Cathy Smith, a financial planner at Dronfield-based Belmayne, is retiring after 30 years in the profession and handing her clients to fellow planner Melanie Shaw. The firm announced her retirement on 13 July 2026.
Cathy joined Belmayne in 2020 and has been listed consistently in the VouchedFor Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide. She spent most of her working life in banking, where she trained as a financial planner, and moved to an independent advisory firm in Chesterfield in 2015 before joining Belmayne. She planned her retirement to coincide with her husband’s, and they intend to spend more time walking, cycling and supporting their teenage boys.
A planned handover
The two planners worked closely together before the handover so that Melanie could learn each client’s circumstances, financial objectives and personal preferences, and give clients consistency and continuity of service. Melanie said Cathy “has remained committed to delivering positive outcomes for clients” during the months she shadowed her.
Martin Birch, Belmayne’s managing partner, said: “Her careful preparation has ensured a seamless transfer of clients to Mel and we are very grateful for the guidance she has provided.”
Belmayne offers retirement and financial planning services. In September it took on Greg McMillan as its second trainee financial planner. More on the people behind the region’s firms is in our people section, and more financial news is in finance.