Mr Etheridge was one of the UK’s longest serving Financial Planners and has been a leading figure in the profession for several decades.

He has been referred to as the 'Godfather of UK Financial Planning' by many who knew him. 

He was the President of the IFP, which launched the Financial Planning profession in the UK, for its first 10 years. The IFP is now part of the CISI.

Mr Etheridge founded cashflow modelling solution provider Prestwood Software almost 40 years ago, introducing cashflow modelling to the UK, including the Truth software brand.

He also ran the Advanced Planners Group (APG) through which he used to organise monthly masterclasses on running a Financial Planning business for advisers.

Ritchie Walton, managing director at Prestwood Software, said: “To have worked alongside Paul for nearly three decades has been a privilege. His passion to share his knowledge with all who wanted to improve themselves and the Financial Planning profession was relentless.

“His presence will be sorely missed by many. We are thinking of his close family and friends at this sad time.”

Kevin O'Donnell, editor of Financial Planning Today, said: "I met Paul many times over the years. He was a charming and intelligent man whose loss will affect many. It's hard to imagine the UK Financial Planning profession reaching the size and influence it has now without him. He was a pioneer and a driving force in Financial Planning."

Mr Etheridge was also chair of governors at Wycliffe School and a member of the Territorial Army since 1960.

He leaves behind a wife and son.

Prestwood Software says it will be working as normal today to ensure service levels are maintained to its Financial Planning clients.

Reaction to the news from the profession was one of sadness today.

Chris Budd, founder of Ovation Finance, Tweeted: "This is very sad. Paul is not mentioned anywhere near often enough for his groundbreaking work in Financial Planning. A man who really changed things."

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