TMS Financial Solutions Ltd, a leading firm of independent financial advisers (IFAs) based in Truro and Penzance, is celebrating two “Best-in-Britain” awards.
TMS has beaten off some of the biggest names in financial services to triumph – not once, but twice – in the annual Compliance Register Awards for outstanding service to compliance and regulation, known in the industry as the OStCaRs.
It is the first Cornish firm in the scheme’s five-year history to win two categories in the one year.
TMS as a firm won the section for Best Financial Advice and Clive Gwilliam, its managing director, was judged Best Chief Executive/Managing Director.
“We are both thrilled and a little humbled that a relatively small Cornish company can beat the very biggest names in the financial world – we see it as a bit of a David v Goliath victory,” said Gwilliam.
TMS’s entries were supported by citations from clients, other financial services companies and professional connections for whom they act, including industry guru and mentor, Graham Hooper, who has helped many IFA businesses such as Chase de Vere and other financial services companies such as Neptune through various stages of development.
Hooper said: “It is a fantastic achievement to see a small IFA firm, with comparatively limited resources, taking the issue of regulation and compliance – which, apart from the credit crunch, is the biggest single issue facing the entire industry – so seriously and doing so well.
“I am proud to have helped and am convinced TMS, under Clive’s guidance, will go on to become recognised as one of the very best IFAs in the sector.”
“Clive has been proactive in leading his staff through the exceptionally difficult market conditions of recent months. He has ensured that current problems do not become seen as an excuse to relax the high standards of compliance he sets for himself and his team.
“If all financial services managing directors took Clive’s example, we would have a much more trusted, transparent, client-focussed and respected financial services industry in this country.”
The awards were made at a prestigious ceremony at London’s Landmark Hotel, with a host of TV personalities presenting statuettes to the winners.
Gwillam was presented with the awards by Cheryl Baker, of Bucks Fizz fame, and the sponsors of the two awards, Professional Adviser magazine and Deloittte & Touche, one of the leading firms of accountants in the UK.
