Scottish Widows recognises talent at IFA awards

Last Friday night (5 October 2007), Scottish Widows announced the winners of its annual IFA awards - The Widows.

Independently judged, the awards are designed to recognise success and achievement amongst financial advisers.

The awards were presented at a prestigious Gala Dinner at Banqueting House, Whitehall in London.

Scottish Widows is delighted to announce that the winners were as follows: Lifetime achievement - Len Warwick CBE of Warwick Butchart Associates Industry initiative of the year - Kevin Carr of LifeSearch IFA newcomer - Nim Maradas of Helm Godfrey Personality of the year - Justin Modray All the winners were presented with an Oscar-sized statue of the Scottish Widow.

Andy Briggs, managing director of marketing and distribution at Scottish Widows, commented: "We are delighted to announce this year's winners of The Widows Awards".

"This is the second year we've run the awards which celebrate success, talent and effort in the IFA community".

"I would like to congratulate all of our winners and wish them continued success." The panel of judges was made up of: Hal Austin, Editor, Financial Adviser Ken Davy, Chairman, SimplyBiz PLC Caroline Spencer, Director, Rayner Spencer Mills Financial Consulting David Elms, Chief Executive, IFA Promotion Ends Notes for editors Details on winners: Lifetime Achievement Award Given to the financial adviser who has offered the most to financial services over his or her life.

Former president of the Life Insurance Association Len Warwick is one of the most respected and influential IFAs in the UK.

Awarded the CBE in 1996 for services to financial regulation, Len is also a founder member of the Association of IFAs.

Len is a practising IFA and writes regularly on training, professionalism and regulation.

His reputation for reasoned argument and his commitment to professionalism particularly impressed the judges at this crucial time in the industry's development.

Industry Initiative of the Year Award Given to the financial adviser who has created a new initiative in financial services or championed a cause that will better the industry for consumers and/or intermediaries.

Kevin Carr of Lifesearch is a one-person industry when it comes to promoting protection.

He's committed, knowledgeable, hard-working and gets himself involved.

On the issue of payouts on protection plans Kevin has regularly raised the issue through the press - championing the fair treatment of policyholders.

IFA Newcomer Award Given to the financial adviser newcomer (no more than three years as an adviser) who's made the biggest impact on the financial services industry since their arrival.

Having worked at the FT and Financial Adviser magazine, Nim Maradas has made the unusual transition from journalist to IFA now working with Helm Godfrey.

She has, to use a cliche, hit the ground running.

The judges were impressed that Nim continues to combine her successful career as an adviser with occasional financial journalism.

Industry Personality of the Year Award Given to the financial adviser who's caught the imagination of consumers and/or intermediaries with key industry issues through a presence in the media, at conferences or in their day-to-day work activities.

Justin Modray is a financial adviser who, during the last 12 months, has worked tirelessly to generate media coverage on investments and pensions, positioning IFAs and advice in a positive light.

In terms of influence on consumers Justin has had a profound effect consistently achieving a high media profile and projecting a positive image for the industry.

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