This is an exclusive title only awarded to firms which meet the rigorous criteria relating to professionalism and ethical good practice as set by The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Chris Bardin, regional NW financial services director, said: "Securing the status shows our commitment to giving our clients the highest quality advice by appropriately qualified advisers.

"Our clients will know that when they deal with a Chartered firm they are dealing with advisers for whom professional excellence and integrity are paramount in both a fast-moving and competitive market, and a complex and evolving regulatory environment."

To date, fewer than 170 firms have achieved Chartered Status, indicating that this is a highly exclusive award reserved for the leading firms within the financial advice market.

Market Walk on the up
TRADERS in Chorley's shopping mall Market Walk are bucking the national trend and reporting an increase in business.

The centre itself is reporting an increase in the number of people on last year and the Ladbroke's store, Woolworths and Game Station say trade is up on last year despite the credit crunch.

Market Walk centre manager Pat Duckett said: "Indications have shown consistent progression throughout the year and with Ladbrokes being the latest edition to the Market Walk family, Chorley is the place to be!"

Ladbrokes' store manager, Sarah Roberts said: "We are happy to be at Market Walk, right in the heart of Chorley, since opening we have had plenty of customers through the door."

The one vacant unit in the mall is used during the school holidays for Fun Thursdays which provides entertainment and activities for children.

Event organiser for Fun Thursdays Martina Borovanska said: "This summer is going really well and the great success of the new Flat Iron car park activities along with the established craft events has proved a hit, attracting hundreds of children. Being a reliable source of kid's entertainment in the school holidays has enabled us to grow a happy relationship with regular shoppers."

Keep up to date on Market Walk news, shops, competitions and events by visiting the website www.marketwalkchorley.co.uk .