Glasgow-based McCrea were, for the first time, named in the annual Citywire New Model Adviser Top 100 list for independent financial advisory firms in the UK as well as being the only Independent Advisory firm in the UK to receive the 2021 Gold Standard Award for Retirement Planning.

Douglas McCrea, founder and managing director, paid tribute to the hard work of the entire McCrea FS team, he said: “To be the only company in the whole of the UK to attain Gold Standard Award status for retirement planning is an outstanding achievement and speaks volumes about the quality of advice our clients receive and the wonderful staff we have.

“This is also our first appearance in the Top 100 and it’s a testament to how we fully embrace the benefits of being an independent firm, with our clients’ needs always coming first. Judges pay a great deal of attention to the level of training and skill of employees in nominated firms, and as we continue to grow our team, I look forward to us becoming a fixture on the Top 100 list for many years to come.”

In naming McCrea FS in the prestigious top 100 listing, judges noted the firm’s commitment to using innovative new technology and services to maximise the benefits available to clients. They also commended the close links McCrea FS enjoys with the community through support of various clubs and charities and highlighted the work carried out behind the scenes to support staff through the pandemic.

Industry media titles Investment Week, Professional Adviser, Retirement Planner and Cover also judged McCrea as being the only UK financial advisers firm worthy of the 2021 Gold Standard Award status in the category of Retirement Planning.

Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise the financial strength, capability, service, value for money and trustworthiness of financial advisory firms, with judges looking for evidence of going “above and beyond industry standards” for clients.