News / Finance
Businesswoman bounces back from financial ruin to bumper year of trading
A Bristol-based wealth management firm has increased its fortunes by tenfold since it was founded “on a wing and a prayer” some ten years ago.
Elaine Milne, the founder of Milne Wealth Management in Aztec West, currently boasts hundreds of clients in her books.
However, her journey to success has been anything but plain sailing. More than two decades ago, she faced both a life-threatening illness and severe financial ruin, to the point where she nearly became homeless.
Her story reads like a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford, but like the heroines in Bradford’s works, Elaine finally triumphed over the odds to tell her story.
Elaine Milne, the founder of Milne Wealth Management, who at one point faced a life-threatening illness and financial ruin, currently boasts hundreds of clients in her books – photo: Elaine Milne
Starting her career in hospitality at the age of 18, Elaine worked her way up from bar staff to financial manager within a hotel chain.
Despite her strong academic background, she chose not to attend university and later shifted her focus to financial services, securing a role with a global company. Although she took a salary cut to start over, she passed the necessary qualifications and began to thrive in her new career.
Tragedy struck when Elaine fell seriously ill with a combination of glandular fever, pneumonia, and hepatitis A, which left her on the verge of death.
After months of recovery, she returned to work, only to face redundancy. Following a domino effect sequence of events, she lost her home and possessions, but with the help of her uncle, she regained some stability.
It was during this time that she discovered her strength in estate planning, which complemented her financial expertise.
Today, Elaine advises individuals, families, and businesses on how to navigate their financial futures. She believes that her own personal tragedies have helped her to empathise with her clients and become a compassionate advisor.
She said: “I’m very good at thinking about the consequences, seeing the bigger picture, and problem-solving. I think sometimes you only really learn when things go wrong.
“My experience has helped me empathize with any client situation and pre-empt future issues they and their families may face.”
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Looking back at the change of fortunes in her life, she said: “I’ve come from a place of financial devastation and am now fortunate to be able to help others.
“I believe money can be a force for good. It can help protect us, our families, and future generations – and make our lives and the world a better place.”
Born and raised in Dundee, Elaine made Bristol her home and has been involved in the local charities, notably the Rotary Club.
Main photo: Nick Church Photography
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