A Sutton Coldfield firm of personal investment specialists are one of only three West Midlands advisers to be included in an exclusive "accreditation register" set to launch next month.

Index Wealth Management are featured on a list of 25 firms in the Institute of Financial Planning's (IFP) new initiative, which accords those included Accredited Planning Firm status.

The register - which will formally be rolled out next month - has been established to help firms position themselves more strongly with consumers.

Index Wealth Management, based in Little Aston, offers a highly personal service to a small number of high net worth individuals.

Noel Farrelly, director of Index Wealth Management, said the list focused on personal finance investment specialists who provided the highest levels of service. He said: "The accreditation is only awarded to firms who have been assessed by the IFP as demonstrating the highest professional standards of financial planning service and advice. We are delighted to be included in this first list of 25 firms. The criteria to make the register was rigorous, whereby only firms where 50 per cent of advisers had the necessary qualifications, were profitable and could offer holistic financial planning, were included.

"Companies like ours can always promote ourselves, but to have endorsements from others is invaluable, and reflects our aspirations to be up there with the very best."

Mr Farrelly and his fellow director Les Phillips also hold the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, the only globally recognised mark of excellence in financial planning.

The IFP's chief executive Nick Cann said the register is intended to show consumers where they could get good financial planning. He said: "People looking at this list will recognise the quality of the firms involved.  The list of names encompasses firms both large and small, proving that financial planning is not simply the domain of one type of firm. As we get a far greater understanding of how these firms are delivering financial planning, we will be able to share best practice with those aspiring to this brilliant business model.

"When looking for professional financial planning firms in the UK, consumers should look for Accredited Financial Planning Firms as the hallmark of quality, and to find the services of Certified Financial Planner professionals, the only globally recognised standard of professionalism for Financial Planners. When seeking objective, expert and trusted financial planning advice, consumers should always look for the CFP mark."