A Wales based Financial Planning firm has told how taking part in an IFP campaign in recent years has won it new long term clients.

Financial Planning Week 2014 starts on Sunday, with the aim to enlighten the man in the street about the merits and importance of the profession.
Welsh business Uniq Family Wealth last year added two new long term clients who attended free Financial Planning surgeries which were open to the general public.
It will be running free surgeries again over two days next week.

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Gemma Davies CFPCM, director of Financial Planning at Uniq Family Wealth said: "We hope to continue with a positive response this year. Financial Planning week is a time for our community to engage with consumers, be part of a campaign to raise awareness of our fantastic profession and ultimately aim to help people with real financial problems that affect them on a day to day basis.
"As Financial Planners, whilst we provide this service throughout the year, this focused week of activities can really drive positive awareness.
"The face to face contact during the surgeries is highly effective in building relationships with consumers but we also recognise that it is important to take part in other initiatives such as social media, which can have such wide-reaching impact."
Also through Financial Planning week two years ago her firm secured a regular speaking slot on BBC Radio Wales, covering a range of financial topics.
In 2012 various South Wales firms combined to provide open surgeries. Ms Davies said this attracted a good level of interest and uptake and she believes the week is extremely important.
She said: "There are still some myths and confusion from the public as to what it is we do and how we are differentiated from the traditional forms of financial advice.
"Without direct and focused media campaigns, we will remain a best kept secret. With the raft of recent changes in legislation, especially around retirement, consumers need guidance and advice and we feel that Financial Planning week is a great opportunity to show how we can do that and help them lead the lives they want to live."

Close Brothers Asset Management is launching a free financial planning surgery in the South West as part of Financial Planning Week, from 24 to 28 November at CBAM's Bristol office. Financial Planners will be offering free one hour consultations to highlight the importance of reviewing assets and tackle confusion around a Financial Planner involves.

Ed Green, practice director at Close Brothers Asset Management, said: "Financial Planning Week helps to raise awareness of professional advice and aims to demonstrate how people can take control of their finances, and we are proud to be involved. Financial planning is universally important, and this is why we are opening our doors to give people an opportunity to gain an insight into what they can do to manage their income and outgoings, understand their savings and assets, and set themselves up to be financially stable in the future."

IFP President Rebecca Taylor said: "This is our big chance to get out and shout about the power of Financial Planning and encourage the general public to see for themselves what we can do for them."
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