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Respected law partner to retire
ONE of the most respected and familiar figures on the Gerrards Cross business scene is set to retire this month.
Ian Johnson, who is a partner at the BP Collins law firm, is set to step down after 37 years with the company.
Mr Johnson started when Brian Collins offered him his first job as a solicitor in 1973, and he then spent 25 years at the firm's Beaconsfield office before taking over as a senior partner in 1999.
He focused mainly on the residential development and commercial property sectors during his career, but also found time to act as vice president of the South Bucks Hospice.
His association with the charity began in 1985 when Edie Pusey, the founder of the group, walked into his office with £5 raised at a car boot sale and said she wanted to start a hospice.
Today, the hospice provides ongoing support, help and palliative care for patients, their families and carers.
Mr Johnson and his wife Pauline, whom he met on his first day at BP Collins, continue to be closely involved with fund raising for the hospice.
He has also worked closely with the National Society for Epilepsy in Chalfont St Peter.
He said: "I remember drawing up the original charity documentation and saw how tirelessly Edie Pusey worked to raise money for the hospice.
"She inspired a lot of other people and it was amazing to see what the determination of one person can achieve.
"The hospice needs £750,000 a year for its running costs alone and my wife and I have become very involved in its work and will continue to do so because they do such a terrific job
"I believe it is important to give something back to the community you are part of and as business it's something we have always tried to do."
Mr Johnson has also served on Beaconsfield Town Council and as deputy chairman of the village's Conservative Association.
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