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2 headlinemoney awards 2014 Welcome
CONTENTS 2 Awards sponsors Nothing ‘virtual’ about 3 Chairman’s welcome 4-5 The judging process brilliant financial journalism 7 Financial/Business Journalist of the Year (local & regional titles) or being the best at PR 9 Rising star of the Year (B2B) 11 Rising star of the Year (Consumer) The 2014 Headlinemoney media awards are all about prestige. They both recognise and celebrate the hard work demonstrated by the UK’s top financial journalists, leading money 13 Mortgage Journalist of the Year media outlets and best communications professionals. Only those who bring their ‘A’ game to 15 General Insurance the various category shortlists leave the annual awards ceremony clutching a coveted trophy. Journalist of the Year With Bitcoins and virtual exchanges attracting the headlines over the past year, 17 Investment Journalist of the Year Headlinemoney thought it was about time it created its very own currency-related theme for 19 Health & Lifestyle Protection this year’s awards. Journalist of the Year 21 Pensions Journalist of the Year Fortunately, there’s nothing ‘virtual’ about the line-up of winners you’ll read about in this commemorative book! To land a trophy, each of the victorious journalists required not just the 23 Best Use of Social Media support of their peers but submissions also had to cut the mustard in front of a tough-to- 25 Press Office Teams of the Year please panel of judges.
27-29 PR Professionals of the Year The time and effort that Headlinemoney’s users allocate to the initial nominations process 31 Outstanding Achievement Award never fails to impress. Thousands of votes were registered this year. You can read more about how the awards process works over the page. 33 Household Money Journalist of the Year 35 Financial Blog of the Year Nominations were received for more than 300 individual journalists, 100-plus different print- based financial title/money sections, and a similar number of online offerings (including 37 Consumer Champion of the Year standalone money websites, or print titles which feature an internet offshoot). 39 Money Columnist of the Year Hearty congratulations, therefore, to everyone who made it on to a shortlist this year and a 41 Financial Website of the Year special ‘well done’ to each of the eventual category winners. 43 Financial B2B Title of the Year Thank you to everyone who supports the awards so generously. From voters and those 45 Consumer Money Title of the Year submitting their work, to the all-important sponsors and awards attendees. Headlinemoney’s 47 Financial B2B Journalist of the Year annual celebration of excellence continues to be the UK’s foremost event for money media in terms of scale, prestige and simply having a great time! 49 Freelance Financial Journalist of the Year 51 Financial Broadcast Journalist of the Year 53 Consumer Money Journalist of the Year Andrew Michael 55 Headlinemoney Journalist of the Year Founder, Money & Media Chairman of the 2014 awards judging panels
headlinemoney awards 2014 3 The judging process and list of judges Recognising the money media’s top journalists, titles and best media relations practitioners It doesn’t matter if your brief is to cover the disappearance of a virtual supplement have emerged victorious after successfully negotiating a two- currency provider, or report on the latest fine meted out by the financial phase nomination, then face-to-face judging process. services watchdog. Throughout January 2014, Headlinemoney users were encouraged to vote The fact is there has never been a more exciting time in which to cover financial, online for the journalists and titles that they believed produced the most business or City affairs. Coupled with all the multi-media facets, opportunities outstanding levels of work within various categories during the previous and deadlines that now face correspondents and editors vested with the job calendar year. of putting together money-related content, there has simply never been an era like it. After the online vote closed, shortlists of the top five names in each awards category were drawn up. When you bear in mind that many of the categories Against this stimulating backdrop the Headlinemoney media awards celebrate feature dozens of initial contenders, it’s important to stress that it’s no mean excellence. Editorial superiority as demonstrated by money journalists and feat making it to a shortlist. Each shortlisted name was then asked to submit titles at the top of their game, combined with PR excellence from those relevant examples of work along with extra supporting material for the second communications professionals whose brief it is to represent the numerous phase of judging. corporations and organisations which exist under the general mantle of “financial services industry”. Each judging panel is made up of a combination of journalists (including former award winners), communications experts and top-flight figures from As always, the majority of the journalist winners that you’ll read about in this the financial services industry itself.
THANKS VERY MUCH TO THIS YEAR’S JUDGES! IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, THEY ARE:
Cathy Adams, Square Mile Alex Cardno, HFM Week Simon Gompertz, BBC News Sue Anderson, CML Kevin Carr, Kevin Carr Consulting Lawrence Gosling, Incisive Media James Andrews, Yahoo! Finance Michelle Carter, Daily Star John Greenwood, Corporate Adviser Guy Anker, MoneySavingExpert.com James Charles, The Sunday Times Andrew Hagger, Freelance Mark Atherton, The Times Robert Cole, Reuters BreakingViews Jane Hamilton, The Sun Simon Bain, The Herald & Times Newspapers Mark Colegate, Asset TV Alex Hammond, Kensington Mark Baker, Team Spirit Patrick Collinson, The Guardian Marek Handzel, Claims Magazine Alan Bannister, Advantage Regulation James Coney, Daily Mail Stephanie Hawthorne, Pensions World Yuri Bender, Professional Wealth Management Roland Cross, Broadgate Mainland Geoff Ho, Sunday Express Peter Birks, Reactions Ian Crowder, The AA David Hollingworth, L&C Mortgages Jasmine Birtles, Moneymagpie.com Jon Cudby, Money Management Natalie Holt, Money Marketing Nicole Blackmore, Telegraph Media Group James Daley, Fairer Finance Will Howell, NFU Mutual Tracey Bleakley, PFEG Trisha Doyle, AOL Money Dan Hyde, Telegraph Media Group Caroline Bloor, Good Housekeeping Gareth Evans, Royal London Ruth Jackson, Freelance Tony Bonsignore, BBC Radio 5 Live Tara Evans, GoodtoKnow Harvey Jones, Introducer Today Ray Boulger, John Charcol Joanna Faith, Your Money Rupert Jones, The Guardian Anna Bowes, Savings Champion Donna Ferguson, Freelance Ross Keany, Scottish Widows Ed Bowsher, MoneyWeek Kalpana Fitzpatrick, MummyMoneyMatters Liam Kennedy, IPE Hannah Brenton, Property Week John Fitzsimons, Lovemoney.com Emmanuel Kenning, Insurance Age Annabel Brodie-Smith, AIC Claire Foster, Direct Line Mark King, Moneywise David Budworth, The Times Faith Glasgow, Money Observer Simon Lambert, ThisisMoney.co.uk
4 headlinemoney awards 2014 Each one is decided by a simple vote. For the eight individual awards, journalists Fair hearing are asked to name their selections in each sector (and provide a sentence Hopefully, everyone who sits on a panel will agree that all the shortlisted justifying their decision). There are also two awards for the best press teams. contenders are given a fair hearing before turning to the tricky task of whittling One as judged by members of the financial B2B media. One from those five names down to an eventual winner and highly commended (our version of representing the consumer side of the industry. a runner-up). Judging week has become an institution in the Headlinemoney awards. Panellists score each contender online in advance of a face-to-face All the votes were carried out online during February 2014 and it’s a case of judging session. Then it’s a case of robust discussion and lively debate before those with the most nominations coming out on top in each case. the name of each winner is agreed in each category.
The aim is to be as fair as possible to all the contenders involved. This year there were some extremely close calls. Winners can be sure the merits of their victory are scrutinised to within an inch of their life and should be rightly proud of their successes.
