Among the early applicants for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards is EJ Financial, run by Ted Shaw, an independent financial advisor.
He has chosen to be considered in the New Business of the Year category.
EJ Financial is just one of a number of companies to have been submitted for consideration at the inaugural awards, which are due to be held in April at Salomons.
The company, which has only been running since March 2015, already has £8 million of assets under influence, an achievement Mr Shaw attributes to the firm’s transparent approach to customer service.
And it is his belief that not only will winning his category benefit his business, but will also help promote the reputation of his industry as a whole.
Independent
Mr Shaw said: “I hope that if I win this award I will be able to improve the public perception of financial services.
“I set up EJ Financial because I was fed up with the ‘smoke and mirrors’ approach conducted by a few firms and wanted to be totally transparent with my fees, service and feedback.”
Mr Shaw adds his company is ‘totally independent’ and has no connections with other providers, ensuring he is able to give completely impartial advice.
He said: “Winning the award will help to highlight that there is a new breed of people within the industry who are honest and put clients first.
“At the moment many people have a poor view of advisors.”
His services include financial review and planning, pension contribution planning, pension freedom advice and ISA contributions alongside tax planning.
Applicants wishing to have their company considered are able to choose from a number of categories which they believe best defines their businesses.
Each winner of a category will automatically be put forward for the title of Outstanding Business of the Year Award. Companies may also directly enter this category.
The awards are open to those with companies within the borough of Tunbridge Wells or its surrounding area.
For further information, visit: www.tunbridgewellsbusinessawards.co.uk
