The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment hosted its annual financial planning awards in Manchester this week with five winners announced.
Taking place at Old Trafford Cricket Club, the financial planning community came together to celebrate both individuals' and firms' contribution to the financial planning profession.
Certified financial planner of the year, went to Nicholas Grogan of PWS Financial Consulting.
Commenting on his win, Grogan told FT Adviser: “Winning this award is an incredible honour, and I am sincerely grateful for it. My journey in financial planning began with the CFP, and receiving this recognition really brings everything full circle.
“This award reflects my unwavering passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. I am excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those I serve."
The paraplanner of the year award, sponsored by the AIC, was also judged by FT Adviser senior editor Simoney Kyriakou and was awarded to Brad Sheridan of BRI Wealth Management.
Sheridan said the whole process was “great to go through” and it was a big surprise to hear his name announced adding: “It has definitely been the highlight of my career so far.”
Next came the CISI accredited financial plan firm of the year, sponsored by Glascow Consulting and was won by Acumen Financial Planning.
David Gow, director of the firm, commented: “We are delighted to receive this award which recognises Acumen Financial Planning as one of the top financial planning firms in the UK. It is testament to our teams across all of our offices at Acumen Financial Planning.
“This is now the third time we have received this award once again underlining our continued focus on our clients’ needs whilst delivering a financial planning service that is second to none. We aim to look after our clients, our team, ourselves and our profession.”
Barry Horner, of Paradigm Norton Financial Planning picked up the Tony Sellon ‘Good Egg’ award memorial prize.
“I am truly thrilled and delighted to win the Tony Sellon Good Egg award. I have sought to be a positive influence for good within the financial planning community for over three decades, so to have this recognised by the CISI was wonderful,” Horner told FTA.
Emelia Powell of Premier Wealth Solutions, was the recipient of The Paul Etheridge Financial Planning Future Leader Award, sponsored by Lexington Wealth Management.
She said: "I never knew Paul, but I go to know his legacy through the application process and on the evening of the presentation. Not only does his legacy of professional excellence live on, but the changes he has made to the profession, and livelihoods he has supported speaks volumes of what an incredible leader and planner that he was.
"To say it was a ‘pinch me’ moment to have even been shortlisted is true. I hope I can continue in creating the same impact and do the award justice."
