The CISI has hailed last week’s Financial Planning Week consumer campaign as “highly successful” as thousands joined in and one podcast had 1m listeners.

The CISI said: “Financial Planning Week 2016 continues to be highly successful with an overwhelming consumer demand. Thank you to everyone who has been helping to raise the profile of the financial planning profession during this year's Financial Planning Week.”

In terms of coverage, the national consumer campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of Financial Planning achieved:

6 radio appearances (Share Radio and BBC4)
12 case studies published
25 consumer questions answered via Ask a Planner
45 media pieces
51 supporting financial planning firms
51 bookings for “Money Talks” event
500 telephone calls from consumers
13,000 impressions as of Friday for @WayfinderCISI tweets
1,000,000 listeners for FT podcast

The seven-day consumer campaign started last Monday and finished yesterday (Sunday). Originally an IFP initiative, the CISI revived the campaign to promote the benefits of Financial Planning to more consumers. More than 30 firms have signed up to take part, including Standard Life’s new Financial Planning arm 1825.

Financial Planning firms engaged with local and national media, offered free financial advice sessions, available to consumers in person, via Skype or over the phone. Financial Planners also held online question and answer sessions and some visited schools to talk about the merits of the profession.

Campbell Edgar MCSI, CISI head of Financial Planning, said: “We have been delighted with the support shown by all the financial planners and firms, UK-wide, and the media, who have been so generous in both offering their professional services for free and creating awareness of this important initiative.

“However, it has highlighted the gap which exists for consumers for true, professional financial planning assistance. We believe the message that financial planning, which is distinct to financial advice, can be a positive, life-changing experience and ultimately help everyone to achieve their life goals, has been extremely well received by the consumer.

“We have emphasised that financial planning is not just for the wealthy and not just for the retired or those looking to retire. Millennials, students, those starting out in their careers and those individuals mid-way through their careers can all benefit from these sessions.

“As the statistics above show, our phones have been red hot with calls from consumers keen to take advantage of a free meeting with a professional, trusted financial planner. Some of the firms involved had all of their free sessions booked within hours of the initiative being publicised. The media has also been key in helping us communicate these messages.”

The firms that signed up include:

• Smart Financial, Altrincham.
 • · Claritas Wealth Management. London Stockport.
• · Mackenzie Financial Planning. Bury.
• · Ashlea Financial Planning, Cheltenham.
• · Beacon Wealth Management Cambridge.
• · Matrix Capital Limited. Shropshire.
• · Santorini Financial Planning, Loughborough.
• · Hannay Robertson Financial Planning, Cambridge.
• · 1825 Financial Planning and Advice. Various Locations.
• · RVW Wealthcare Ltd. Birmingham.
• · Clear Vision Financial Planning Limited. Bedfordshire.
• · Addidi Wealth Ltd, London.
• · Aspin Analysis Limited, London.
• · Equanimity IFA. London.
• · Expert Wealth Management. Witney.
• · Jane Smith Financial Planning Ltd, Milton Keynes.
• · Lubbock Fine Wealth Management llp, London.
• · FPS London.
• · 1825 Financial Planning and Advice.
• · Close Brothers Asset Management, Bristol.
• · Mazars Financial Planning
• · John Roddick & Sons, Annan.
• · Affinity IFA, Prestwick.
• · Affluent Financial Planning
• · Carbon Financial Partners
• · Ethical Futures, Edinburgh.
• · Acumen Financial Planning. Aberdeen,
• · Future Asset Management LLP, Bridgend.
• · Cosgrove Brown Financial Planning Ltd, Swansea.
• · UNIQ Family Wealth.
• · Lodge Financial, Coleraine.
• · Carrington Wealth Management LLP, Belfast.