PA Awards 2011: The five best IFA websites

And the award for best client-facing website in the industry goes to...

The firm was announced the winner in the ‘Best Website' category at the Professional Adviser awards held at the London Hilton hotel on Park Lane last night.

WINNER: Informed Choice

Informed Choice was victorious for a number of reasons, including its many microsites, which it has set up as simple educational guides for its existing and future customers.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Investment Quorum

London-based Investment Quorum was highly commended for its efforts.

The site offers an easy-to-understand hub for its customers, while features include its innovative 'client community' section.

Almary Green

Judges at the Professional Adviser Awards 2011 were also impressed with East Anglia's Almary Green's efforts.

The site offers its readers jargon-free information on all its areas of specialisms, including investments, retirement planning and protection.

Worldwide Financial Planning

Cornwall-based Worldwide Financial Planning has recently undergone a website revamp, with excellent results.

One of its more innovative features includes its Virtual Trading Challenge, in which it invites members of the public to invest a virtual £100,000 in shares traded on the LSE. The competition is now in its fourth year.

Arch Financial Planning

Surrey-based Arch Financial Planning has constructed a website which helps ensure the small firm makes a big noise.

The main website is also accompanied by a regularly updated blog.

Milestone Wealth Management

Is there a more striking homepage in the industry than that constructed by Surrey-based Milestone Wealth Management?

Regular news updates keep its readers informed of market trends and opinion.

Katrina Baugh, editor of Professional Adviser and head of the judging panel, says: "We were delighted by the number of high quality entries for this award.

"Clearly advisers are realising the importance of a strong website to attract new clients and help existing ones.

"Informed Choice's entry really impressed the judges with its clean look and feel, easy navigation and the breadth of information featured."