The middle section of this supplement also reveals the names of the successful individuals and press teams as voted for solely by Headlinemoney’s extensive Andrew Michael database of journalists in our PR of the year awards element. Chairman of the 2014 awards judging panels
Tony Langham, Lansons Kevin Pratt, MoneySupermarket.com Alex Steger, New Model Adviser Paul Lewis, Freelance Jeff Prestridge, The Mail on Sunday Tony Stenning, BlackRock Gavin Lumsden, Citywire Helen Pridham, Freelance Jonathan Swift, Post Magazine Emma Lunn, Freelance David Prosser, Freelance Malcolm Tarling, ABI Julian Marr, Freelance Simon Read, The Independent Ella Tekdag, Threadneedle Steve McDowell, Freelance James Redgrave, Plansponsor UK Holly Thomas, Freelance Michelle McGagh, Freelance Cherry Reynard, Freelance Paul Thomas, Mortgage Strategy Steve McGrath, Alliance News Stephanie Reynolds, The Share Centre Robert Thickett, Mortgage Strategy Paul McMillan, Money Marketing Charlotte Richards, Money Management Ed Tirbutt, Freelance Harriet Meyer, Freelance Paul Robertson, Cover Emma Varty, Lloyds Bank Christine Michael, Freelance Matthew Rock, DueDil Natasha Virtue, Sainsbury’s Bank Omar Mohammed, Clydesdale & Yorkshire Banks Beth Saint, Schroders Janet Walford OBE, Freelance Helen Morrissey, Retirement Planner David Sawers, Health Insurance Daily Emma Wall, Morningstar Clare Mortimer, Halifax Laura Shannon, The Mail on Sunday Ashley Wassall, FTAdviser.com Rebecca O’Connor, Trillion Fund Annie Shaw, Freelance Jonathan Weinberg, Ten14Media Moira O’Neill, Investors Chronicle Gareth Shaw, Which? Money Magnus Wheatley, Charles Stanley Hilary Osborne, The Guardian Gary Shepherd, Portfolio Adviser Louise Wheble, M&S Bank Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman.co.uk Scott Sinclair, IFAonline Maggie Williams, Reward Elizabeth Pfeuti, Ai CIO Andy Smith, Santander Sara Wilson, Alliance Trust Savings Tricia Phillips. Daily Mirror Josh Spero, Spear’s Tom Powdrill, PIRC Jonathan Stapleton, Professional Pensions
headlinemoney awards 2014 5 Congratulations to all of tonight’s Headlinemoney Awards winners and nominees
Barry Gardner Jason Clarke Carol Young Omar Mohammed Media Relations Senior Media Relations Senior Media Relations Senior Media Relations Director Manager – Corporate Manager – Retail & Manager – Business & Community Private Banking
Proud to sponsor Financial/Business Journalist of the Year, Local and Regional Titles 2014
Contact our media team on 0845 6035 447 or visit cbonline.co.uk/media
Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank are trading names of Clydesdale Bank PLC. A member of the National Australia Bank Group of companies. R2942 EXP FEB 14 Financial/Business Journalist of the Year (Local & Regional titles) Sponsored by ‘The complete package…’ There’s a particular knack involved when it comes to covering financial and business matters for local and regional audiences. Sure, much is driven by events in the City of London when it comes to money matters. But readers from Plymouth to Perth also want to know about how the latest property price figures impact on their area, the best way to secure a home loan for local bricks and mortar, plus the prospects for building companies in their neck of the woods. Financial correspondents and business editors operating in the local and regional sphere need to be true journalistic all-rounders. Not only do they need the ability to eke out fresh and interesting content, their challenge is to shape this for an audience where an event is literally taking place on their doorstep.
Winner SHORTLIST Freelancer Jeff Salway makes it back-to-back victories in this category with what the judges pointed out was Simon Bain, Herald & Times Newspapers (Scotland) a sure-footed writing manner that managed to include Conal Gregory, freelance interesting content coupled with a relevant regional Bev Hawes, Gloucestershire Media perspective for the audience in question. ‘Of the five Gordon Richardson, Express & Echo (Exeter) journalists vying for top honours on the shortlist, Jeff’s Jeff Salway, freelance submissions were the complete package. They managed to combine skill with style,’ one judge remarked. ‘There’s a contrast in submissions for this year’s shortlist but for me Jeff just edges it,’ a second panelist pointed out. ‘I’ve got it down as a shoot-out this year between the East coast and West coast of Scotland. I’ve put Jeff just ahead as he’s managed to produce intelligent content that’s also easy to read,’ a third judge suggested.
Highly Commended Commiserations to The Herald’s Simon Bain, a former winner in this category, who achieves the accolade of Highly Commended for 2014. ‘Here’s a journalist who’s clearly on the case combining interesting subject matter along with some really eyecatching insights from his contacts,’ one judge commented. ‘Simon carves out new angles and his copy’s aimed perfectly for his readership,’ another judge suggested.
headlinemoney awards 2014 7 Halifax Media Team
The Halifax media team congratulates all the winners in this year’s headlinemoney awards
Clare Mortimer Head of Media Relations, Halifax Tel: 0207 574 8648
Lauren Jones Senior Media Relations Manager Tel: 0207 440 4579
Ben Marquand Media Relations Manager Tel: 020 7356 1838
Shella Ali Assistant Media Relations Manager Tel: 0207 356 2017
The Halifax media team also looks after Halifax Intermediaries, Halifax Share Dealing, BM Savings and BM Solutions. Rising Star of the Year (B2B) Sponsored by ‘Breaks crucial news…’ Many journalists gain their first exposure to writing about money with a job working on one of the financial services industry’s many B2B titles. While some then decide to take this first step and then use it as a launch pad to landing a position on a more consumer- facing media outlet, others are keen to remain in situ. The latter cite that communicating with a professional audience is one of the toughest journalistic tests of all; a challenge where you really need to understand the mechanics of a particular industry and where journalistic fools are not tolerated easily by expert readers working at the coalface of a specific part of the industry.
Winner SHORTLIST It wouldn’t be the first time that the winner of this award has used the accolade as a springboard to even bigger Iona Bain, Financial Adviser and better things. Initial scores from the experienced Elsa Buchanan, Wealth Manager judging panel assembled to decide this category had two Michael Glenister, Money Marketing names ahead early on out of the five contenders in the Katie Marriner, Post Magazine running. The face-to-face judging session cemented this Pamela Morris, Money Marketing opinion and so it’s a case of congratulations to Post’s Katie Marriner who takes top honours this year. ‘This was a very strong entry. She’s showed she breaks crucial news for her industry, gets the ‘inside’ line on stories. In addition she produced a very interesting and well-written feature with great use of boxes and break out graphics,’ one judge commented.
Highly Commended Commiserations go to Money Marketing’s Michael Glenister who was pipped at the post for first place. ‘Michael is another on this shortlist who is able to break front-page business-to-business news as well as being able to write good features,’ one judge remarked. ‘He clearly keeps his news hound nose to the ground and that will stand him in good stead going forward,’ another pointed out.
headlinemoney awards 2014 9 We are proud to sponsor the ‘Consumer Rising Star of the Year’ award.
We’d like to say good luck to all nominees and wish everyone a very enjoyable evening.
Santander UK plc. Registered Office: 2 Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3AN, United Kingdom. Registered Number 2294747. Registered in England. www.santander.co.uk. Telephone 0870 607 6000. Calls may be recorded or monitored. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Our Financial Services Register number is 106054. Santander UK plc is also licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man for its branch in the Isle of Man. Deposits held with the Isle of Man branch are covered by the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme as set out in the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme Regulations 2010. In the Isle of Man, Santander UK plc’s principal place of business is at 19/21 Prospect Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1ET. Santander and the flame logo are registered trademarks. MISC 2028 APR 14 HT Rising Star of the Year (Consumer) Sponsored by ‘Way out in front…’ Emerging triumphant as the year’s most promising journalist from within the ranks of the consumer money press is no mean feat. The competition is always fierce in this category with numerous contenders emerging from every nook and cranny of the money media incorporating print, online and broadcast channels. To catch the eye in this sphere, what’s needed is an old head on young shoulders, not to mention a sixth sense which enables the journalist in question to sync completely with his or her audience. An authoritative approach coupled with the knack of understanding a subject inside out usually comes with age. Rising stars, however, are adept at finding their way through the journalistic equivalent of the express channel when it comes to getting to grips with a subject.
Winner SHORTLIST More than 20 names received nominations in this category when online voting took place through January Amy Andrew, thisismoney.co.uk reinforcing just how well the final five had already Kyle Caldwell, Telegraph Media Group performed by the time each journalist was invited to Tahmina Mannan, MTN-i for her work on YourMoney.com submit their work for the judges to scrutinise more closely. Katie Morley, Investors Chronicle In the final analysis one name was already enjoying a Jessica Winch, Telegraph Media Group sizeable lead over her rivals once the initial scores had been aggregated and when the judges met face-to-face the final decision was a relatively easy one to arrive at. So it’s hearty congratulations to the Telegraph Media Group’s Jessica Winch who lands the spoils this year. ‘Jessica’s submissions are way out in front. She’s already the real deal who combines a great writing style with really interesting stories,’ one judge commented. ‘Basically she’s the complete package for an award like this. Her submissions ticked all the right boxes and included great analysis plus a superb variety of subject matter,’ a second judge commented. ‘I thought her ID theft story was riveting and the Help To Buy submission featured some excellent analysis,’ a third panelist pointed out.
