The chief executive of the IFP has pledged to plough on with the mission to develop the Financial Planning profession in 2015 and push ahead with the drive to gain more members.
In October Steve Gazzard CFPCM launched the IFP Spread the Word campaign, with a target to increase membership to 3,000 by the end of 2016.
The IFP has been working on building partnerships with "like minded organisations" as part of this.
Mr Gazzard said the organisation has begun targeting about 50 firms that are involved with Financial Planning. These could add another 1,000 members.
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In his column for Financial Planner magazine, he wrote: "In 2015 we'll continue to deliver even more of what members need and want. We will look to build on the relationships with other professionals and trade bodies to enhance services to members and ultimately to the public.
"Our mission is to build the profession of Financial Planning for the benefit of consumers and so we need to let more financial planning professionals into the 'best kept secret in financial services' - the IFP.
"All of our member research shows that we deliver great value and something different to other professional bodies, focused as we are on true Financial Planning and the highest professional standards.
"Our spread the word campaign was launched in October to encourage our members to talk to colleagues and other professionals about the value of membership. There is a lot of noise and confusion in the market place that we can cut through by enthusiastic members talking to others face to face.
"We don't know if there is an advice gap and look forward to some compelling evidence emerging either way, but let's say we fill whatever gap exists, I think we will then realise there is a Financial Planning gap."
He added: "In summary we will spread the word, support the development of skills and knowledge, and reduce the Financial Planning gap."  

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