West Country financial planners and accountants Old Mill has been named Best Small Adviser Firm 2012 at the prestigious Professional Adviser Awards.

Now in their 10th year, the Professional Adviser Awards bring together top names from the advisory community to recognise and celebrate the very best providers in investment and retirement planning.

Entrants in the small adviser firm category were shortlisted down to 11 before Old Mill, which has offices in Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Exeter, Melksham and Dorchester, was announced as the overall winner in front of more than 500 people at a ceremony held at the London Hilton, in Park Lane, on Thursday.

The firm's Financial Planning team is headed by partners Kevin Whitmarsh, Paula Hodge and Simon Cole.

Simon, who attended the ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of Old Mill from hosts Paul Daniels and Debbie MGee and Transact's Glenn Sweet, says Old Mill is absolutely delighted to have won.

"Winning this award once again underlines the quality and professionalism of our staff. We are therefore extremely proud that all their efforts have been recognised," said Simon.

"At Old Mill we pride ourselves on looking after our clients by providing exceptional service including our own unique investment management proposition and through delivering the highest standards of advice and this is only possible through the dedication and hard work of our staff.

"In recent years, increasing numbers of people have become disillusioned with the standard of service they receive from the Financial Services Industry but through the drive for higher standards we are now seeing the emergence of a genuine Financial Planning profession."

The award marks the third in just six months for Old Mill, which has 19 registered individuals amongst its 50 Financial Planning staff and as a practice, has the exclusive Corporate Chartered Financial Planner status.