Highly Commended The Telegraph Media Group can rejoice in having two terrific up and coming financial journalists on their hands. Securing second place it’s a case of very well done to Kyle Caldwell from the same publishing stable as this year’s winner. ‘I really liked Kyle’s submissions. One was a traditional cut- out-and-keep item. You can just imagine loads of Telegraph readers tucking this away until such time as they needed some guidance in the personal finance sphere,’ one judge commented.
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Winner There are more specialist mortgage journalists plying their trade around the financial B2B press that you might imagine. As with 2013, more than a dozen names received nominations in the trade section of this category during online polling this year and once again it was Money Marketing’s Paul Thomas who emerged triumphant once again. ‘Basically, Paul should win this award because the strength of his submissions are just so good,’ one judge commented. ‘He’s way ahead of the rest and deserves to be a multiple winner of this award because no one’s really getting close to him when it comes to landing decent news stories in this sphere,’ another added.
If the B2B sector is awash with mortgage correspondents then the consumer sector is positively overflowing. Which should make Nicole Blackmore’s triumph this year all the sweeter. The journalist from the Telegraph Media Group impressed the judges from the off. ‘For me there are two clear contenders on this shortlist and I just prefer Nicole’s range of submissions. They’re very comprehensive and tick all the right boxes for her readers,’ one judge commented. Highly Commended Commiserations to Julia Rampen, now of Investment Week, whose submissions from her time on Mortgage Solutions sent her into the runner-up slot. ‘It strikes me that Julia has a really good news sense which is developing and maturing all the time,’ one judge commented. acknowledged.
It was also a case of so close, yet so far, for The Times’ Leah Milner. A previous category winner, Leah has to satisfy herself with the accolade of Highly Commended this year. ‘It’s a close decision as Leah’s submissions were all really strong,’ one panelist pointed out.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Nicole Blackmore, Telegraph Media Group Ryan Fowler, Mortgage Introducer John Fitzsimons, Lovemoney.com Julia Rampen, for her work on Mortgage Solutions Anna Mikhailova, The Sunday Times Paul Thomas, Money Marketing Leah Milner, Times Money Kevin White, for his work on Financial Adviser Hilary Osborne, The Guardian Adam Williams, Mortgage Solutions
headlinemoney awards 2014 13 Direct Line congratulates Headlinemoney’s General Insurance Journalist of the Year
Underwritten by U K Insurance Limited
DL_headline_money_awards_ad_APR13.indd 1 23/04/2013 11:57 General Insurance Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Asking tough questions…’ Whether you’re a flood-blighted homeowner looking to change household providers, or a major institution tackling the 21st Century challenges associated with effective underwriting, general insurance is a massive subject for those at the coalface not to mention consumer money and B2B correspondents looking to cover the industry on behalf of their respective readerships. Each element of this awards category produced some highly commendable entries prompting some intense debate around the judging table.
Winner Initial judges’ scores for the B2B element of this award were relatively close prompting much scrutiny and discussion by the panelists during the face-to-face session to decide who would receive the overall prize. In the end it was Andy Pearce for work from his time on Insurance Age who won over the judges. ‘There’s a broad mix of submissions from all the contenders on show here, but the final decision’s a no-brainer because I like Andy’s punchy, lively and compelling approach,’ one judge remarked. ‘He’s asking tough questions and producing copy which is really interesting to read.’
In the consumer category Money Mail’s Ruth Lythe emerged as the judges’ front-runner from early on in the online scoring process and then managed to hold on to first place through the face-to-face judging session. ‘I really liked Ruth’s range of submissions as well as all the added information and tips that she includes in her features,’ one judge said. ‘She comes across as very knowledgeable and authoritative which is really important for a journalist covering a topic like this,’ said another. Highly Commended Runner-up in the B2B category was Post magazine’s Mark Sands. ‘I thought Mark’s submissions were highly newsworthy items featuring a mix of really interesting quotes,’ one judge commented.
Commiserations go to The Telegraph’s Jessica Winch who nearly snatched top slot but who had to settle in the end for the accolade of Highly Commended. ‘It was a close call because Jessica clearly understands her readership so well,’ a judge pointed out.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Ruth Lythe, Daily Mail Stephanie Denton, Post Magazine Esther Shaw, freelance Ben Dyson, Insurance Times Simon Ward, lovemoney.com Francesca Nyman, Insurance Insight Laura Whateley, for her work on The Times Andy Pearce, Financial News Jessica Winch, Telegraph Media Group Mark Sands, Post Magazine
headlinemoney awards 2014 15 TRUSTED HERITAGE ADVANCED THINKING
We are proud to sponsor the Investment Journalist of the Year
From the Schroders Media Team
Beth Saint Head of Channel PR Tel: +44 (0) 20 7658 6168 Email: [email protected]
Estelle Bibby Senior PR Manager – Institutional Tel: +44 (0) 20 7658 3431 Email: [email protected]
Georgina Robertson PR Manager – International Email: [email protected]
Charlotte Banks PR Manager – UK Intermediary Tel: +44 (0) 20 7658 2589 Email: [email protected]
Kathryn Sutton PR Executive Tel: +44 (0) 20 7658 5765 Email: [email protected]
www.schroders.com/global/media-centre
Issued in April 2013 by Schroder Investments Limited, 31 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QA. Registered No: 2015527 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. UK05054 w43442 Investment Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Totally original…’ Many of the world’s stock markets enjoyed much-needed upwards trajectories in 2013 therefore providing investment correspondents, both consumer-facing as well as those writing for professional audiences, with plenty of food for thought. What’s more, the fund management merry-go-round picked up extra speed prompting news stories and analysis pieces in their hundreds. If that wasn’t enough the perennial challenge of highlighting areas liable to make money presented plenty of challenges, especially to would-be investors who continue to find themselves bewildered by equities, bonds, smart beta, et al.
Winner Congratulations to Investment Week’s Nick Paler who lands this award for the first time. ‘I thought two strong candidates emerged from this category, but in the end it was Nick’s submission which just stood out for me,’ one judge commented. ‘There are different skills and talents on show here. In addition to good old-fashioned news gathering, the whole idea of mining for data and exploring where a story takes you emerged in this category,’ another judge added.
Scooping the honours in the consumer section was the Telegraph Media Group’s Richard Evans who emerged as the winner after a close-run affair. ‘Richard deserves this by producing a combination of totally original and useful content,’ one judge commented. ‘There were some strong contenders on this shortlist but the overall package of stories from Richard, including the way they were put together just shaded it for me,’ another judge remarked. Highly Commended Commiserations go to Fundweb’s Sam Macdonald who narrowly missed out on top slot in the B2B category. ‘This was also an impressive submission. An excellent combination of stories,’ said one judge. ‘He does all the good things that a good investment journalist in this sphere should be doing,’ said another panelist.
The runner-up in the consumer category also fell short of winning by a tantalisingly small margin. That said, the judges thought that FT Money’s Emma Dunkley submissions were really impressive. ‘The stories Emma submitted from her time while writing for Money Mail are really well put together; they’re very impressive,’ one judge commented.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Mark Atherton, The Times Gary Jackson, Fundweb David Budworth, The Times Dan Jones, Investment Week Kyle Caldwell, Telegraph Media Group Sam Macdonald, Fundweb Emma Dunkley, FT Money for her work on Money Mail Nick Paler, Investment Week Richard Evans, Telegraph Media Group Nick Reeves, Investment Adviser
headlinemoney awards 2014 17
Health & Lifestyle Protection Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘On top of his beat…’ When health and money matters combine it can produce a potent cocktail of news and features as our shortlisted contenders demonstrated most ably. In cash-strapped times, health and protection-orientated insurance policies are probably the most susceptible element of the financial planning remit in terms of being prematurely ended by individuals and families looking to make savings to their household outgoings. This can often turn out to be a foolish idea, as those journalists in this category will be quick to tell you.
Winner For the B2B section of this category it’s a case of many congratulations to Owain Thomas from Workplace Savings & Benefits who lands the spoils for the first time. ‘I thought this submission showed the work of a tenacious B2B journalist who is on the top of his beat and understands what will be of interest to his readers. The three entries submitted present a good range of work, from an exclusive news story on a Government initiative, to court reporting and a feature including a strong case study,’ one judge commented. ‘I can’t fault his work,’ another judge pointed out.
