Without any doubt there are lots of very good Financial Planning firms, but what does it take to go that step further and become a great one? In this post-RDR world, if you're ready for the challenge then you should be entering this year's David Norton Building Excellence Award.
Through it, the IFP is looking to identify good Financial Planning firms which could use expert mentoring and business support to help them make that final step up to the levels needed to become an Accredited Financial Planning FirmTM.
As Steve Gazzard CFP^CM, IFP operations director and Norton Award judge, said: "It's about identifying firms who know Financial Planning is the answer, who have made progress towards their ultimate goal, who accept they are on a journey, value help on the way and appreciate recognition for what they have achieved."
The range of prizes for the winning firm is exceptional, including mentoring from business experts Brett Davidson of FP Advance, Elizabeth Holt of Holt PR, Abbie Tanner of A Business Innovation and Tracey Underwood of Pace Solutions.
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This outstanding package will transform the winning business into one which is ideally positioned to make the most of the considerable business opportunities that lie ahead and progress to becoming an IFP Accredited Firm.
IFP Accredited Firms, are not eligible to apply for this award having already reached the highest standards set by the IFP.
Winning firms consistently report the considerable benefits they have reaped from their success, having refined and developed their business effectiveness, brand and profile.
However, firms who have entered over the previous five years have reported that simply undertaking the challenging application process itself has been very beneficial.
It makes firms conduct a thorough analysis of the way they do business and the value that they provide for clients. Such analysis is a great way to identify ways to improve. The application questionnaire has been specifically designed to probe and test what your firm actually does as well as how you do it.
Full details and the online application form can be found on www.financialplanning.org.uk 
Entries close Friday 3 May.

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