In a twist to the format of its usual monthly sessions, Bristol Branch welcomed the IFP’s Nick Cann, Barry Horner CFP^CM (CEO Paradigm Norton) and Philip Ryley, associate at Mitchelmores LLP to a round table discussion in December on all things RDR.

Gareth Fatchett of solicitors Regulatory Legal was the speaker at the Cotswold Branch November meeting, held at branch sponsor Zurich’s offices in Cheltenham.

Last year’s sell out IFP Annual Conference received a fantastic response both in terms of support from the Financial Planning community and IFP supporters.

With less than a year to go before the RDR changes take effect, the IFP is expecting a very busy year in 2012.

The IFP board met for its annual strategy meeting in November, welcoming Simon Boulter CFP^CM and Andrew Brook-Dobson CFP^CM for the first time. In addition to the two CFP^CM professionals, the board also welcomed Richard Antrum as an independent director to help it with its thinking.

Five of the IFP’s 22 UK branches are in new hands for 2012. As well as welcoming the five new branch chairs, the IFP would like to extend the warmest of thanks to the five chairmen stepping down, for the significant contribution they have made to the development of the profession in their regions.

In November, the Kent and Sussex branch welcomed David Lane, senior technical sales manager with AXA Wealth.

In November, the IFP’s Manchester Branch enjoyed a practical presentation from John Dashfield, of Dashfield Coaching and Development, entitled: The One Page Business Plan.

Since M&G was established in 1931, we have firmly believed in offering our customers straightforward products, together with clear and balanced information, to help them make the right investment decisions for their needs– a belief that still holds true today.