It’s also the moment to aim a hearty slap on the back of freelancer Esther Shaw who secured the consumer version of this prize for the work she submitted from the Sunday Express. ‘It’s a real skill writing about this sector for consumers and I think Esther meets the challenge really well,’ one judge commented. ‘There is sound guidance in these submissions which is really useful for readers,’ another pointed out. Highly Commended Commiserations to freelancer Sam Barrett who went close to pulling off a memorable double triumph in this category but just ended up falling one notch short each time. First up she receives the highly commended accolade in the B2B section. ‘She clearly has a comprehensive grasp of a detailed subject,’ one judge commented.
Sam is also runner-up in the consumer category for 2014. ‘It’s a fairly close call. I thought these submissions were really sound across the board,’ another judge pointed out.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Sam Barrett, freelance Sam Barrett, freelance Victoria Bischoff, Daily Mail Fiona Murphy, Cover Rosie Murray-West, freelance Jennifer Paterson, Employee Benefits Esther Shaw, freelance Paul Robertson, Cover Laura Whateley, The Times Owain Thomas, Workplace Savings & Benefits
headlinemoney awards 2014 19 When your clients have a plan for tomorrow, they’re free to appreciate more of today. To help them prepare for life and retirement talk to your account manager or visit scottishwidows.co.uk/lifefeelsbetter
This information is for UK Financial Adviser use only and should not be distributed to or relied upon by any other person. Scottish Widows plc. Registered in Scotland No. 199549. Registered Office in the United Kingdom at 69 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8YF. Telephone: 0131 655 6000. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 191517. 34833 Pensions Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Campaigning style…’ Just when you thought headlines containing the word ‘pensions’ would start to falter along comes the Chancellor earlier this Spring with his Budget announcement on annuities. Of course, as our shortlisted contenders will remind you, there is never anything remotely quiet or backwaterish about pensions. The UK’s pensions press is extensive – from offering insights to professionals working at the coalface of the industry, to providing guidance to readers who are simply interested in maximising their pension pot at retirement.
Winner Judges took a good while to make their deliberations for the B2B element of this award. In the end they plumped for Professional Pensions’ Jack Jones who, as one judge pointed out ‘produced some really chunky and interesting features’. ‘I think Jack’s work is not only very accessible, but his choice of subject matter is actually quite eyecatching. What can start off by appearing to be a really dry and even, dare I say, a potentially dull topic ends up coming alive with his copy,’ another judge added.
While two or three names were in with a realistic shout of landing the B2B version of this award, the consumer choice was more clear-cut from once initial scores were submitted. So it’s a case of congratulations to the Telegraph Media Group’s Dan Hyde whose campaigning style combined with a large dollop of guidance produced submissions that won over the judges. ‘Dan’s maturing into a really fine writer,’ one judge suggested. ‘I thought his submissions ticked all the right boxes,’ another panelist added. Highly Commended As the judges would tell you, there wasn’t much between first and second in this year’s B2B category. So it’s commiserations to John Greenwood who secures the Highly Commended berth for 2014. ‘John’s work is great, it always captures the pensions zeitgeist,’ one judge pointed out.
Similarly glowing comments applied to the Financial Times’ Josephine Cumbo who takes the runner-up slot in the consumer category for 2014. ‘She obviously writes with a particular audience in mind and her focused features do a great job,’ one of the judges remarked.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Josephine Cumbo, Financial Times John Greenwood, Corporate Adviser Dan Hyde, Telegraph Media Group Jack Jones, Professional Pensions Ruth Lythe, Daily Mail Taha Lokhandwala, IPE for his work on Professional Pensions Katie Morley, Investors Chronicle Helen Morrissey, Retirement Planner Adam Uren, thisismoney.co.uk Tom Selby, Money Marketing
headlinemoney awards 2014 21 LLOYDS BANK MEDIA TEAM
The Lloyds Bank media team congratulates all the winners in this year’s headlinemoney awards
Emma Varty Head of Media Relations, Lloyds Bank Tel: 0207 574 8649
Siobhan McCluskey Senior Media Relations Manager Tel: 0207 661 4669
Laura Ellman Media Relations Manager Tel: 0207 356 2200
Chris Tuttlebee Media Relations Manager Tel: 0207 356 1343 Best Use of Social Media Sponsored by ‘Not just about Twitter…’ The best of use of social media prizes are now an established part of the Headlinemoney awards landscape. And rightly so with various channels becoming increasingly central not only to the lives of ordinary people, but to financial journalists looking to do everything from mine for stories to remind readers of the latest items that they have posted on a particular subject. Understanding and engaging with your community of readers is not just good for the publishing soul, it’s a way of creating interesting and useful content as well.
Winner Many congratulations to Yahoo! Finance which lands the consumer version of this award for the first time. Before they met to discuss their initial scores, the judges had already chalked up the service as being out in front and the face-to-face discussions only served to cement its position at the head of affairs. ‘Yahoo! Finance really does a super job in combining money matters with various social media channels,’ one judge commented. ‘What’s impressive is the way the team makes use of so many different options which will appeal to a whole range of readers, it’s clearly not just about Twitter,’ another added.
Turning to the B2B element of the award and the judges found it very difficult to split the pair at the top of the scoreboard. The decision eventually went the way of Money Marketing, but only just! ‘There’s the semblance of an integrated plan for social media and the all team all making a contribution. Combined with some nice features, this is what’s swayed my decision,’ one judge pointed out. Highly Commended The Savvywoman website fills the Highly Commended slot in the consumer category, news which will doubtless be warmly received by its founder, Sarah Pennells. ‘Sarah’s site has come up against some giants here and has more than punched above its weight in taking second place,’ one judge remarked. ‘The Savvywoman submission was one of the few to include metrics such as Klout scores to back up the entry,’ another judge pointed out.
The runner-up slot in the B2B element of this category goes to Mortgage Solutions. ‘One or two minor adjustments and I’d have been prepared to flip my first two in this section. It was that close,’ one judge revealed.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
FT Money Investment Adviser SavvyWoman.co.uk Money Marketing The Telegraph Mortgage Solutions Thisismoney.co.uk New Model Adviser Yahoo! Finance UK Post
headlinemoney awards 2014 23 Congratulations
To all www.lansons.comof tonight’s Headlinemoney Awards winners and nominees
Wo k wt a acy yo ca t t ca abot yo rptt a mu a yo do.
www.lansons.com Press Office Teams of the Year Sponsored by ‘Wise beyond its years…’ Pssst. Keep this to yourself, but financial journalists are more fond of media relations teams operating in the financial services arena than they’d probably be willing to admit in public. During February 2014 financial journalists were polled extensively about who were the UK’s best in-house press teams in the financial sector operating across both consumer and B2B arenas. Not only were hacks asked to vote, they were asked to justify their choices too. Soon it emerged that, to become a champion press relations team, it’s important to answer phone calls/emails and put a bit of thought into the way you deal with journalists when using social media channels.
Winner It’s all change at the top this year in both the B2B and consumer and categories. First up it’s a case of many congratulations to the press department from Henderson Global Investors which lands the B2B version of this prize for the first time. ‘Although a relatively young team, Henderson’s press office is wise beyond its years. It will no doubt go from strength to strength in the future,’ one journalist commented.
Similar praise was heaped on the Aviva team which came out on top in the consumer section of this award. ‘The press office staff will always come back with a speedy and helpful response whether it’s a question about pensions, protection or insurance. They seem to enjoy their job and that makes a big difference!’ another journalist pointed out during the voting stage.
Highly Commended Making it into the top three in the B2B category were both Schroders and LV=. ‘Schroders has a great PR team which is friendly, responsive and knowledgeable,’ one journalist commented. ‘The LV= team combines individuals with a great mix of different talents,’ another hack pointed out.
