Unbiased’s Responsible Adviser of the Year announced

John Ditchfield, director of Barchester Green Investments, has won Unbiased’s Responsible Adviser of the Year award.

The aim of the Unbiased Media Awards is to recognise the valuable contribution advisers and journalist make to the promoting the value of professional financial advice. The Awards are now in their eleventh year and are judged by a panel of industry experts and product providers.

Karen Barrett, chief executive of unbiased.co.uk, said, “With the government’s guidance guarantee now imminent, it is more important than ever for us to continue our work in helping consumers access the financial expertise they need.”

Responsible investment and incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the investment process has gradually been growing in the UK in recent years and is picking up momentum. More investors are realising that taking sustainability factors into account can improve returns and manage risk in the long-term, and demand for responsible advice is likely to grow in the future.

Ditchfield commented, “Unbiased Media do a really good job promoting the value of advice and it’s really pleasing to be recognised for the work we do through the year in promoting responsible investment across the media.”

The shortlist for the Responsible Investment Adviser of the Year award, which is sponsored by Alliance Trust Investments, also included Bob Wilson of GreenSky Wealth and Jason Hollands of Tilney Bestinvest.

The awards included a number of other categories recognising financial advisers in various areas, including investments, pensions, mortgages, protection and tax planning.

Further reading:

Autumn statement: financial advisers talk social investment tax relief

Private equity industry adds weight behind responsible investment

Breaking the eight myths of sustainable and responsible investment

The Guide to Sustainable Investment 2014

The Guide to Ethical Financial Advice 2013