Investing in technology, including innovations in digital reporting, has helped regional accountancy firm Old Mill meet stringent standards financial planning for a fifth year in a row.
Standards International, which awarded the BS 8577 accreditation to the firm, praised it for its upgraded back-office system and new CRM (customer relationship management) system as well as its digital reporting innovations. 
BS 8577 is the only best practice standard for financial advice and planning firms. Old Mill, which has offices in Melksham, Wells, Exeter and Yeovil, first achieved the standard in 2015 – at the time it was just one of a handful of firms in the UK to gain the accreditation.
Last year Standards International praised Old Mill’s investment in technology, highlighting the positive impact of a state-of-the-art back office system, fact-find technology, risk profiling technology and the work done to meet the new GDPR requirements.
Standards International certification scheme assessor Colin Selway, who was responsible for assessing Old Mill, said the firm should be proud of achieving and maintaining such a high standard.
“Through another period of ambitious change, Old Mill’s path of continual improvement blazes a trail of best practice and client-centric high standards,” he said.
Old Mill compliance director Duncan Parkes, pictured, said he was thrilled the firm’s work had maintained its high standards, especially during a busy year for it.
“Since the last assessment, we have launched a new back office and CRM system, restructured the teams, undertaken a re-brand and are in the throes of changing the service proposition,” he said.
“This has been a huge undertaking. But our clients remain central to everything we do, so we have worked really hard to ensure standards did not slip during this time of change.
“To be officially awarded our BS 8577 certification again – making us one of a small but growing group of financial planning firms in the UK to have the award – is testament to our continuing drive and determination to deliver the best service we can.”
