We’re delighted to share that Navigatus has been shortlisted in four categories at the 2025 Professional Paraplanner Awards. While it’s lovely to see our team’s hard work recognised, this moment feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on what really matters: stepping forward, supporting each other, and encouraging more voices, especially women’s, to be heard in our profession.

Celebrating the shortlist

This year, Navigatus is represented in the following categories:

• Outsourced Paraplanner of the Year: Hannah Hirons

• Paraplanning Team of the Year: Navigatus

• New Paraplanner of the Year: Haidy McGregor

• Administrator of the Year: Micheala Hawkins

We’re genuinely proud of everyone who put themselves forward, both at Navigatus and across the profession. Being shortlisted is a wonderful recognition, but it’s the act of applying – of sharing your story and your strengths – that really deserves to be celebrated.

Why apply?

It’s easy to look at awards and think they’re just about winning. In reality, the process of applying – reflecting on your work, writing about your experiences, and sharing your perspective – can be incredibly valuable in itself.

We’ve seen firsthand how much our team has grown in confidence and self-awareness simply by taking part. The process encourages you to pause, take stock, and recognise the positive impact you have on your clients and colleagues. Whether you’re shortlisted or not, you come away with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in your work.

Encouraging more women to apply

One thing that’s often overlooked is how few women put themselves forward for professional awards, even in sectors like paraplanning where women are well represented. That’s why we want to use our moment in the spotlight to encourage more women – and anyone who feels uncertain about their achievements – to put themselves forward. Your perspective matters. Your work matters. The profession is richer for your contribution.

It’s not about winning

We genuinely mean it when we say: being shortlisted is enough. Awards are wonderful, but the act of applying is where the real value lies. It’s a chance to reflect, to learn, and to connect with others in your field. The Professional Paraplanner Awards are a celebration of the whole profession, not just the winners.

We’re grateful to everyone who takes the time to apply, to share their stories, and to support one another. The more diverse the voices, the better our profession becomes.

Encouraging others

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should apply for an award next year, or any year, here’s our advice:

• Don’t wait to be ‘ready’. You’re probably more qualified than you think.

• Ask for feedback. Your colleagues and clients can help you see your strengths.

• Support each other. Encourage your teammates to apply and celebrate their successes.

• It’s about the journey. The process itself is valuable, whether you win or not.

Thank you

Thank you to the Professional Paraplanner Awards for giving paraplanners and administrators a platform to be recognised. Thank you to everyone who nominated, applied, or supported a colleague. And thank you to our clients and friends for your ongoing trust and encouragement.

Looking ahead

We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony, but whatever the outcome, we’re already celebrating. We’re proud of our team, proud of our profession, and proud to be part of a community that values growth and encouragement over competition.

If you’d like to talk about paraplanning, careers, or supporting more women in our profession, please get in touch. We’re always happy to share our experiences and to hear yours.