The winners of the High Value Immigration Awards were announced at the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. Guest speaker Luke Johnson, chairman of Risk Capital Partners, former chairman of Channel 4 Television and serial entrepreneur, pointed out the importance of recognising best practice in this field of financial services.

“One of Britain’s greatest strengths is its diversity. We attract talented people from everywhere, and they make a major contribution to the wealth and culture of this country. London is the perfect city to celebrate this success, and applaud a handful of our star immigrants and their advisors,” he said.

The decision to hold the awards came at a time when the work of such organisations and advisors has become increasingly important with London’s ascent as a jurisdiction for many high net worth and UHNW individuals from around the world. The UK government operates investment visa and entrepreneur visa programmes, and has reformed the non-domicile and residency regimes in recent years. The field remains a complex one, however, as well as a subject of political controversy.

Ming Peng is from Smith Stone Walters and Catherine Maclay is from Platt & Associates.

The winners:

Immigration Advisor of the Year: Catherine Maclay (from Platt & Associates);

Immigration Advisory Firm of the Year: Gherson;

International Immigration Advisor of the Year: Ming Peng (from Smith Stone Walters);

Wealth Manager of the Year: Kleinwort Benson;

Lifestyle Management & Settlement Services Provider of the Year: UKIAS;

Enterprise of the Year: ForceSelect;

Chairman’s Award: Mark Estcourt at London & Capital

Judges were Lord David Treisman, Karen Clark, Robert Dover, Hugo Keith QC, Nicola Horlick, Rachel Sandby-Thomas and Rupert Gather (chairman of InvestUK).