Exeter based Eliana Sydes crowned UK Financial Adviser of the Year and top adviser in South West England & Wales

Tilney is delighted to announced that Chartered Financial Planner Eliana Sydes, who is based in our 25-strong Exeter office and advises clients across the south west on their financial affars, was last night crowned the overall UK Financial Adviser of the Year, having also topped the South West & Wales category, in the inuagural Women in Financial Advice awards. She was presented the awards at a gala dinner in London, hosted by comedian Zoe Lyons.

The awards were created to celerate the achievements of women working in the financial advice and weath management profession and attracted more than 800 nominations, which were revewed by a panel of 30 judges.

For national winner Eliana Sydes, retraining to eventully become one the UK's leading financial advisers came as a second career after working for 18 years in IT. "I found myself at a point where I had two young children when my husband became seriously ill. I needed a career that would suit my family life, as well as challenge my brain. In 2008, a friend said that I was inquisitive enough to be a good adviser, and gave me the first manual from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to read. Twenty-two months later I achieved the Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS) status," Eliana explains.

"More than 60% of my work involves working alongside solicitors on vulnerable clients where tact, emotional empathy and the ability to see a different way forward can be key to reaching a solution that enhances their family situation. Financial planning is not just about growing money, it is about empowering people to lead the life they want. Through detailed forecasts and plans, which show clients how their hopes and dreams can come to life, a client can believe in their future and take ownership going forward. This is why I love the job I do."