METHODOLOGY

Companies are invited to submit their written entries for the awards. These will be reviewed by our judges, who will then create a shortlist for each category. The shortlists will be announced on the event website and FTAdviser.com.

Format: A panel of expert judges will be selected by the editorial team based on their industry expertise, ensuring a diverse representation of companies and groups. The panel will include at least six judges, with at least one member from the editorial staff.

Judging will be based strictly on the criteria outlined in the entry requirements. Entries must come from UK-based companies that have operated within the past 12 months and must distribute products to, or directly serve, the regulated financial advice profession.

Entry Requirements:

1. Companies may enter as many categories as they wish.

2. Entries must be from FCA-regulated or those that serve FCA regulated, UK-based companies and should refer to activities within the past 12 months.

3. Entries must consist of a report not exceeding 1000 words, assessed based on the specific criteria for each category.

4. Submissions may include examples of marketing materials, communications, or links to relevant products or services.

5. All submissions must be labelled as follows: Company Name | Category

Example: Financial Times | Best Business Marketing and Promotion Service to Advisers

Best business marketing and promotion service to advisers

This category evaluates how effectively your company has supported advice firms in marketing and promoting their services both locally and nationally. Key points of assessment will include:

● Value for Money: Does your service provide excellent returns on investment? Are the costs justified by the benefits and results?

● Support Methods: How does your company assist these firms both online and through other channels? Detail the tools, strategies, and support systems you offer to enhance their market presence.

Best regulation and compliance service for advisers

Your submission should comprehensively address the following aspects:

● Training Quality and Extent: Describe the scope and quality of training your company has provided to advisers. Detail the specific training programs, their coverage, and how they've been tailored to meet advisers' needs.

● Consumer Duty Compliance: Explain how your company has addressed consumer duty requirements. Highlight any strategies or practices you've implemented to ensure compliance and enhance consumer protection.

● Enhancements and Efficiencies: Discuss the improvements or efficiencies your company has introduced to aid advisers over the past 12 months. Include any innovations, technological tools, or process optimizations that have made a significant impact.

Best delivery PII service to advisers

Entries in this category will be evaluated based on the enhancements made to your Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) offerings for advisers. Please address the following aspects in your submission:

● Improvement in Offerings: Describe how your PII offerings have been improved. Highlight specific changes and enhancements that have been made to better serve advisers.

● Turnaround Time for Renewal: Provide details on the efficiency of the renewal process. Include average turnaround times and any measures implemented to expedite this process.

● Cost Management: Explain how your company has worked to keep the costs of PII fair and competitive. Discuss any strategies used to maintain or reduce premiums without compromising the quality of coverage.

● Coverage Upgrades: Indicate whether your PII coverage has been upgraded to include modern risks such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilites. Do you offer separate Cyber cover for advisers? Detail any new inclusions or extensions to the policy coverage.

Best legal support to advisers

Submissions will be evaluated based on how effectively your company has supported advisers with legal issues concerning their clients or their own business operations. Your entry should address the following areas:

● Scope of Legal Assistance: Detail the range of legal services provided to advisers over the past 12 months. Describe the specific types of legal issues addressed, including any particularly challenging or notable cases.

● Geographical and Operational Reach: Explain where your services have been available to advisers, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, and how you have adapted your offerings to different markets or needs.

● Going the Extra Mile: Provide examples of how your company has exceeded standard service offerings to assist advice firms with client matters or business needs. Highlight any bespoke solutions, rapid responses to urgent issues, or innovative practices that have distinguished your services.

Best business growth and succession planning for advisers

Entries will be evaluated based on the effectiveness of support provided to advice firms during a sale or merger. Your submission should comprehensively address the following aspects:

● Facilitation of Sales or Mergers: Describe how your company has assisted advice firms in negotiating and executing sales or mergers. Include details on the roles played, such as brokerage, consultation, or legal advisement.

● Ongoing Support and Advice: Detail the type of continued support and advice your company offers post-transaction. Highlight any unique services provided to ensure smooth operational transitions and continued business success.

● Transition Support: Explain how your company has helped advice firms navigate the transitional period following a sale or merger. Discuss any specific strategies implemented to manage change, integrate teams, or streamline new business processes.