Sad news

I wake to the news that my friend and personal accountant Nigel Bottomley died suddenly over the weekend – same age as I am.

Nigel and I first met through my membership of Business Network International in the early 90′s and he acted as my accountant for 15 years.

A big huggy bear of a man who always took a positive view, no matter what the circumstances.

Nigel was a key player in my personal team in those first years, when my financial planning business struggled through the Thatcherite recession – and later he managed my finances all the way through the glory years of The Dental Business School and my coaching business in North America.

In the last few weeks we have been putting the finishing touches to a new contract for him to act as my personal accountant whilst we grow Breathe Business.

He was a principal trusted advisor in every sense – always helpful , professional, confidential, innovative, proactive and, above all else, jovial.

And you know what?

It’s a cliche but I cannot remember every hearing him say a bad word about another person.

My Monday morning world is diminished by his tragic absence.

After a 20-hour battle he passed away peacefully in hospital and with his love by his side.

Perhaps that’s all we can ultimately ask for – a life well lived and companionship at the close.