STAFF at a financial planning service in Bury have cause to celebrate after reaching an industry gold standard.

Bank Street based Mackenzie, which has been trading for 13 years, has reached the distinction for pension transfers.

Companies are required to submit a written application, as part of a voluntary code of practice, which must see them adhere to nine basic principles, including promoting technical skills.

Paul Jones, of Mackenzie, said: “Pensions can be a minefield – but it’s so important that people choose the right one for them.

“The Pension Transfer Gold Standard is, in essence, all about educating consumers on what they should expect from the financial advice they receive, how they can recognise good advice – and where they can access it.”

The accreditation covers clients who hold ‘safeguarded benefits’, usually a company pension, worth £30,000 or more.

Mr Jones added: “As financial planners, it’s a pre-requisite to have a foundation of advanced training, but at Mackenzie we always aim to push ourselves beyond minimum requirements. Although the gold standard is not compulsory, it is essential to us.”