As we are now firmly in the middle of the festive season, many of us will be looking back over the past year – thinking about the successes and challenges, whilst planning for 2025. In terms of looking forward it is always important to consider how marketing will play a part in building any business. An effective way of raising public profile is by entering business competitions and awards*.
We work a lot with business owners, helping ensure that their business is funding both their current and future lifestyles. As business owners ourselves, we understand the how hard it can be to stand out in very competitive markets.
This year, we experienced first-hand the value of awards recognition when we entered, and were named as one of, Citywire’s New Model Adviser Top 100 Financial Planning Firms (the only firm in Northern Ireland to be awarded this accolade in 2024).
This experience has been for our team. We have gained experience in the process, a lot of confidence and have enhanced our profile a good bit.
Why Should Business Owners Enter Awards Competitions?
- Increased Public Exposure Awards offer a platform for your business to be recognised and showcased to a wider audience. Whether the competition is industry-specific or broader, the exposure can elevate your profile in front of key stakeholders, peers, and potential clients. Being named as a NMA Top 100 Financial Planning Firm, has allowed us to reach a larger audience. It gave us the opportunity to share our story, our values, and the impact we aim to have on clients’ financial futures.
- Building Trust and Credibility Winning or even being shortlisted for a respected award is a great way to demonstrate credibility. For clients, this external validation reassures them that they are dealing with a reputable, forward-thinking business.For us, being recognised by Citywire means that both current and prospective clients have that bit of reassurance that they’re working with people who are working at a high level and delivering trusted financial planning advice.
- Motivation Competitions celebrate success. Success is built around a team. Recognition of this will help boost morale, motivate your team and show them that they are valued.Being named as a NMA Top 100 Firm was an excellent way to close out the year, knowing that we are being acknowledged by industry experts and peers. Always remember to celebrate the win as well!
- Networking Opportunities If there is an awards ceremony then it is a great chance to meet with peers and colleagues, which is a brilliant for looking at opportunities and networking.
- Marketing and Differentiation Winning or being shortlisted for awards provides a fantastic marketing opportunity. It is another touchpoint for engaging with your current and potential clients. It can help to set you apart from competitors and shows that you are a leader in your field. Since our NMA Top 100 recognition, we’ve seen the impact of sharing our achievement across our networks. It has opened doors to new conversations and helped us to increase our profile immeasurably.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The experience of entering and being named as a Citywire New Model Adviser Top 100 Financial Planning Firm, has shown us just how valuable awards competitions can potentially be for business growth.
Competitions can be a powerful part of your strategy for growth, helping you stand out and be recognised for the hard work and dedication you put in every day.
We’re here to help business owners plan for success—financially and beyond. If you’d like to discuss how you can maximise opportunities in the year ahead, we’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
*Please note that there are some “awards” that you can enter where, if you pay a sponsorship fee or purchase a publicity package, then you are an “award winner”. We aren’t talking about these “awards”, we are talking about awards where the entries are judged by a panel of industry experts and peers.