Early October saw the movers and shakers in the world of financial planning gather at the Celtic Manor Hotel for the Institute of Financial Planning annual conference.

The event was of particular significance for Proposito as we were in the running for one of the most prestigious awards presented at the conference  – the David Norton Building Excellence Award.

Having provided several detailed submissions over the past few months and undertaken an in-depth interview, we were delighted to have been chosen as one of three shortlisted candidates.

The award itself looks to identify the firm with the most outstanding potential to develop as a successful financial planning firm. It is awarded in memory of David Norton, a former President of the IFP and in acknowledgement of the significant contribution he made to the profession prior to his premature death in 2005.

This year’s panel of judges given the difficult task of scrutinising the huge volume of entries  included Brett Davidson, chief executive FP Advance; Barry Horner, chief executive, Paradigm Norton; and Steve Gazzard, chief executive IFP.

It wasn’t to be our day though as the award eventually went to Essex based firm KMD Private Wealth Management, however we were commended on the day

“We had the highest number of entries since the award began, all were very accomplished firms, and therefore all three shortlisted firms deserve recognition for their achievements” said Steve Gazzard.

Barry Horner, an IFP past president added: “The quality of the applications and firms this year was particularly strong. Since its launch back in 2008, this award is clearly establishing itself as the one to win for aspirational firms who see themselves being amongst the leaders in the profession in years to come.”

Although obviously disappointed not to have been taken the ‘gold medal’,  it was great to see Proposito on the ‘podium’. It reinforces our belief that we are providing a fantastic service to our clients and have the potential to be one of the leaders of our profession in years to come. We won’t be resting on our laurels though, as there is plenty more work to be done to enable us to continually improve the service that we provide to you – the real judging panel – our clients.