In the consumer sector it’s a case of well done to both the Association of Investment Companies and the press team working at the Financial Ombudsman Service for making it into the final three. ‘The AIC team is superb. Good at providing comment, stats, you name it,’ one journalist said. ‘The FOS press team provide a terrific all-round service,’ another journalist remarked.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
1. Henderson Global Investors 1. Aviva 2. Schroders 2. Association of Investment Companies 3. LV= 3. Financial Ombudsman Service
headlinemoney awards 2014 25 33m people in the UK now use social media Yet only 47% of fi nancial fi rms are integrating it into their comms strategies
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Call 020 7360 7878 or visit www.teamspirit.uk.com Financial Services Forum Agency of the Year, 2013
Source: socialmedialondon.co.uk/social-media-used-uk-infographic sentronex.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tech-trends3.pdf
6225_TS_Argent_PR_210x280_AW3.indd 1 22/04/2014 17:41 In-house PR Professionals of the Year Sponsored by ‘Super human responses…’ Take a well-deserved bow if you’re an in-house PR professional and your name appears in the next three pages! You have earned a place at the top table when it comes to financial services media relations in one of eight distinct sectors. Whatever the requests thrown at you by financial journalists during 2013 the way you acquitted yourself (and represented your organisation) has been noted by a tough-to-please brigade of writers and editors.
As is the Headlinemoney way, each of the names you read about here has come out on top after an extensive online voting exercise carried out in February via the website. Thank you to all Headlinemoney journalist users that took the time to nominate the names of the in-house financial PRs who most impressed them across these categories last year.
What makes for a good PR? As always, understanding the needs of a journalist is definitely number one on the list judging by the comments made by numerous voters who are asked to back up their selections with a sentence or two of explanation as to why they voted the way they did. Rapid turnaround of requests for information and comment is paramount, too, as is the ability to deliver useful background information. Oh, and as one pithy retort had it ’answering the bloody phone and not ignoring emails’ helps too! Best Banking & Savings PR Congratulations to Lloyds Bank’s Emma TOP 3 Varty. Emma received several glowing comments from various money journalists 1 – Emma Varty, who were all keen to highlight her ability. Lloyds Bank ‘Emma is incredibly efficient and very ‘Always gets the job done’ knowledgeable,’ one voter pointed out. 2 - Alan White, Barclays ‘Doesn’t shirk difficult questions’ 3 - Charlotte Sjoberg, TSB ‘A consummate professional’
Best General Insurance PR Very well done to LV=’s Vanessa Chance, a TOP 3 top three contender in the past and who now goes on to land the honours for 2014. ‘She 1 - Vanessa Chance, is extremely helpful to journalists,’ one voter LV= noted. ‘A joy to work with’ 2 - Ian Crowder, AA Insurance ‘Really helpful’ 3 - Malcolm Tarling, Association of British Insurers ‘Knows his stuff’
headlinemoney awards 2014 27 In-house PR Professionals of the Year
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Best Investment PR Turning to the world of investment and it’s TOP 3 time to engrave a new name on the roll of honour for this category in 2014, namely, 1 – Madhu Kalia, Rathbone Unit Trust Management’s Madhu Rathbone Unit Trust Management Kalia. ‘Having pretty much built up the ‘By far the best investment PR’ company’s press presence single-handed, 2 – Estelle Bibby, Schroders Madhu also has time to support young ‘Knowledgeable and responsive’ financial journalists coming into the industry,’ 3 – Charlotte Banks, one journalist pointed out. Schroders ‘A blindingly good PR’
Best Mortgage PR Very well done to Santander’s Nicola Hussey TOP 3 (left) for emerging triumphant in this category for 2014. ‘She is just brilliant,’ one journalist 1 - Nicola Hussey, commented. ‘Nicola is great to deal with and Santander nothing is too much trouble which is a great ‘Really knowledgeable’ way to deal with the press,’ another voter 2 - David Hollingworth, L&C pointed out. ‘Always there when you need him’ 3 – Tanya Jackson, Yorkshire Building Society ‘Very professional’
Best Online Money PR It’s a case of very well done to Quidco’s Jo TOP 3 Roberts who wins this award for the first time. ‘Jo always goes the extra mile to help you even 1 – Jo Roberts, when it means putting herself out considerably Quidco in the process,’ one journalist wrote. ‘Very professional and friendly’ 2- Pritie Billimoria, MoneySavingExpert.com ‘Very helpful’ 3 - Lindsey Casey, TopCashback ‘Friendly and creative’
28 headlinemoney awards 2014 In-house PR Professionals of the Year
Best Pensions PR Congratulations to MGM Advantage’s Paul TOP 3 Keeble (left) who lifts the PR prize in the pensions category. ‘Paul is a master of being 1 – Paul Keeble, ahead of the game!’ one journalist pointed out. MGM Advantage ‘Paul thoroughly understands his subject and ‘Great relationships with everyone’ responds quickly to any requests,’ another 2 – Addy Frederick, LV= voter added. ‘Always available to help’ 3 – Nicki Lundy, Standard Life ‘Friendly and efficient’
Best Protection PR Many congratulations to Zurich’s Rajan TOP 3 Lakhani who one journalist described as ‘always being cheerful and courteous, no 1 – Rajan Lakhani, matter how tough the story might be’. ’I’ve Zurich bombarded him with queries and he’s been ‘Prompt and knowledgeable’ super human in responding in record time,’ 2 – Addy Frederick, LV= another journalist commented. ‘Helpful’ 3 – Sarah Poulter, Aviva UK ‘Answers queries quickly’
Best Share Dealing & Currencies PR Congratulations to Charles Stanley’s TOP 3 Magnus Wheatley who lands top honours for the first time. ‘Magnus is always well 1 - Magnus Wheatley, informed, understands the time pressures Charles Stanley that journalists work to and is also very ‘Very knowledgeable’ knowledgeable about the industry,’ one 2 - Stephanie Reynolds, The Share Centre journalist wrote. ‘One of the first people I ring’ 3 – Louise Wheble, M&S Bank ‘Very helpful to journalists’
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J000264_TSB_280X210_HMAWARDS.indd 1 23/04/2014 12:12
CLIENT: TSB CREATIVE: Damon JOB NAME: J000264_TSB_280X210_HMAWARDS PUBLICATION: HM AWARDS SUPPLEMENT (Paper) JOINT JOB NO: J000264 SIZE: 280X210mm (Trim) TAG JOB NO: XXXXXX LOCATION: Joint/Clients/TSB/J000223_TSB_February_2014_OOH DATE: 22ND APRIL 2014 PROOF NO: 01 CREATOR: NEIL SENT: 0000 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: XXXX Outstanding Achievement Award Sponsored by Equally at home with BRICS or bricks! This is the fifth year Headlinemoney has featured an Outstanding Achievement trophy as part of its overall media awards programme. As in previous years, this is a prize that we bestow on a particular individual in recognition of an exceptional contribution made by that person while working as part of the financial services media.
Winner Once again the accolade is made in recognition of services rendered within the sphere of financial journalism.
This year’s recipient is someone who is not just well known for her work in the sphere of personal finance journalism. In recent years her name has also become synonymous within the sphere of property advice and covering the often knotty topic of bricks and mortar (big hint there!).
Indeed, in addition to her responsibilities for overseeing the weekend money section of a leading national newspaper, she also heads up a weekly property supplement for the same paper. Yes, you’ve guessed it. The property section’s called Bricks & Mortar and the winner of the 2014 Headlinemoney Outstanding Achievement award is The Times’ Anne Ashworth!
Congratulations to Anne whose editorials must have put many readers on the right track down the years. From those looking to the get the most out of their pensions and investments, to those on the hunt for homebuying advice in the Home Counties.
Well done. You join an illustrious band of names.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2013 Sylvia Morris 2012 Janet Walford OBE 2011 Lorna Bourke 2010 John Husband
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Media enquiries 01256 495 969 press.offi[email protected] Household Money Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘A long way clear…’ Holistic planning is a commonplace phrase nowadays when it comes to seeking financial guidance from professional advisers. In a similar sense, personal finance and consumer money sections have also become increasingly holistic in recent years. Where once the focus was on specific product areas such as pensions, insurance and mortgages, features and tips extend into all sorts of areas where readers spend their hard-earned cash. Thanks to the way that money matters are now covered more in the round, today’s personal finance writers are as likely to spend their time covering stories to do with mobile phones, broadband or energy bills as they are an item on the open market option.
