Bristol financial planning firm Paradigm Norton has been awarded the title of accredited financial planning firm of the year by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP).
Paradigm Norton, headed by chief executive Barry Horner, was presented with the prestigious national award by IFP president Rebecca Taylor at the professional body’s conference held recently at the Celtic Manor resort near Newport.
IFP interim chief executive Steve Gazzard, who sat on the judging panel that selected Paradigm Norton for the accolade, said it had been a close call but highlighted the firm’s “outstanding client service and the contribution by the whole team to consumer education” as having helped it to scoop the prize. Also on the shortlist were rival firms from London, Cardiff and Nottingham.
Mr Gazzard said: “Accredited firms are, by definition, already the finished article in the financial planning profession. In developing this award we sought to recognise the firm that had made a significant impact in the previous year as well as the firm’s business performance. I have never had to judge entrants of such consistently high quality.”
All 68 of the IFP's accredited financial planning firms were eligible to enter the national award, which is intended to recognise the impact made on the financial planning profession over the past 12 months. Firms were required to submit a 2,500-word application and faced an interview by a panel of leading industry judges.
Mr Horner added: “It’s wonderful to be recognised like this by the best in the profession – and wonderful too that it’s a Bristol firm leading the way and setting national standards of excellence.”
Paradigm Norton has also a six-time winner of the prestigious Citywire South West financial planning award.
The firm works with individuals and businesses to help them prepare for an uncertain future. With 40 staff at its Bristol and Torquay offices, it is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading financial planning firms.
Pictured: Barry Horner, centre, collects the trophy at the Institute of Financial Planning awards
