Innovation “with new investment vehicles” is how one judge summed up his view of France’s PRO-BTP Finance. This thriving operator has long benefited domestically from a good reputation reinforced by various awards from French organisations but the IPE Award for investment strategy may allow the company to exploit markets beyond national borders.
“We feel honoured and proud to have won this award. Our occupational savings funds have repeatedly returned high performance figures - something that has been recognised here in France - but the IPE award adds a new dimension,” says PRO-BTP’s Pierre Ramadier.
Ramadier says that, although PRO-BTP still only operates in France, it is keen to what the award means internationally. “We are delighted that it will enhance our image across Europe. We are keen to see how the award will benefit us in our relations with our European counterparts and recognise the part it could play in helping us rise to the challenge of competing in a wider market,” he comments.
Ramadier is unsure what ultimately convinced the judges to pick PRO-BTP but is certain they would have considered the company’s unwavering adherence to an investment strategy that strives to protect its members’ interests, uphold a strict asset management ethic, remain reliable and provide security for its members as well as maintaining a tight rein on costs and risk control. “These are all qualities that PRO-BTP is renowned for here in France and we welcome the opportunity to show the rest of Europe what we do,” he says.
Ramadier believes that other than acting as official recognition of the PRO-BTP team’s competence and effort, the award also acts as an ideal internal marketing tool and a ‘lever’ – a motivating force that makes it want to be the best. “Winning an award of IPE’s calibre, especially given IPE’s Europe-wide presence and reputation, is very encouraging, to say the least, for all the staff here,” he says.