IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP CFP^CM has praised IFP members for their dedication to the organisation which she says makes it "unique."
In the opening address to 600 delegates attending the annual conference 'Back to the Future' she spoke about members bond with the organisation and also spoke about how the IFP had rallied round following the serious illness of chief executive Nick Cann, who suffered a stroke earlier this year.
She said she was delighted that Nick, still recovering, had made it to the conference as an observer and he received warm applause from delegates. She said she was looking forward to Nick returning but said she was very grateful to interim chief executive Steve Gazzard whose support this year had been invaluable, she said.
Speaking about members she said: "One of our greatest strengths is the loyalty and dedication of members - it's what makes us a unique organisation."
She also spoke positively about the CFP certification saying it was the only examination that tested the "practical application of knowledge."
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Speaking about Nick Cann's illness she said: "Personally, and possibly selfishly, once the initial shock had worn off, I wondered how I was going to manage during my term as President. Nick has always been a strong presence so I guess my assumption would be that I would have my hand held whilst I settled into the role and it was quite daunting knowing I was on my own. Fortunately, my concerns were unwarranted.
"The IFP has a huge amount of support, internally and externally but the staff in Bristol are all committed to the work that is done and really stepped up and contributed over and above what would be expected. So, I have still had support although perhaps not the hand holding at some of the events I have attended! As with all things though, where in many cases Nick would have taken a front seat, I have taken on this role and can look over the last year and really see how I have personally developed and expanded some of my skills. I am now looking forward to Nick's return if only so that I can challenge him to keep me quiet enough for him to speak as opposed to the other way around!"
She said one of her highlights during the year was attending the international FPSB meeting in Hong Kong and other international meetings.
"I learnt so much during my time in Hong Kong and again at a European meeting last month. I mean, did you know that India, has banned commission? Forgive my ignorance but I would not have imagined India as being somewhere that would be having their own RDR at the same time as the UK, after all, India is an emerging economy, isn't it? As for Australia, we all know how competitive Aussies are.
"I had always been of the understanding that Australia was way ahead of the UK when it comes to fee-based planning and regulation. Did you know that Australia's version of RDR came into effect in July this year, 7 months behind us. So, not only did we win the Ashes, but we also beat them at regulation! Clearly, that is somewhat tongue in cheek as we have a lot that we can learn from our Aussie friends and I am looking forward it attending the FPA conference in Sydney in a couple of weeks time to see whether their annual conference is as good as ours."
Speaking about the CFP she said:"Yes, the CFP qualification is difficult, it can't be passed without a considerable amount of effort but I know it is the one that I felt the most amount of pride at passing which I know I wouldn't have had if I had not put an equivelent level of effort in to pass."
In terms of future direction for the IFP she said: "Journeys are all about moving forward and the IFP will move on over the coming year. We have a fresh focus, a few changes and a great leader in Steve Gazzard. Steve is of course a completely different person to Nick so it is natural that some things will look a little different, although both Nick and Steve have the same passion and dedication which is the first and foremost requirement to guide the IFP forwards.
"Over the past year a working group was meeting regularly to look at where the IFP should be in the next 3 to 5 years. This was a very productive project focusing on where we should be looking for new members, how we should be looking after our existing members and clearly defining what we are about. I am hopeful that you will see some clearer messages coming through over the coming your as a result of this."
"As always, one of our greatest strengths is the loyalty and dedication of our members which does make our life just that little bit easier, knowing that we have support and there are many of you out there that on meeting a non IFP member will embark on a personal campaign to get that individual to join us. That is what makes us unique, even though we have grown to over 2000 members, we still have that small organisation mentality, the sharing, all encompassing network where if someone needs help, there is always someone there to provide.
"Although the short term is never easily predicted, the longer term vision remains the same. The Financial Planning journey is still travelling to a place where Financial Planning is the expectation of everyone, whether it is those with the capability and tools to do it themselves or through professional Financial Planners. I hope that when I look back during my last speech as president that we can safely say we have made at least some progress down this particular path."