Winner SHORTLIST Hearty congratulations to the Daily Mirror’s Tricia Phillips who lands this award for the first time. After Mark Atherton, The Times the initial phase of scoring the judges had established Victoria Bischoff, Daily Mail three names clear of the quintet of contenders fighting Natalie Donovan, You & Yours, BBC Radio 4 it out in this category. What’s more, during their face- Tricia Phillips, Daily Mirror to-face deliberations it soon emerged that Tricia was Rebecca Rutt, MoneySavingExpert.com their clear favourite. ‘For me it’s a one-horse race as she is a long way clear. Her subject matter is ideal, her writing style nice and clear, and the way the information is broken up and conveyed in her pieces make her the easy winner,’ one judge commented. ‘I like the fact that her submissions started by talking to people about their experiences. She obviously likes to make a difference and challenges the norm. There is clearly a lot of confusion and misunderstanding for people when it comes to subjects such as loans,’ another judge commented. ‘Not every newspaper reader is looking for advice on what to do with their savings and investments. Many are just on the hunt for money guidance which is a bit more fundamental to the way they go about living day-to-day,’ said a third.
Highly Commended Well done to Victoria Bischoff from the Daily Mail who receives the Highly Commended accolade for 2014. ‘I really liked Victoria’s energy company story. The subject’s obviously one which is close to the hearts of many and this item was perfect for her audience,’ one judge commented.
headlinemoney awards 2014 33 OUR PRIORITY IS TO AWARD TAKE THE TIME TO FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS We are proud to sponsor the FINANCIAL BLOG OF THE YEAR AWARD Congratulations to all tonight’s winners
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J14152_Full page260x180mmCMYKFINAL0514.indd 1 06/05/2014 15:57 Financial Blog of the Year Sponsored by ‘Original opinions…’ You can’t move for blogs on the internet. Cyberspace has been crowded for some time, especially in the realms of fashion, music and sport which are probably three of the most obvious subjects where writers can let loose and have their say. The world of finance, however, is picking up the pace fast which is the reason for this relatively recently established trophy. Financial blog sections within media outlets come in all flavours and in a sense there’s an extra challenge for the judges who adjudicate this award because the variety is almost overwhelming when it comes to working out which one is the best.
Winner SHORTLIST Many congratulations to The Guardian’s Money blog which wins this award for the first time. ‘Patrick Collinson Chronic Investor blog, Investors Chronicle has a gift for identifying topics that will engage his The Guardian, Money readers, but he is careful not to pander to stereotypes,’ Lovemoney.com one judge commented. ‘His work is balanced and fair, Money Central, Times Money but he is willing to put forth constructive and original Yourmoney.com opinions. For example, buy-to-let might seem an easy target for a liberal audience, and he does put the boot in with some vigour, but he doesn’t descend into a narrow rant,’ he added. ‘I rated this blog in first position because I felt it lived up to what I expect a blog to be – providing personal and interesting opinions/different angles on topics, rather than just being another type of online article,’ another judge pointed out.
Highly Commended Taking the runner-up slot in this category is Lovemoney.com. ‘I think this part of the website is blessed with experienced journalists who are also skilled writers,’ one judge pointed out. ‘The idea to include an interview with a bank boss where the readers can submit their own questions was a good one and carried on a nice engagement theme,’ he added. ‘I thought all the submissions were a bit quirky or came at subjects from interesting angles which, for me, is the role of a blog,’ another judge commented.
headlinemoney awards 2014 35
Consumer Champion of the Year Sponsored by ‘On your side....’ Consumer champions are to the money media what superheroes are to the comic book world. Agony aunts and uncles take up the everyday financial woes and concerns of ordinary members of the public against faceless leviathans swathed in corporate cloaks of invincibility and fueled by seemingly limitless legal resources. The money media may be changing but its appetite for consumer champions remains undiminished. From simple apologies to eye- popping sums of money, it’s amazing what gets recouped when these impressive individuals are unleashed on a case. That’s not to say they always favour the little person over a mega corporation. If an individual makes a complaint devoid of any firm foundation, a true consumer champion is happy to set the record straight and explain why in these situations as well.
Winner SHORTLIST It did not take much time for the individuals on this category’s judging panel to whittle down the shortlist Miles Brignall, The Guardian from an initial five names to just a final pairing. And Jessica Gorst-Williams, Telegraph Media Group that’s when the serious discussions took place with Tony Hazell, Money Mail plenty of deliberations about the relative merits of two Tony Hetherington, The Mail on Sunday journalists whose initials are even the same. In the end, Paul Lewis, freelance the award for 2014 goes to The Mail on Sunday’s Tony Hetherington as he repeats his success in the same category from the previous year. ‘In the final analysis this is the man that you want on your side in a battle. As his submissions show, here’s a journalist who’s prepared to takes on the fraudsters and how,’ one of the judges commented. ‘In print he paints the same sort of image as the classic film clip of an investigative reporter running down the street sticking a microphone under a charlatan’s nose,’ another judge added.
Highly Commended It’s a case of déjà vu for the Money Mail’s Tony Hazell as he fills the Highly Commended berth for the second year running. His Ask Tony column came in for plenty of plaudits from the judges with one panelist explaining how: ‘Tony not only paints a really clear picture of what’s going on, but also provides plenty of guidance so that other readers don’t get caught out in similar situations.’
headlinemoney awards 2014 37 OLD MUTUAL WEALTH ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR THE MONEY COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
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OLD MUTUAL WEALTH/SKANDIA OLD MUTUAL GLOBAL INVESTORS 02380 916 099 0207 332 7687 [email protected] [email protected] Money Columnist of the Year Sponsored by ‘He gets a debate going…’ Who hasn’t got an opinion about money matters? From the Government’s plans to scrap the existing annuity landscape to the increased costs faced by householders on floodplains trying to buy insurance for their homes and belongings. From broadsheets and tabloids in the consumer money space to financial adviser-orientated titles in the world of B2B, if there’s a common denominator to them all it’s the willingness of editors to provide a soapbox for in-house columnists and external commentators. It’s easy for a columnist to pick a fight for an easy one-off win. What’s more difficult to do is spot a trend and encourage a debate which extends to a number of stakeholders across the financial services landscape. Fortunately, our intrepid shortlist of contenders fall into the latter category.
Winner SHORTLIST As you might expect in this category, a whole raft of names representing the great and good of financial Patrick Collinson, The Guardian services journalism attracted nominations in the online James Coney, Daily Mail vote which took place in January this year. Making it Ian Cowie, The Sunday Times on to the shortlist was no mean feat in itself and so Moira O’Neill, Investors Chronicle it’s a case of many congratulations to The Guardian’s Simon Read, The Independent Patrick Collinson who edged out his shortlisted rivals in what the judges described as a really high quality field. ‘There were different styles on display within these submissions, but for me Patrick deserves to win because he gets a debate going and, in a way, manages to be mildly indignant without going totally over the top. I think this approach actually strengthens the case that he’s making,’ one judge pointed out. ‘Patrick clearly has a deep understanding of many finance-related issues, but what’s more he chooses ones to comment on that have a potentially wide impact across all manner of finance- related issues. From property matters to train prices, he’s got the subject covered,’ a second judge added.
Highly Commended In a close-run affair for second place it was the Daily Mail’s James Coney who eventually took the highly commended accolade. ‘James writes with such vim and vigour in Money Mail. His column is something of a proxy for the wider personal finance section that he edits,’ one judge pointed out.
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No Bull_280x210.indd 1 06/05/2014 11:19:42 Financial Website of the Year Sponsored by ‘Combines the right elements…’ Cyberspace is getting crowded regardless of whether you’re weighing up the merits of finance-orientated websites aimed at a professional audience such as one for independent financial advisers, or a service more consumer-orientated offering guidance and advice to those on the hunt for the best personal finance tips. New sites containing editorial and steers on everything from best insurance buys to home loan advice spring up almost every day. Media outlets competing for dominance in this sphere, have to work extra hard to keep their readers happy.
Winner Hearty congratulations to the New Model Adviser element of the Citywire website which lands the honours this year. ‘There wasn’t much in it for me overall, but the NMA element of this wider website shaded it for me in a number of areas,’ one judge commented. ‘It combines the right elements for me in terms of news, graphics and so on. Thinking about it from an adviser’s perspective as well, I imagine the site ticks a lot of boxes from a professional practitioner’s perspective. You can’t spend your time reading a large number of sites, instead you need to rely on one which does much of the job all by itself,’ another judge suggested.
