Financial services leaders honoured at Money Marketing Awards

A number of financial services firms were honoured at the majestic Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday night, at the Money Marketing Financial Services Awards.

The awards, organised by financial news publication Money Marketing, rewards those firms representing excellence in the sector. The three categories, which included 31 awards, were for top advisers, advertisers and product providers.

The evening was hosted by TV presenter Gabby Logan, who announced a range of winners, including some values-led companies.

Publishing director of Money Marketing Patrick Ponsford introduced the event. He talked about the “positivity” that the recent budget speech brought to the world of financial advisers, especially over pensions.

“Change is most definitely in the air. The world of media and financial services are going through huge changes”, he said, adding that Money Marketing had been researching a new appealing design.

Jupiter Unit Trust Managers was named Best Multi Manager/Multi Asset Provider for the sixth consecutive year, while sustainability-focused Aviva won the award as Best Protection Provider. Aviva also came second as Best Pension Provider – with Scottish Life getting first place – and won the second place as Company of the Year, while Scottish Life gained the first position in this category as well.

Building society Nationwide won for the Best Mortgage Lender category, for the second year running. It revealed in November last year a £270m pre-tax profit for the first half of 2013, up from £103m of the previous year. One of the reasons pointed out for this success has been an increase in mortgage lending.

Judges recognised Nationwide for having helped many first time buyers to enter the market, as its share of all recent first time buyer mortgages grew by 20%. Halifax and Santander got the second and third place for this category.

The award for Best Investment Fund Group went to Invesco Perpetual, one of the largest independent investment managers in the UK. Meanwhile, Berry Asset Management was named Best Wealth Management Firm, with one of the judges praising its “outstanding long-term track record”.

Among advertisers, Engine & Payments Council for Current Account Switch Service won the first prize for the Best Online Advertisement, while the top prize for Business Campaign of the Year went to Black & White and Legal & General Assurance Society for Deadline to the Breadline.

Red House director and former Origen chief executive Gareth Marr was recognised for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, after retiring following 30 years in the industry, having been a key figure and pioneer of independent financial advice.

Further reading:

Financial advisers sought for sustainable investment bootcamps

Ownership Day: age of ‘invisible investors’ passing

Vital for wealth managers to understand investors’ values and motives

Survey shows investors continue to value independent financial advice

The Guide to Sustainable Funds 2013