The South West branch covers a huge geographical area. Chairman Pete Matthew drives over two hours from his home near Land’s End to Exeter for each branch meeting. Why has he regularly done so for the last five years?

According to Mr Matthew it’s simply because he gets such value out of the meetings.

September’s meeting saw the return of a great friend of the IFP, Justin Urquhart Stewart of Seven Investment Management, speaking on the subject of: “What is going on in the world? A whistle-stop tour of the planet’s economies?”

As usual, his session was very well received, providing very useful insight and observations around the considerable economic and market issues facing planners.

Mr Matthew said: “I’ve never met anyone who can make sense of the crazy world of investment and economics like Justin can, and make it funny and entertaining at the same time – the man’s a genius. It was great to see members getting involved, they always come prepared to give more than they receive, which makes any branch meeting a rich source of information and inspiration.

“For 2012 we’ve got a varied programme of topics with interesting speakers and plenty of room for discussion and questions, which often carry on in the bar afterwards. Why not come and join us?”