Best Adviser Firm established under three years

This award is for firms that have been operating as a trading entity for three years or less, as at 1 January 2025.

Open to any firm that can demonstrate success in making a noteworthy contribution to the advisory sector and is now looking to take the next step. Entrants could include (examples only):

• An adviser that has identified a significant market failing and/or gap and filled it
• An adviser that has focused on using the latest technologies
• A firm that has embedded best practice

Best Support Team

Top class businesses must run efficiently and cost-effectively. Internal systems, processes, IT, CRM, paraplanning, finance, training and HR must all be aligned with the firm’s objectives. The teams that run these functions are essential to the success of the best firms. This award is for the backoffice team(s) in your business and the key elements of winning entries could include

• Clear example(s) of how a support team(s) has made a difference to the overall operational efficiency of the business
• Showing how cost-effective internal efficiency supports the business
• Examples of improvements and enhancements that enabled the firm to respond effectively to events, market issues and volatility

Excellence in Investment Planning

The best adviser firms have adopted new approaches in investment planning and will have responded robustly to the challenges caused by recent turmoil in the markets. Whether it is in-house or outsourced solutions they need to be backed by co-ordinated investment strategies and consistent financial planning processes. Entries can highlight the following:

• The use of appropriate tools to assess attitude to risk, especially extreme volatility
• A thorough approach to due diligence and de-risking portfolios
• Evidence of achievement of consistently above average client satisfaction ratings

Excellence in Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is a core business necessity. Many adviser firms are leading the way with ground-breaking innovations and partnerships. This award is for them.

Entries should highlight:

• Innovation promoting ease of use, perhaps through enhanced online services, or app-based solutions
• Enhanced customer service and quality of information delivered digitally
• Increased customer engagement and positive feedback using digital solutions

Excellence in Professional Development

Top quality professional staff are a key element in any successful adviser firm. Regulators demand the achievement of certain qualifications but the most successful firms go beyond that and create a professional development strategy for all staff at every level of the business. Entries can highlight the following:

• Alignment of professional development with the firm’s strategic objectives
• Investment in staff training and development
• Evidence of the proportion of staff achieving relevant professional qualifications

Best ESG Initiative

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become a key focus for clients and advisers. It continues to grow rapidly in importance and there are many great internal and external initiatives, often setting the pace for providers to follow. We want to showcase them with this award. These could be:

• Dynamic and imaginative responses to client preferences for ESG-focused advice
• Investment programmes delivering genuine ESG-focused results
• An internal initiative to embed an ESG culture and/or programme of action within your own business