared so much for his clients and team. He built something special with Equilibrium, and I learned so much from him over the years. A brilliant person who will be very much missed. RIP Col.”
David Ferguson, executive chair of investment platform Seccl, said: “Brutal and deeply sad news. Very few people build a business of such substance while maintaining the kind of energy and generosity of spirit that Colin exuded.
"Equilibrium is such a special business and I guess that is his professional legacy. His personal legacy will run through many of us for years to come.”