Our latest leadership roundup brings news of awards and praise for a London-based property company and nursery school, a new reality for a Devon-based financial adviser, and the FundTech awards 2020.
Sionic and Funds Europe announce the FundTech 2020 Award Winners
Global consulting firm Sionic has announced the winners of the FundTech Awards 2020 in partnership with Funds Europe.
These awards are an evolution of the technology section of the established Funds Europe Awards. Government restrictions meant the awards were presented during a virtual ceremony.
Jonathan Hammond, a partner at Sionic said, ‘As experts in investment management technology, sponsoring these awards was a natural fit for Sionic. As a lifelong technologist myself I was particularly pleased to celebrate the achievements of firms and individuals who have shown real innovation, collaborated to create something special or used technology in an exciting new way.’
Fellow partner Clare Vincent Silk added “Success can be a subtle victory. The leaders and teams who deliver complex solutions, transformation and change are often unseen – particularly when things go well. I was therefore delighted that these new awards recognise a standout instance of determined and successful leadership of change, achieved despite the odds in such an extra-ordinary year.’
Manning and Co
Devon-based independent financial advisers Manning and Co have set out their new way of working as a result of the Covid restrictions.
In an open letter to clients, managing director Paul Northmore described how the firm were able to process business remotely throughout lockdown and have been able to offer uninterrupted service.
Now, with the rate of infections in the south-west remaining low, they are able to offer client meetings in the office. But, should that change, the organisation is well placed to continue providing their services remotely.
Kensington House Nursery School
Dorothy Kierzkowska’s London-based Kensington House Nursery School has been given the top possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The glowing report described how children ‘have an exceptional early education,’ adding, ‘Leaders are extremely reflective about the quality of the setting and have high aspirations for its continuous improvement, seeking the views of others regularly.’
On the teaching itself, the report said, ‘The quality of teaching is exceptionally high. Staff are consistently lively and passionate and have a firm understanding of how children of different ages learn best. Their skilled teaching helps children to develop advanced communication skills that help them to explain their thoughts and ideas.’
It also praised the school for the emphasis it places on music and said it was clear when they visited that the children were enjoying their music.
Azad Ajub commended for charitable work
Azad Ajub Ltd, the North London and Greater London-based property experts, have been praised for their charity work.
The organisation, which sponsors Able Child Africa, was judged as the Best Green Landlord in London by the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme and the United Kingdom Landlord Accreditation Partnership.
‘Continuity is also important to us,’ said Azad Ajub, managing director of the eponymous company, ‘Remaining a big part of your local area across generation ties back into our focus on community at every level – our electricians, plumbers and builders have been working with us for years, and one of our contractors ended up marrying my secretary some 20 years ago. We try to stay connected to our local area and the community – given the space we operate over, this is incredibly important to us.’