Financial advisors named best to work for again

WINNERS: Informed Financial Planning’s Gregg Crawford, Jess Crawford, Josh Richardson, Anjeanette Kemp, Sarah Williams and Joe Sanders

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Hessle-based Informed Financial Planning (IFP) has been recognised as Best Financial Advisers to Work For at the Professional Adviser Awards – for the ninth-year running.

The accolade highlights the company’s commitment to long-term career development, professional qualifications and employee ownership. 

The firm’s culture of internal progression is highlighted by the career journey of Lewis Atkinson, who has moved from an entry‑level role into a chartered financial planning pathway. 

Lewis joined IFP as a compliance assistant during the firm’s 2017 recruitment drive and gained paraplanning experience within his first six months, with the company fully funding his diploma, achieved in 2019. He then became compliance manager in 2023, achieving Chartered Financial Planner status along the way. 

In early 2026, after expressing his desire to move into client‑facing financial planning, Lewis was fast‑tracked into a trainee financial planner role, supported by IFP’s structured development pathways and culture of internal progression. 

He said: "From day one, IFP has given me the tools to develop my career.

“Training for my first role in the firm as a compliance assistant was tailored to ensure I learnt the technical side of the industry first through paraplanning.

“That same individualised training and support has carried me through various roles at different levels in the company.

“IFP really does reward and recognise effort and commitment.” 

Managing director Josh Richardson said: “Lewis exemplifies our passion for career growth.

“From hands‑on learning to leadership, we back driven individuals with paid exams, mentoring and clear progression – ideal for experienced paraplanners eyeing advising.

“Being named Best Financial Advisers to Work For is really a reflection of stories like Lewis’s happening across the business.” 

IFP’s employee‑owned model underpins this long‑term approach, with all financial planners achieving chartered status through in‑house development, supported by continuous professional development and clearly defined routes for advancement.