An advisor at award-winning Manchester-based debt management company, The Debt Advisor, has won the Debt Resolution Forum’s (DRF) ‘Advisor of the Year’ award.
Emma Hartley, senior advisor, won the award at last night’s ceremony in Manchester, ahead of the DRF conference, also held in the city. This was the first time anyone at The Debt Advisor had entered the awards.
Commenting on her award win, Emma said: “This is a fantastic award to win. I have always had a genuine desire to help my clients get back on their financial feet and help them realise a life free from the misery of debt. I am absolutely thrilled but still can’t quite believe it!”
The Debt Advisor’s managing director, Bev Budsworth, added: “I’m not surprised that Emma won the award. She embodies the firm’s commitment and compassion to its clients and has already helped hundreds of people, previously crippled with debt and financial stress, regain control of their lives.
“She’s far more than a voice at the end of the phone, she’s a counsellor, a punchbag, a friend but, above all, she’s always there for her clients and always gains their trust.
“We’re all really thrilled for her, she’s achieved so much considering she hasn’t even worked for us for a year yet! I’m sure she’ll continue this success in the future.”
The majority of judges, consisting of the entire DRF board, voted for Emma as she beat off four other strong finalists on the night and a whole host of initial applications from other members of the DRF.
The DRF is a membership organisation for companies, individuals and partnerships who offer personal debt solutions to individuals and charge for their services. It promotes professional standards to its members that offer solutions such as debt management plans, individual voluntary arrangements, debt relief orders and bankruptcy advice and support. Members must comply with its high standards which are monitored annually by the Insolvency Practitioners Association, an independent, government-trusted regulator.
The 2013 DRF Awards took place on Wednesday, 2 October at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Bev Budsworth is also currently shortlisted for the ‘Personal Insolvency Practitioner of the Year – Small Firms’ award at the Insolvency and Rescue Awards whose ceremony will be held this evening at the Lancaster London Hotel.
