Duncan Parkes, head of compliance at West accountants and financial planners Old Mill, has been named Protection Planner of the Year by the Financial Times’ Money Management magazine.
Duncan had to go through a rigorous judging process to win the title, including providing a solution to a real-life financial problem set by industry experts. After being shortlisted he was interviewed at the Financial Times’ offices, where the winner was decided.
Duncan has worked at Old Mill, which has five offices across the West, including Melksham and Wells, for six years. He has won a number of industry awards including PFS Chartered Financial Planner of the year in 2011.
He said he was honoured to win his latest trophy, particularly as it recognises his advice on protection – an area he says many people underestimate the necessity for guidance in.
He received the award from host, television presenter Angela Rippon, at a gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge last month.
Duncan said: “The need to protect a client and their family in the event of death, accident or illness should sit up there alongside retirement and investment planning when reviewing a client’s personal and financial position.
Pictured: Duncan, centre, receives his award from host Angela Rippon and Chris Hopkinson, head of sales at award sponsor LV=
“Good protection planning involves an in-depth analysis of a client’s position both now and in the future along with forecasting to ensure life styles can be maintained should the unthinkable occur.
“Winning this Award is recognition that Old Mill is providing advice of the highest quality and an endorsement of the level of attention to detail we take when dealing with clients, irrespective of the perceived level of complexity or work involved.
“Entering and winning industry awards also encourages high-quality financial services professionals to join Old Mill, enabling us to continue to provide a top quality service to all our clients.”
Old Mill also has offices in Yeovil, Exeter and Dorchester.
