The IFP has congratulated all three firms on their achievement and welcomes them to join the other 48 already accredited. Several staff at the firms are regularly involved in IFP activities and Mike Macleod of Everett Macleod was a former branch chairman of the IFP's Kent and Sussex branch (see photo attached).

IFP Accredited Financial Firms, along with almost 1000 individual Certified Financial Planner^CM professionals across the UK, are promoted to consumers as the leaders in the profession, representing the highest standard of excellence in Financial Planning. The firms work with the IFP to raise awareness with consumers of the importance of Financial Planning.

Nick Cann, chief executive of the IFP, said: "We're delighted to welcome three more top quality Financial Planning firms to the Accredited Firms' register taking the total number over 50.

"This is surely the year where Financial Planning businesses will be differentiated as offering the ultimate in Financial Planning service in the eyes of the consumer and other professionals too. Whilst it is great to have a nice badge, this year will be the one where differentiation for firms will be evidenced by actual delivery. The IFP remains fully committed to taking this message out to consumers and other stakeholders who still do not fully understand the powerful benefits and value of a genuine Financial Planning service."

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The IFP is the UK professional body of those committed to the development of the multi-disciplinary profession of Financial Planning. Financial Planner is the official IFP magazine and is published by specialist London-based financial publishing company Portfolio Publishing.

The IFP was formed in 1986 to:
• promote the profession and practice of Financial Planning
• increase public awareness of the need for Financial Planning
• raise standards in the quality of Financial Planning advice being provided to consumers
• create recognised professional qualifications for its members
• encourage strong ethical standards through its Code of Ethics and Practice Standards
• encourage education in the theory and practice of Financial Planning amongst members
• help members share knowledge and skills with other professionals for their clients' benefit
• establish a Registry of Certified Financial Planner^CM  professionals

The IFP certifies, upholds and monitors the professional standards of Financial Planning practitioners to protect the interests of members of the public, thus ensuring that they receive effective Financial Planning advice at all times. In 2011, the IFP was recognised by the FSA as an Accredited Body.

The IFP serves a membership of over 2000 members and 900 CFP professionals through a programme of national events and training courses, and a regional branch network' centred around 20 areas. Membership is drawn from across the financial services community. The are nearly 150,000 CFP professionals worldwide.

Visit the IFP at: www.financialplanning.org.uk

Follow the IFP at: www.twitter.com/IFP_UK and via Financial Planner Online