Charlotte scoops top financial planning award

A Preston-based paraplanner has been commended for her success after achieving top marks in a nationally renowned financial planning qualification.

Charlotte Counsell snatched the Highest Achiever title at the Personal Finance Society’s Chartered Awards 2014 after securing the highest number of distinctions in the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning qualification.

The 25 year-old, who lives and works in Preston, was up against 591 other candidates to bag the prestigious title.

The award marks a double-win for Charlotte, who works at chartered accountancy firm Moore and Smalley. She also scooped the 2013 Best Candidate in Diploma in Financial Planning award from the Worshipful Company of Insurers in May.

Charlotte, who provides technical support for financial planning at Moore and Smalley, said: “Given the number of candidates in the running for the award, I was pleasantly surprised to win. It’s always great to be recognised for your hard work.”

Graham Gordon, managing partner at Moore and Smalley, said: “Moore and Smalley prides itself in recruiting and developing top talent and Charlotte’s award win is testament to her commitment to helping us deliver expert financial advice.”

To mark the win, Charlotte was presented with a trophy and a cheque for £500 by Alexander Armstrong at the awards ceremony which was held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Charlotte gained a degree in Business Studies (Finance) from the University of Lancaster in 2010 before studying for a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.