Honouring 35 Years of Friendship – In Memory of Mike “Woody” Woodfine

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and long-time business partner, Mike “Woody” Woodfine.

A proud Yorkshireman, Mike carried with him the grit, honesty and no-nonsense humour his roots are famous for. Before I met him, he had already lived a life of service and adventure, serving his country in the British Army in several parts of the world. That experience shaped the strength, resilience, and discipline he carried into everything he did afterwards, along with the dry wit that only a soldier from up t’North could truly master.

Mike and I went on to work side by side for 35 years, first in business and always as friends. Together, we co-founded The Money Centre (UK) PLC in 1990, building it from the ground up into one of the UK’s leading commercial finance brokerages. In 2008, the business was recognised nationally, ranking #38 in The Sunday Times Profit Track 100 league table of Britain’s fastest-growing, most profitable companies. We were also proud to be founder members of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), helping to establish standards and professionalism in an industry that has supported so many landlords and investors.

Together with our other co-founder of The Money Centre, the late Clive Mason, Mike and I also built a significant rental property business. Although we sold the last of those particular properties a few years ago, that experience shaped much of our work with landlords and gave us first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities of the sector. I remain an active landlord to this day, carrying forward many of the lessons Mike, Clive and I learned together.

Mike was also a co-founder, financial backer and shareholder in Property118. His vision, commitment and support helped shape this community into what it is today. He believed strongly in creating a place where landlords could share knowledge, support one another, and raise standards across the private rented sector, values that will continue to guide us long into the future.

Beyond the professional milestones, Mike was one of a kind. Strong, straight-talking, and fiercely loyal, he had a way of making people laugh even in the darkest of moments. To me, he wasn’t just a business partner; he was a dear friend, and I will always be proud of the journey we shared.

After decades of hard work, Mike enjoyed three years of retirement before his passing, spending time with his wife Gail, their children, grandchildren and recently one great-grandchild. Even as illness took hold, he faced it with the same courage, dignity and humour that had defined him all his life.

On behalf of the entire Property118 community, I pay tribute to a man whose impact will be felt for many years to come.

Rest in peace, Woody — you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

I invite members of our community who knew Mike to share their memories and messages of condolence below.

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