A Kendal financial advice company is celebrating a double success in a national industry awards.
Financial Management Bureau was named UK-wide Best Adviser Firm for Vulnerable Client Care and one of the Best Financial Advisers to Work For at the Professional Adviser awards in London last week.
FMB offers independent financial planning advice to customers across Cumbria and beyond.
The firm was recognised by judges for its care and attention in supporting vulnerable people to make financial decisions.
FMB has put in place a number of policies and processes to ensure it provides the best services for vulnerable customers, who may have a disability, medical condition or be dealing with difficult life events.
Its team receives regular training and the company has also appointed a dedicated vulnerability champion.
FMB also supports local organisations such as South Lakes Carers, Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool, Springfield Domestic Abuse and Dementia Friends, which has deepened its understanding of helping vulnerable people.
“Clients work with a financial planner over their whole lifetime, so at some point all of us are probably going to face a period where making important decisions will be difficult,” said managing director Liz Beavis.
“When we talk about vulnerability and finance, people think about age, but just because someone is young does not mean they are not vulnerable.
“We have made it part of our company culture to recognise when somebody might need particular care due to factors such as bereavement, divorce, job loss or illness and ensure they receive the attention that is required.”
Director Ruth Power picked up the award at the Professional Adviser awards ceremony at the Brewery, in the City of London, on March 19, which was attended by over 600 professionals including advisers, financial product providers and fund managers.
“This is the first time FMB have won this particular award and we are really delighted because it reflects what a privilege it is to work with clients and be trusted in their time of most need,” said Ruth.
FMB was also one of 19 UK firms recognised as the Best Financial Advisers to Work For.
This industry-wide programme is a joint venture between Professional Adviser and Best Companies Group and honours the best employers as voted by their employees.
To be considered for the award, companies enter a two-part process, which involves evaluating their workplace policies, practices, and demographics followed by an employee survey.
Liz said: “Like any business, FMB is only as good as the people that work with us and building a great team requires respect, the ability to listen to employees’ needs and to give them the chance to develop and achieve their potential.
“Winning both of these awards on the same night is a heartening reflection of our ongoing efforts to support both our clients and colleagues.”
