In the midst of economic turmoil, uncertainty and nervousness, never has there been such a need and demand for professional Financial Planners, writes Justin Urquhart Stewart, marketing director of Seven IM.

It has therefore been our pleasure to be able to support the IFP and its members in their role and aspirations. This is not just a polite message of goodwill but rather an underlining of the incredibly important role of the professional planner in the current financial environment.

We set up Seven Investment Management with the specific aim of supporting the work of Financial Planners for the benefit of both their business and that of their clients.

Our key tenets of “doing the right thing” and of realising the serious responsibility of being able to look after their investments interlocks the ethics and standards of the Institute and its members.

The work of the IFP over the years to develop the recognition of planning both as a profession and a vital need among the public and media has been remarkable. All the leading industry and financial commentators and journalists now recognise the important role of the professional planner and the respect and responsibility of the Institute.

Let me also add to this the encouragement of new blood into the profession by the IFP. This has been a key way of attracting the next generation to see the role of the Financial Planner as an attractive and rewarding career.

It has regularly been our privilege to help with this in a modest way by helping the IFP to support the 7IM/IFP University Challenge Cup, where student teams compete to win this planning cup for their university.

Bravo IFP, bravo to all its members and it is both our pleasure and privilege to be adding our support as a sponsor.