When financial adviser Colin Low reached middle age his decided to launch his own business having worked for someone else for more than 20 years.
He took the plunge after a "mid-life crisis" running marathons and beekeeping which led to him deciding to go it alone.
Running Kingsfleet Wealth at Claydon, Ipswich, has not been without his lows as well as its highs, he admits - including the sudden death of a well-loved colleague.
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Here he describes his business journey:
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Northern Ireland, but my family moved to Felixstowe when I was three, so that is where I grew up. I attended Kingsfleet Primary and Deben High Schools there and it is there that I first began my interest in financial matters. Unlike many people in our profession, this is the career that I always wanted to have.
What makes your small business unique?
We are a B Corp, so profit is not our sole objective. We are a chartered firm. Our focus is on growing organically from clients in Suffolk. We hold two charitable funds with the Suffolk Community Foundation for the benefit of children and young people in the county.
What inspired you to set up your own business?
I had worked for other people for over 20 years and had a mid-life crisis. I ran a couple of marathons, started keeping bees and just had to try to run a business in the way I thought was right!
Why did you choose Suffolk as the home for your business?
It's the place we call home. I love its geography - from heathlands to woodland to shoreline and I love its people - their resilience, humility and stoicism. I also adore the business community in the county which is vibrant, supportive and collaborative.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
April 3, 2022. Our wonderful colleague, Gary Gladwell, died suddenly (literally overnight) from an undiagnosed heart issue.
He was a pleasure to work with and was going to be a key member of our leadership. It took us a couple of years to get back to where we were and get the right people in position to move the business forward again.
What is your ‘stand-out moment’ so far as a business owner?
Winning two categories at the Suffolk Business Awards on July 4, 2024.
Kingsfleet won both the Customer Excellence and Small Business of the Year Awards. Given all that we had gone through with Gary's loss and rebuilding the team, that really was a great joy.
If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
Can I have two please? 1. That Financial Education is introduced to the National Curriculum. 2. That our society would realise how wealthy they are in global terms and give more.
What are your words of wisdom for someone looking to start a business?
Do what you say you're going to do for the agreed cost. Don't be greedy. Build enough cash in the business so that you can always make the right long term decisions for every client.
What’s the best thing a customer has ever said to you?
"It's clear that you've recommended what's best for me, as I know you could have earned more doing other things."
