West of England accountancy firm Old Mill has become one of only 25 certified businesses in the UK to meet stringent financial planning standards.
The firm, which has offices in Melksham and Wells, has completed the certification programme for BS 8577 – the only best practice standard for financial advice and planning firms. 
BS 8577 is set out by Standards International, was developed with industry, professional experts and consumer representatives including, the British Standards Institute and Which? and is supported by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Old Mill first achieved BS 8577 last year and its accreditation this year means it is one of just four firms in the West Country to gain the certification.
Old Mill head of private client Paula Hodge, pictured, said adhering to such a well-respected professional benchmark would differentiate Old Mill from its professional peers. 
“We were absolutely thrilled to hear from Standards International that we have been awarded the BS8577 standard again this year,” she said.
“It really is a very exclusive award – we are one of only 25 firms in the country and just four in the West Country to have achieved it and we believe it really sets Old Mill apart.”
Paul Adams from Standard’s International described Old Mill’s practices as “exemplary” and was thrilled that Old Mill remained one of “a very special group of firms”.
He said: “It is fantastic to see how the principles of BS 8577 have been embraced by Old Mill at every level,” adding that the firm illustrated “all that is best in the industry, and what a real difference quality financial planning and a strong ethical culture can make – very well done Old Mill!”
The report confirming the firm’s accreditation also said it had done “very well in achieving and maintaining such a high standard within your business and you and your team should be very proud”.
Paula Hodge added: “It is really satisfying that all the hard work we’ve been doing and all we’ve got planned is being recognised, and I am really pleased for the whole team that the assessment was so positive.”
Old Mill also has offices in Yeovil and Exeter.
