In a keynote to members at the IFP Annual Conference at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, South Wales, today he said the IFP would in 2014 be "building on the 'Proud to be a Member' brand theme by focusing on the highest standards."
Among other aims for 2014 are:
• Increasing membership, boosting the numbers of CFP^CM professionals, Accredited Paraplanners and Accredited Firms
• Educating the regulator and other stakeholders on what real Financial Planning is
• Raising awareness of the benefits of CFP certification and Accredited Financial Planning firms with consumers
• Supporting the growing Paraplanner community
• Meeting members needs through education and CPD events including skills and knowledge
• Providing clear development pathways for Planners and Paraplanners wherever they are in their careers
Mr Gazzard said that the IFP had many achievements in 2013 to celebrate. He said a major success was the move to new premises providing better staff facilities and a more professional image.
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In 2013 the IFP brand was 'refreshed' to appeal to professional Financial Planners and Paraplanners and a new consumer brand "Wayfinder" website was launched.
The main IFP website was given a complete facelift to improve content and navigation and a new exam was introduced along with new standards for the case study leading to CFP certification.
• Mr Gazzard said this year had also seen continued development of the Accredited Firm initiative setting the standards for the industry and there was a new structured CPD workshop programme. Membership has also grown.
He also gave details of the latest IFP membership survey which asked the following questions of members.
Describe your role
• 78% Financial Planner
• 55% Business Owner
• 27% IFA
• 10% Compliance

What's Important in your Business?
• Independence
• Wraps
• Life Planning
• Cashflow

• Why are you a member?
• Develop knowledge and skills
• Share best practice
• Access relevant qualifications
• Conferences and Branch meetings