It’s also a case of very well done to the personal finance element within The Telegraph’s wider Money section. ‘There is lots of variety and strong news coverage, so that’s an excellent starting point,’ said one judge. ‘In addition there is good engagement with the audience, the capacity to campaign and the site is also clear and easy to navigate’.
Highly Commended Money Marketing secures the runner-up slot in what turned into a close- run affair. ‘Obviously the print version is very well known around the adviser industry and the website is developing along the right lines,’ one judge commented.
Last year’s winner in the consumer category, Thisismoney, slipped down one position and has to settle for the accolade of Highly Commended in 2014. ‘There are plenty of strong tabloid stories with heaps of personality which grab your attention. In addition there is a good spread of coverage and lots of good case studies,’ one judge remarked. ‘The guides are really useful, I’d give them even more prominence,’ another judge suggested.
SHORTLIST (CONSUMER) SHORTLIST (B2B)
Lovemoney.com Citywire.co.uk/New Model Adviser Savvywoman.co.uk Citywire.co.uk/WealthManager Telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance FTAdviser.com thisismoney.co.uk Investmentweek.co.uk Yourmoney.com Moneymarketing.co.uk
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T16411_Headline Awards Ad.indd 1 02/05/2014 17:05 Financial B2B Title of the Year Sponsored by ‘Brilliant and very punchy…’ Top B2B titles should be in sync with their readers, but without giving them an easy time into the bargain. Working on a business-to-business title aimed at specific audience of professionals can be a challenging job for a journalist, especially when it comes to covering a particular sector within the financial services industry. Indeed, some writers and editors believe that if you’re a correspondent who hasn’t spent at least part of his or her career working in the B2B domain, your overall journalistic CV is incomplete as a result. Top B2B titles reflect the changes taking place within an industry as a whole as well as the alterations in business practice enabling practitioners the chance to continue serving their clients to the highest possible professional levels.
Winner SHORTLIST As always, this category proved very popular in the online nominations phase which took place during January Investment Adviser 2014. More than 30 media outlets attracted votes when Money Management the polls opened which means the five names on this Money Marketing shortlist performed remarkably well to make it this far in New Model Adviser their attempt at supremacy in the B2B space. Strikingly, Wealth Manager four names from the 2013 shortlist made it back as part of the all-important quintet of shortlistees for this year. Even more noticeably, the same pair of names which had fought it out for top honours in both 2012 and 2013 went head-to-head yet again in 2014. After lengthy deliberations, the judging panel decided it was Money Marketing which should prevail. ‘No one breaks stories like Money Marketing. It is brilliantly relevant and very punchy,’ one judge commented. ‘The balance of news stories, analysis, and features provides financial advisers with a one-stop-shop for what’s happening in their professional world,’ a second judge added.
Highly Commended
Adviser toolkit: Investment trusts: Isas: Personal pensions: Making the most of the Looking behind the We find out where the Our comprehensive second client meeting p21 discounts p49 money is going p53 annual survey p61 money management | March 2013 It’s a case of déjà vu for Money Management which again found one title
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Should you do it yourself?
headlinemoney awards 2014 43 welldone, yeah?
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS OF THE HEADLINEMONEY AWARDS 2014
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www.langcatfinancial.com | [email protected] T: 0131 202 5994 | M: 07718 424 711 Consumer Money Title of the Year Sponsored by ‘It ticks every box…’ Consumer finance publications, titles and now, increasingly, websites have evolved considerably over the last decade or two. But at their heart a few central tenets have endured, notably: the idea of providing guidance and advice for readers who are unfamiliar with the workings of the financial services industry, highlighting the best deals on everything from pensions to pet insurance, cutting through jargon that’s an all too common feature of the industry and, where necessary, taking companies to task where customer service levels could be improved or highlighting where the consumer’s been getting a raw deal.
Winner It may well have been a competitive category but that did
0 6JPM HJI@T Ukraine Opportunity Less than a year later, a doorstep STUART NICOL seems to have been overlooked.” circumstances and sadly there is now £208 salesman from pension firm Pearl – which Sgt Phil Patrick: ‘My blood boils to think I’ll struggle to pass anything on to my daughter’ A spokesman for Phoenix Life, which very little he can do.” ,IGDI@ 4C Highly Commended Unfortunately it was a case of close, but no cigar for theFinancial Times’ Money section which takes the Highly Commended prize as part of this year’s deliberations. ‘It does something which is a bit different and I liked the in-depth features,’ one judge said. ‘I’m not sure if it helps or hinders being the FT in a category like this, because you assume that the readers are already going to be fairly financially literate. This obviously has a bearing on the content the section then chooses to place in front of them. Overall, I think the quality is really high and individual writers always seem to eke out new titbits of information, even on subjects which are reported more widely,’ another judge said. headlinemoney awards 2014 45 FOR ISA, SIPP AND INVESTMENT DEALING ACCOUNTS Make more of your investments with a fairer fee structure. Join our flat fees movement today. At Alliance Trust Savings we believe in fairness – and know account charges can make a big difference to your investments. We don’t charge a percentage of your investment, just a simple, straightforward account charge in pounds and pence that stays the same no matter how much you invest. For a smarter investment, join our flat fees movement today. Investments can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you originally invested. Alliance Trust Savings does not give advice. You need to ensure you understand the risks and commitments before investing. If you are unsure you should consult a Financial Adviser before investing. Our charges are guaranteed until 2016 but may be subject to change thereafter. Proud to sponsor Financial B2B Journalist of the Year 2014. Invest today and discover a fairer fee structure. Visit: alliancetrustsavings.co.uk/movement Alliance Trust Savings Limited is a subsidiary of Alliance Trust PLC and is registered in Scotland No. SC 98767, registered office, PO Box 164, 8 West Marketgait, Dundee DD1 9YP; is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, firm reference number 116115. Alliance Trust Savings gives no financial or investment advice. Financial B2B Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Exceptionally good…’ Being ranked as the leading journalist of your type in this sector is certainly no mean feat. Audiences made up of professional readers can often be the most difficult to please. Correspondents working in this sphere are not only required to do the usual legwork by coming up with great news stories, terrific feature ideas and survey work to die for. But they are doing so for people who are often experts in their field and who themselves are often used to being asked for comment on important issues of the day. It goes without saying, therefore, that journalists need to be sure-footed performers to operate in this sphere where the aim of the game is to produce decent editorial for a specialist and knowledgeable array of readers. Winner SHORTLIST With so many different titles and areas of subject matter this category is always fiercely competitive. Once again, Bradley Gerrard, Investment Adviser dozens of different journalists achieved recognition by Danielle Levy, Wealth Manager voters at the initial nominations phase back in January Tessa Norman, Money Marketing this year. So it’s a case of ‘very well done’ to the five Nick Paler, Investment Week names who even made it as far as the shortlist this time Tom Selby, Money Marketing round. The judges were at pains to suggest the quality of the submissions of all five contenders was really good. But, in the final analysis it was Money Marketing’s Tessa Norman who just emerged triumphant attracting plenty of plaudits from the judges along the way. ‘For me, Tessa’s submissions were really strong with one scoop standing out as particularly eyecatching. It was exceptionally good,’ one judge pointed out. ‘Tessa’s writing style just shades it for me against the others although I have to say it was mighty difficult to pick an overall winner,’ another panelist commented. Highly Commended Unfortunately it was a case of so close, yet so far, for Investment Adviser’s Bradley Gerrard who emerged from the quintet to secure the Highly Commended berth for 2014. ‘His news stories are really neat, concise and informative,’ one judge pointed out. ‘There were some really interesting items here. I think that the hallmark of a really good B2B journalist is if your copy appeals to readers who aren’t themselves necessarily well-versed about the subject matter in question. If you can tell readers like that a compelling story then you’re doing a pretty good job as a trade journalist and I think that applies to Bradley here,’ another remarked. headlinemoney awards 2014 47 It takes hard graft to become the Headlinemoney ‘Freelance Journalist of the Year’. Congratulations to the winner and all those shortlisted. international payments eXpertly done For you. For your business. www.hifx.co.uk Freelance Financial Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘An eye-opening story…’ There are those within the journalistic ranks who argue that there is something lacking from a hack’s CV if he/she has never freelanced to earn a crust. It’s all very well turning up at an office each day in the knowledge that there’s a reasonable safety net of employment security attached to your writing or editing job. But this is a light year away from those journalists who choose to work on their own pitching stories and ideas, week in and week out to titles with increasingly diminishing commissioning budgets. Nothing is certain for freelancers. It’s not just a case of competing against established rivals who are going after the same avenues of work as you nowadays. Journalism courses churn out large numbers of newly-qualified students and many opt to take the financial freelance route in pursuit of their career. Winner SHORTLIST By the time the judges convened to unearth a winner in this category there were already two front-runners Donna Ferguson from a strong list of five contenders. Having enjoyed high Emma Lunn marks across the board during the initial online scoring Michelle McGagh phase, it’s a case of congratulations to Donna Ferguson Cherry Reynard who held on relatively easily for a first Headlinemoney Philip Scott award victory. Her three submissions from The Guardian attracted plenty of plaudits from the judges. ‘I really liked the piece about how supermarkets get hold of customer data and what they do with it. It was an eye-opening story,’ one judge commented. ‘For me the special rates for certain types of mortgage customer stood out,’ another judge remarked. ‘There was plenty of variety in Donna’s work which, of course, is the hallmark of a decent freelancer because they never know from one day or one week to another what they might be working on next.’ Highly Commended Commiserations to last year’s winner in this category, Emma Lunn, who has to settle for the accolade of Highly Commended this time round. ‘I like Emma’s work and there were some really interesting pieces in her submission,’ one judge said. ‘I enjoyed the feature about how single people are often penalised financially simply for being simple. It’s good to read a different take on a subject, so much material is focused on family finances and this was a bit different,’ another judge pointed out. headlinemoney awards 2014 49 IT’S A NEW WORLD. TODAY’S MARKETS REQUIRE NEW THINKING. BLACKROCK. INVESTING FOR A NEW WORLD. Talk to your adviser or visit blackrock.com All financial investments involve an element of risk to both income and capital. Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: 020 7743 3000. Registered in England No. 2020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. BlackRock is a trading name of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. © 2014 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, INVESTING FOR A NEW WORLD and SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MONEY are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners. Ref: 15033. 001166a-RET Apr14 Financial Broadcast Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Always nails a response…’ Covering the subject of finance for print or online is a tough enough assignment, although tackling the subject via the airwaves for an eager audience can be even more of a challenge. Journalists who go on air to ply their trade have often only short periods of time to ensure the money/business matters they are covering remain entertaining, useful and informative for viewers and listeners alike. Throw in the pressures of working in a ‘live’ capacity and arguably journalists in this sector are under even more pressure than their print rivals. There’s not always the chance to do a second take, so it’s crucial to ask the right questions at the first time of asking! Winner SHORTLIST Having established their two front-runners in this category the judges deliberated long and hard before Simon Gompertz, BBC News awarding this year’s prize to freelancer and broadcast Simon Jack, BBC Radio 4 Today programme veteran Paul Lewis for his submissions from Radio Paul Lewis for his work on BBC Money Box 4’s flagship personal finance programme Money Box. Poppy Trowbridge, Sky News ‘Paul’s incredibly experienced, very thorough and a Emma Wall, Morningstar.co.uk consummate broadcaster on the personal finance stories that count,’ one judge commented. ‘The subject matter is always very relevant to the audience and when push comes to shove he always nails a response from the interviewees in question in a polite but often determined manner,’ another pointed out. ‘Paul never lets anyone off the hook which makes Money Box a really good radio programme,’ a third judge added. Highly Commended Commiserations go to the BBC’s Simon Jack who narrowly avoided top slot for 2014. Following an earlier stint on BBC Breakfast, Simon now anchors the business coverage on Radio 4’s Today, the corporation’s flagship news programme . ‘I thought Simon included some terrific submissions with fabulous interviews that brought his stories to life,’ one judge commented. ‘His broadcast style is like that of a really enthusiastic puppy! He is energetic, bright and has a direct line of questioning which manages at the same time to remain focused on providing relevant information for his listeners,’ another judge suggested. headlinemoney awards 2014 51 Check us out for banking For more information visit sainsburysbank.co.uk Proud sponsors of the ‘Consumer Money Journalist of the Year’ award Sainsbury’s Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury’s Bank plc. Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury’s Bank plc. Sainsbury’s Bank plc, Registered Offi ce, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT (registered in England and Wales, no. 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register no. 184514). Q20177-Headline-Awards-Ad-03.indd 1 15/04/2014 15:35 Consumer Money Journalist of the Year Sponsored by ‘Tackles real-life situations…’ Headlinemoney’s universe of users (covering both the journalism and PR sectors) allocate plenty of time and effort for the initial online nominations phase of this awards programme which takes place over the course of a month at the start of the year. As you might anticipate, the consumer money journalist accolade is one that regularly attracts a large pool of names from which the final shortlist of five is derived. Broadsheet, tabloid, magazine, broadcast and online money correspondents all have their fans. Simply making it to the shortlist in this category is an admirable achievement in itself, let alone walking off with first prize. Suffice to say, the judges inevitably end up with a major task on their hands when it comes to picking an overall winner. And this year was no different… Winner SHORTLIST A large number of journalist names each received at least one nomination for the 2014 running of this award James Coney, Daily Mail reflecting just how difficult it is to make it to the shortlist Sam Dunn, Daily Mail in this category, let alone lift the prize outright. After Richard Dyson, Telegraph Media Group the initial online scores had been submitted there was Jeff Prestridge, The Mail on Sunday just a four-point swing across four contenders from the Simon Read, The Independent shortlist of five, confirming that plenty of deliberation would be required to reach a consensus. Eventually the panelists chose The Independent’s Simon Read so it’s congratulations on a first win in this category. ‘There were several strong contenders each with their own take on personal finance-related matters. For me Simon just shaded it. His way of doing things is to put people at the heart of his stories,’ one judge commented. ‘It’s a close call but I’d just make Simon the winner by a fraction. He tackles real-life situations and when you’re talking about the consumer money category that’s important,’ another judge remarked. Highly Commended As with last year in this category, the judges were at pains to point out that the veritable thickness of a cigarette paper ended up being the difference between winning this category in 2014 and being named runner-up. Commiserations go, therefore, to the Mail on Sunday’s Jeff Prestridge who receives the Highly Commended accolade. ‘Jeff’s a really strong writer. He knows how to make his copy resonate with his audience,’ one judge pointed out. headlinemoney awards 2014 53 NEW FASHIONED BANKING Proud to support the Headlinemoney Journalist of the Year Award marksandspencer.com/bank Issued by M&S Bank, a trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services plc. AC25974 Headlinemoney Journalist of the Year 2014 Sponsored by Guardian of all he surveys Well done to the winners you have already read about in this commemorative brochure celebrating the Headlinemoney media awards for 2014. Winner It’s now time to unveil the winner of this year’s overall journalist of the year trophy; a prestigious accolade that is never given away lightly. It goes without saying that the award is one that is made to an individual who has been responsible for maintaining a high standard of work during the course of the last 12 months. You could argue that this is a theme which has categorised all of the successful journalists you’ve just been reading about in the preceding 50 pages or so of this publication. And, up to a point, that’s true. But to land Headlinemoney’s most coveted prize, it’s inevitable that the name which finally emerges reflects an individual who is deemed to have gone that little bit further than anyone else over the past year when it comes to the business of covering financial matters. In essence we’re looking for a journalist whose name has cropped up at all stages of the awards process. From the initial nominations phase, to the point where the shortlists are drawn up. Someone who’s received plenty of positive mentions by the panelists during the judging sessions and a person who stands out as a worthy recipient overall. This year’s winner ticks all the above boxes and more. In fact, his name has already appeared in lights earlier on in this book as a gifted writer. Meanwhile the money section he edits also received a victorious mention in connection with the blog that appears on the back of it. So please put your hands together for our 2014 winner, namely, Patrick Collinson, personal finance editor at The Guardian newspaper and editor of Guardian Money. Many congratulations and well done! headlinemoney awards 2014 55 We offer the fairest deal for the online private investor. (That’s not just the champagne talking.) We are proud to sponsor the winners’ champagne. We are also proud to offer the fairest deal for the private investor. That’s no boast, just a plain, simple and sober fact. For the full story of an online service designed specifically for the modern self-directed investor visit www.cs-d.co.uk www.cs-d.co.uk CSD award advert_v2.indd 1 25/04/2014 16:34