A Business Built to Last is a memoir about the evolution of a highly successful and dynamic financial services business, Hewison Private Wealth. Established in 1985, the business' founder, John Hewison, developed a set of core principles and standards that would underpin the organisation's strategic framework, cementing its standing as an industry icon. Hewison's commitment to the empowerment of the individual proved to be a fundamental key to success, forming the basis of a culture that has long-standing and universal buy-in amongst management, staff and, importantly, the clients they serve. Describing himself as an 'innovation junkie', Hewison clearly defines many of the unique initiatives his business employed, from investment management philosophy to IT systems development, to creative management practices. However, his story is not all plain sailing, as Hewison faced significant challenges - market corrections, reforms, global financial disasters and legal confrontations, including a fraudulent partner almost taking the company down. Overcoming these obstacles, John Hewison played an instrumental role on boards and advisory bodies, effectively helping to shape the financial planning profession in Australia and the world beyond. Now happily retired, Hewison's business continues to prosper and grow due in a large part to a carefully designed and managed succession plan. How Hewison Private Wealth achieved its success is a study in core beliefs and value systems that can apply equally to just about any business in any industry today.
