MORE than a suitable candidate for success!

That's Ainsworth-based independent financial adviser Michael Norris who has been awarded the prestigious Scottish Equitable Retirement Options Merit Award for 2002.

Scottish Equitable will present Michael with a bursary and a cash prize for his achievement as the best candidate in the Chartered Insurance Institute Retirement Options (K10) examinations held in October 2001 and April 2002.

Michael is a partner of Professionally Connected Financial Planning, a firm of fee-based independent advisers which has offices in Brookfield Avenue, Ainsworth, and Lostock.

He outshone a field of more than 2,000 candidates to win the award, which will be presented at a special luncheon.

What makes his achievement even more outstanding is that only less than one per cent of all advisers currently hold the K10 qualification.

The Retirement Options Exam covers the full spectrum of advice on pension options at retirement for employees, business owners and the self-employed and included questions on annuities, income drawdown, phased retirement, pensions on divorce and pension transfers.

Michael, who launched his own firm with his business partner three years ago, said: "At a time when pension schemes and retirement options are receiving so much adverse publicity, it is essential that people seek properly qualified advice before taking their retirement benefits."

Before setting up his own company, the businessman spent 17 years in the financial advisory sector and has worked for Bury-based Woodcock and Sons.