PEOPLE - HONOURS AND AWARDS

Richard Pearse of the University’s School of Management.

Double accolade for businessman and University researcher

University of Leicester researcher receives awards from Central Magazine and West Midlands News for business venture

Issued on 26 August 2009

A Rutland businessman and part-time researcher at the University of Leicester has recently received two prestigious awards from West Midlands publications

Richard Pearse, Independent Financial Adviser, who is the Principal of Fortify Investments and has over 30 years of commercial and financial experience, has been awarded Businessman of the Year by ‘Central Magazine’ and Financial Adviser of the Year by ‘West Midlands News’.

He has been carrying out postgraduate research in the University’s School of Management where, over the past year he has also taught Financial Management, Accountancy and Organisational Behaviour at both Bachelor and Masters Levels.

On receiving the award of Businessman of the Year, Richard Pearse explained the business qualities which he feels have won him this accolade: “Throughout my life I have always believed passionately in serving others to the best of my ability. And the importance of educating my clients to make informed decisions is vital to their financial well-being and to the ongoing success of my business.

“Despite the bewilderment at being selected I am thrilled to accept this honour of being voted best businessman of the year, because it represents a vindication of my daring to be different by putting my client's interest above profit in a very competitive industry.

“It is wonderful to have an external source look at you as an individual and as a business and for them to acknowledge that your business practices stand you out from the competition. This award is a testament that the business is founded on the right principles of service and client education.”

“In accepting the award I acknowledge the sacrifice that my young family, of four, makes and for the wonderful support of my wife, Catherine, who was and is highly instrumental in the formulation and ongoing success that we have experienced.

“I also acknowledge that I accept the award on behalf of my clients who have supported me throughout the years, but more importantly who have demonstrated their confidence in me by urging me to form my own business.”

Soon after receiving the award from Central Magazine, Fortify Investments, the company that Richard Pearse began in 2008, won the Financial Services Award 2009 from West Midlands News.

In choosing Fortify Investments to receive this sought-after award, West Midlands News acknowledged: “They stand out from their competitors because of their attitude to investment and risk demonstrated in their company logo strap line: ‘shielding wealth and protecting lifestyles’. These two statements guide all of their advice to their clients.”

Richard Pearse holds his financial qualifications via the Chartered Institute of Insurance and the Securities Investment Institute in London. He began his financial career in 1990 with Allied Dunbar, later moving to Abbey National plc and more recently having been a stockbroker with Edward Jones Investments, who are located in Canary Wharf.

Notes to Editors: For more information on this please contact Richard Pearse, tel 01664 474513, email rap21@le.ac.uk, or see www.fortifyinvestments.co.uk