Gold Standard 2013 Registration Now Open

Now in their 11th year, registration for this year's Gold Standard Awards has now begun. The Awards are aimed at companies in the UK's financial services sector are designed to identify companies that not only have strong structures and procedures in place, but are going above and beyond standard business practices to promote consumer trust in the sector.

The awards not only take into account standards of service but financial strength, capability to conduct business as well as fair value. This year will also see an increased focus on areas of governance and social responsibility.

With the landscape of financial services in the UK and overseas changing rapidly, an assessment of a wide range of factors can give a true picture of whether a company is working towards meeting the requirements of this evolution in financial services.

"One of the advantages of the Gold Standard Awards is that such a comprehensive assessment can act as a self audit of a wide range of processes and procedures adopted by financial services companies to see whether all the dots are indeed joined up. What's more entry is confidential. Those who do not make the standard are not publicly revealed and are briefed on areas they can improve on," explains Deborah Benn, chair of the judging panel.

Categories for this year's awards are:

1. Fund Management
2. Group Pensions
3. Insurance
4. Individual Pensions
5. Independent Financial Advice
6. Protection
7. Discretionary Portfolio Management
8. Wealth Management
9. Retirement

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the awards click on the following link: https://www.eventsforce.net/ima/174/register which will allow you to register and complete your submission online.

Entry System Tips

Once you have completed your registration details you will be taken to the list of awards. Simply click on the Award you wish to enter and follow the online submission instructions. You will need to click on each separate Award you wish to enter. You can save and edit your entry and go back to it at a later date before you submit. The next time you log in you will be asked for your email and password. Using the same email you registered with, simply click on the proceed button and a password will be emailed to you. You can use this password to log in to the system subsequently.

If you have any problems with passwords and getting on to the system, email: Vanessa.Forde@incisivemedia.com.

Entry Submission Tips

There is limit of 400 words per answer. Evidence required is in italics at the bottom of questions where it is needed. Remember the Gold Standard Awards are looking for evidence of those companies going above and beyond standard requirements, so ensure your answers reflect this.

Gold Standard Awards 2012:

Please click here to view the 2012 winners!