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In fact the overall number of companies in both the four and five-star categories for this year is down on 2008 – which is disappointing.

Clerical Medical takes the top spot in the four-star division having finished only mid-table last year.

M&G has really upped its game, taking second place after last year featuring in the three-star category. This represents steady progress for M&G since the company fell down to only two-stars in 2006 but has since got back on track. However M&G is not the only provider to have jumped up a division. Jupiter, Schroders, Threadneedle and Neptune all attain four-stars this year, compared with last year's three. Jupiter's performance is the most impressive of the four, commanding third place in the four star order of merit. Schroders, Threadneedle and Neptune take seventh, eighth and ninth places respectively.

Cofunds, FundsNetwork Friends Provident and Aviva show consistency in remaining in this category which awards good service. Those less fortunate include LV= and The Children's Mutual who lose one of their four-stars for 2009 and drop down.