Preliminary figures from the CISI reveal that 130 Financial Planning offices offered free surgeries to the public during Financial Planning Week #FPWUK which took place last week.

The annual CISI campaign to promote the benefits of Financial Planning to the nation was supported this year for the first time by the Personal Finance Society.

The CISI hailed support for the event, taking place during challenging times, as impressive with several hundred planners backing the campaign in some way.

Jacqueline Lockie CFP, CISI head of Financial Planning, told Financial Planning Today: “Our early indicators show that Financial Planning Week and Wold Financial Planning Day were both very successful.”

Most of the free sessions offered by Financial Planners were virtual due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions with many planners using video calling or telephone calls to reach consumers rather than running face-to-face surgeries or drop in sessions as in the past. Many of the sessions were up to one hour long.

Among the Financial Planning firms taking part were Alexander Calder Financial Planning, Banner Jones Solicitors, Barnaby Cecil, Berry & Oak, Beaufort Financial, Brewin Dolphin, Broadway FP, Charles Stanley Wealth, Cooper Parry Wealth, Clarion Wealth, Jane Smith Financial Planning, JC Wealth, Mazars, McCrea Financial Services, Northstar Wealth, Paradigm Norton, PM&M Accountants, Uniq Family Wealth and many others.

Financial Planners also used social media and local and national media campaigns to promote the value of Financial Planning. There were also videos, press releases and coverage for World Financial Planning Day which took place during the week. The global CFP standards body the FPSB also ran a virtual event for CFP professionals which featured a UK CFP professional.

World Financial Planning Day was supported by 26 Financial Planning professional bodies around the world.

The CISI, whose annual two day Financial Planning Conference starts today, will release detailed figures on support for Financial Planning Week at a later date.

This year’s campaign was focused on helping families cope with the shock of Covid-19.

The CISI - which runs the Certified Financial Planner qualification - said consumers needed a “steadying hand in this year unlike any other.”