Intelligent Partnership has been recognised for innovation for its Alternative Investment Report (AiR) series at the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association’s annual awards. Recognising excellence in the EIS and Seed EIS industry, winners were chosen by an influential panel of independent judges and announced at the House of Lords as a highlight of the EISA Chairman’s Reception.

The award for Best Innovation, Newcomer or Rising Star, sponsored by Grant Thornton, was jointly won by Intelligent Partnership and Mercia Fund Management.

Recognising those in the EIS/SElS industry that have launched a genuinely new, innovative or beneficial product or service over the past 12 months – or made a significant contribution by initiating or undertaking research or thought-leadership – judges for this award looked for exemplars who have enhanced the way the industry is perceived and encouraged more advisors and investors to get involved in it.

Liz A Brion, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP said: “The award for Best EIS/SEIS Innovation recognises those companies that are breaking new ground, making the process of investing in EIS easier and more accessible. Congratulations to the team at IP and their winning submission which demonstrated the ability to educate people on the breadth of the industry, and engage with a new audience of advisers.”

Grant Thornton was also named Best EIS/SEIS Tax Adviser alongside winners including Calculus Capital (Best EIS Fund Manager of the year), Parkwalk Advisors (Best Investment Exit of the year), and Bovill (Best EIS/SEIS Legal or Regulatory Adviser). The individual Rising Star award went to Simon Thorn from Acceleris, while Green Shoots, a new organisation for younger members in the EIS/SEIS industry, was highly commended.

The EISA Awards were judged by an esteemed panel including: Martin Fox, Managing Director of Bulletin Marketing; Lee Moran, Chairman of the Investment Committee at Baigrie Davies; Lord Lee of Trafford; Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury’s; and Sarah Wadham, Director General of the EIS Association.

“Last night was a great event for the whole EIS industry and it was wonderful to bring together so many talented individuals from the UK’s early-stage investment industry,” said Sarah Wadham. “We were enormously impressed by the high standard and number of entries for the Awards. I would like to congratulate all the winners and the highly commended entrants, and to thank the judges for their time and expertise.”