A Mirfield man has launched his own business – at an age when many people are winding down their careers in readiness for retirement.

At the age of 61, John Goodwin has decided to pursue his long-held ambition of working for himself.

Mr Goodwin has set up on his own as a financial adviser after working for a range of large companies, including Aviva and – most recently – Halifax Bank.

He said: “I have always wanted to work independently, but there has always been something holding me back, a reason not to do it.

“Most people my age are probably thinking about their retirement but I feel as motivated to continue what I am doing as I ever did. I’ll continue to do this for as long as I enjoy it.”

Mr Goodwin has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years, most recently for the Halifax branches in Ossett, Normanton, Mirfield and Brighouse.

He was made redundant when the Halifax ceased giving financial advice on investments, pensions and life assurance.

Mr Goodwin attended Wheelwright Grammar school in Dewsbury and started his career on the railways as a booking clerk at Dewsbury station.

However, he decided to change track in his mid-30s, working for the insurance company Refuge.

He has worked in financial services ever since and is a specialist adviser on life insurance, pensions and investments, with a diploma in financial advice in what is now a heavily regulated industry.

Said Mr Goodwin: “When the impending redundancy was announced I thought about retiring but I found myself climbing the walls with boredom so when my family suggested starting out on my own I grabbed it with both hands. It was the prompt I needed to try something different and was a case of now or never.”

Although Mr Goodwin effectively works for himself, he operates in connection with Sovereign Wealth, the appointed representatives of FTSE 100 firm James’s Place Wealth Management.

“I am doing what I love and have the flexibility of working for myself,” said Mr Goodwin.

“And if I do decide to slow down anytime soon I have the luxury of being flexible with my work to suit my lifestyle.”