Findex recognises home grown innovators

The idea of providing financial advice for free to each new staff member was the winner of Findex Group’s Annual Innovation Award 2014, announced CEO Spiro Paule at the 2014 Findex Group Conference.

Paule said that the Group’s culture of innovation led to the ‘Innovation Hour’ concept, which was addressed at the annual group event.

“We were very impressed with the high quality of the 70 entries,” he said. “The ultimate winner was Neville Williamson, a Financial Adviser, who advocated the need for quality financial advice for each and every staff member.”

“This idea not only encourages our team to plan their own financial future but also helps ensure staff members have a focus on the clients’ experience and expectations.

“There was such a high standard amongst the submissions that we plan to implement all of the ideas presented by the shortlisted finalists.

Such ideas included a system for enhanced client communication, an improved task prioritisation system for attending to urgent client requests and an improved staff HR profiling tool.

“This year’s annual conference was held at a time when the Findex Group was recognised for our core philosophy of being innovators within the industry,” Paule said.

The Findex Group’s effective employment of an innovation strategy and use of technology to reach Australians without access to financial advice has been recognised by premier business publication, Australian Financial Review (published in the BRW Magazine’s) ‘ Top 50 Most Innovative Companies 2014’ list. The Group finished 12th overall, but importantly was ranked second in the financial services sector.

Paule said the awards are part of the Group’s drive to encourage innovation within the organisation and to give every employee a forum to express their ideas and innovations.

“As the winner, Neville Williamson will have his idea implemented and will be part of the process from start to finish,” he said.

In the ‘Innovation Hour’ challenge, all staff were given the opportunity to work either independently or within a group on an innovation of their choosing. The only guidelines provided were that the innovation should broadly benefit the business and its clients in some way.

The winner was chosen by an independent judging panel which was made up of the Chairman, Non Executive Director, a staff member, Head of Products and Michael Crossland from Camp Quality.