IFA Promotion launches news press services directory
Raising the profile of IFAs in the media
For a free copy call 020 7294 3677
IFA Promotion today launches the second edition of its Press Services Directory. It will be distributed to over a thousand journalists including TV, Radio, Press and Internet sites. The directory has been a huge success and has led to a dramatic increase in the number of IFA mentions in the media. Requests have included everything from providing case studies, expert comment on specific product areas and financial makeovers to making appearances on national TV and radio.
"The calls we receive from journalists are increasing year on year, which is consistently bolstering IFAs' share of coverage. In January alone, we had over 40 successfully fulfilled requests for editorial assistance from IFAs," said David Elms, Chief Executive of IFA Promotion.
"There are huge benefits for IFAs who join Press Services. Whilst it can occasionally be time consuming, participants receive valuable publicity for their business, which can only build respect amongst existing customers and attract new clients."
The Spring 2001 directory lists details of 105 IFAs (up 40% on the previous directory), complete with photos, and specialist areas of expertise. It is being distributed to journalists to enable them to call IFAs directly if they so wish. Alternatively journalists can call the Press Services Hotline number - 020 7294 3682 - to be put in touch with relevant IFAs.
For those IFAs joining up, the commitment could involve:
- Sourcing case studies of suitable clients who are happy to talk to the press and have their photograph taken
- Giving opinions to journalists on existing products or new product launches
- Providing comment on industry issues
- Appearing on TV and radio to discuss a range of issues
David Elms concludes: "Press Services has become an invaluable tool for many journalists, raising the profile not only of individual IFAs in the media, but also of the independent sector as a whole. We are keen to encourage more IFAs to join this service, and to commit the effort for the rewards it can offer".
For further information please contact:
| David Elms Marketing Director IFA Promotion 020 7833 3131 | or | Pippa Russell/ Richard Winder Lansons Communications 020 7490 8828 |
Notes to Editors
1. Independent Financial Adviser Promotion
Independent Financial Adviser Promotion Ltd. was established in 1989 to promote the value and accessibility of independent financial advice to the public. It represents over 9,000 registered individual independent financial advisers across the UK and is sponsored by 31 leading financial institutions. In 2000, over 130,000 people contacted IFA Promotion for details of local independent financial advisers.
IFA Promotion's central belief is:
"Consumers have a right to financial advice that is independent of the providers of financial products - i.e. independent financial advice."
Furthermore independent financial advice should be:
- Affordable. The option to take independent financial advice should be available, by right, to all - not just the wealthiest in society.
- Convenient. IFA should be available in the location of the consumer's choice, wherever they live in the UK.
- Transparent. It must be clearly transparent to consumers who is able to offer independent financial advice and who is not.
2. Independent Financial Adviser Promotion's sponsors
| Barclays Global Investors Funds BUPA Canada Life Clerical Medical Investment Group Dresdner RCM Funds (UK) Ltd. Eagle Star Family Assurance Friendly Society Ltd Friends Provident INVESCO Fund Managers Ltd Investec Asset Management Legal & General Mercury Asset Management National Mutual National Savings Norwich Union Life NPI | Prudential Intermediary Division Scottish Amicable Life Plc Scottish Equitable Plc Scottish Life Assurance Company Scottish Mutual Assurance Plc Scottish Provident Institution Scottish Widows plc Standard Life Assurance Company Sun Life Swiss Life (UK) plc The Skandia Group of Companies Tunbridge Wells Equitable Friendly Society UNUM Ltd Winterthur Life UK Ltd Zurich Life Assurance Company |