Pictured above: (l-r) Kevin Slack (Managing Director of Midland Financial Solutions) and Kevin Edwards

A financial advice firm based in Derby has achieved the highest status in the profession - only two years after it was set up.

Midland Financial Solutions has been recognised with corporate Chartered Financial Planners status, the only company in Derby to earn this distinction.

The status was bestowed on the company by the London-based Chartered Insurance Institute, whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

The firm was set up in 2009 when independent financial adviser Kevin Edwards joined forces with four partners from leading chartered accountants and business advisers Mabe Allen.

Kevin, who qualified as an adviser in 1995 and is operations director of Midland Financial Solutions, became a chartered financial planner last month (June) after success in a number of exams over two years.

That entitled the company to apply for the status, regarded as 'the gold standard' in the industry and awarded after satisfying rigorous qualification criteria. It is held by only 300 firms across the country.

The status involves a commitment to continuing professional development and complying with a code of ethics which reinforces the highest operating standards.

"We are very proud, as a firm to have received this prestigious accolade," said Kevin.

"It demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible advice, service, and support to our clients.

"We are delighted that we are the first firm in the city and one of only a few in the East Midlands to be recognised in this way."

Midland Financial Solutions operates from Mabe Allen's head office on Osmaston Road, Derby, and can also be contacted through their offices at St Mary Street, Ilkeston and Derby Road, Ripley. Its main areas of expertise are investment, pension and tax advice.