If you’ve worked in financial services for few years, you will no doubt at some point have been contacted by companies which are delighted to inform you that you are down to the shortlist on some highly prestigious but strangely specific awards.
While I have little doubt that Air is the best later life lending sourcing platform in Gloucester run by a Scot, I am also fairly certain that this is a one-horse race that I can win even without signing up for the attractive advertising or profile package.
With this firmly at the forefront of our minds as well as the already packed calendar of legitimate awards run by respected publishing houses, there was much debate before we decided to launch our own Later Life Lending Awards.
It is a huge undertaking and not a course of action you decide upon unless you are determined and perhaps a little mad.
However, with the later life lending industry finally growing up and currently estimated to be worth C. £150bn it seemed only right to celebrate excellence in this area.
As an organisation, Air focuses on supporting and championing the advisers who keep this market moving while encouraging lenders, solicitors and surveyors do better.
A focus that is arguably even more important given the current economic turmoil and cost of living crisis.
We wanted to bring the entire later life lending industry together to celebrate the best – whether it be BDM, lender, adviser or underwriter.
The aim was to highlight innovation, consumer champions and newcomers as well as those whose lifetime achievements are impressive.
And the response from the industry has been great with feedback and enquiries suggesting that even with the market turmoil, people are keen to be recognised for their excellence.
Voting is currently underway so please do take the time to log-in to vote (https://laterlifelending.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/AZnYqYXB) and our panel of industry experts will start judging on 11th November.
This panel includes many familiar faces as well as organisations which represent a cross section of the industry.
Each individual is keen to really understand not only how our finalists excel but also how they make a real difference to the customers and advisers they serve.
We know that people work for commercial organisations and are pragmatic about what this means but expect to see clear evidence of market-leading excellence.
The winners will be announced at a black-tie event on the 1st December at the British Motor Museum.
Those of you who know me know how much I like classic cars but this venue is important for another reason in that this is where we launched Air fifteen years ago.
It seems entirely apt that having growth with the industry as it developed, we can take the time to celebrate excellence at the same venue.
There is still a lot to do ahead of the event and I imagine that the judging will involve significant debate given the experience and strength of those who have stepped up to support this initiative.
I cannot wait to share the results with the wider industry and look forward to congratulating the winners.
Stuart Wilson is chief executive of Air Group
