Professionals within the financial industry were buzzing with excitement at the announcement that the 2016 CISI’s Financial Planning Gala Awards were accepting entries. Both men and women started getting their outfits ready with men wearing their smartest suits and ladies wearing Bodycon Mini Dresses. Both individual financial professionals and UK financial advice firms were eligible for awards that recognise outstanding levels of skill, service, and expertise. All in the industry were hoping that their contributions will be recognised, nominated, and rewarded.
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Recognising Excellence
The lavish ceremony was the crowning glory of the CISI Financial Planning
Conference. This is a hugely well-attended event and was welcomed in October in
2016.
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Eight individual awards were given to both outstanding firms and professionals
with the financial planning industry in the UK. The highly coveted prizes can
provide a major career boost or positive publicity, whether it is a firm or
individual professional who receives them. The awards are also assessed
independently and entirely on merit, whether by a panel of carefully selected
judges or an independent assessor. There is still time for budding stars of the
financial planning industry to make their application.
A Demanding Industry
Campbell Edgar MCSI is the Head of Financial
Planning at CISI. He commented on the value of the
awards in rewarding the achievements of hard-workers and trailblazers within
the industry. The demands and complexity that financial planners must negotiate
has been widely discussed. The BBC business section recently asked viewers
where they get their financial advice and discussed the importance of advice in
financial matters.
But the demanding role requires additional expertise and support such as back
office systems for IFAs or special advisor webpages. Companies can continue to
run smoothly and efficiently. Edgar continued that these demands are often met
effectively and creatively by professionals within the industry who should be
celebrated. He commented that showcasing achievements helped to demonstrate the
standards of excellence required to be successful within financial planning.
“I look forward to meeting the winners,” he said.
And The Winner Is
Some of the awards given on the night included the CFPTM Professional of the
Year, recognising excellent communication skills and strong technical
knowledge; the David Norton Award, available to UK firms who have identified
key areas for development within their business; and the ever-popular Tony
Sellon Memorial Prize “Good Egg” Award.