The IFP team

Nick Cann, CFP
CEO
nick@financialplanning.org.uk

As Chief Executive of the IFP, Nick has responsibility for delivering the strategy decided upon by the Board and leading the organisation to achieve the ambitious vision of building and maintaining the Financial Planning profession. The scope of the job is huge and filled with tremendous variety it is a very fulfilling role at a time when the IFP is growing with the momentum behind Financial Planning. The current challenges are very exciting.

 On a day to day basis, Nick is responsible for:

• Managing the incredibly talented team in Whitefriars 
• Liaising with the President and other Board members 
• Maintaining the relationship with the FPSB as the UK affiliate for the delivery of the CFP certification programme
• Building an awareness and development programme in the marketplace with media, FSA, government, Financial Planning firms, other professional organisations, universities, conference and event organisers and other relevant bodies 
• Developing a consumer education programme around Financial Planning to ensure that the vision of the IFP is met.

"I am fortunate to be part of building something that I believe in and that ultimately the consumer is going to be better served if the standards of Financial Planning across the marketplace are improved as a result of the work of the IFP and its membership".

Sue Whitbread
Communications Director
sue@financialplanning.org.uk

The broad experience Sue has gained from over 20 years experience in the Financial Services sector, from advising clients through to managing a busy practice, means that she fully understands the issues faced by IFP members and consumers. Sue’s role is to maintain and develop the IFP’s strong communications strategy, helping to promote both awareness and practice of Financial Planning amongst practitioners and consumers alike. Formerly investment director at Chartwell Investment Management, Sue was responsible for the management of client portfolios, and was also heavily involved in the group's PR work.

Lucy Courtenay
Director of Education
lucy@financialplanning.org.uk

Lucy has remarkable experience within the financial services profession, having previously worked for the FSSC, CII and FSA where she was Standards and Accreditation director, Qualifications director and Examinations specialist respectively. She is in charge of the IFP Education team who are responsible for the administration and accreditation of the internationally recognised qualification for Financial Planners: Certified Financial Planner ^CM. Along with her team Lucy also runs the IFP’s range of training and education courses and  workshops, the fellowship qualification and manages relations with significant providers of education such as Manchester Metropolitan University, ICAEW and the SII.  

Steve Gazzard
Operations Director
steve@financialplanning.org.uk

Steve Gazzard has over 20 years experience working in the financial services industry. Initially in the IFA market, with roles in Sales Management and Business Development, Steve has over the past 10 years worked in senior Operations / Business Development positions for Egg and Fidelity FundsNetwork and has run his own consultancy business. With this extensive business experience, Steve’s focus at the IFP is enabling the organisation’s growth by overseeing developments in Operations, Finance, Membership and Sponsorship, as well as project managing high profile initiatives including Financial Planning Week.

Paula Clark
Operations Manager
paula@financialplanning.org.uk

Paula’s main responsibilities are the day to day running and maintenance of the IFP head office at Whitefriars, along with management and production of the company accounts.  She deputises for the CEO in his absence and supervises the team at whitefriars. 

Katherine Mackey
Events Manager
katherine@financialplanning.org.uk

As Event Manager, Katherine’s main responsibilities include developing, planning and implementing the annual event calendar, ensuring that the events are delivered to the high standard expected by the membership. The number of events the IFP runs are growing every year. In addition to coordinating the IFP’s flagship conference and exhibition, Katherine also coordinates a number of regional conferences, CFP Licensee and Fellows’ days, golf days and other workshops.

Cath Davies
Business Development Manager
cath@financialplanning.org.uk

As Business Development Manager at the IFP, Cath’s role is to build and maintain the relationship with IFP sponsors, ensuring they have a good understanding of the IFP’s activities and how best to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Cath is the main point of contact for sponsors and is the prime contact for exhibition information at any of our events.

Becky Mutlow
Marketing Manager
becky@financialplanning.org.uk

Becky is responsible for the marketing activities the IFP undertakes and driving the organisation’s marketing strategy forward. Managing the websites and the IFP brand, she also takes an active role in Financial Planning Week and assists Sue Whitbread with the IFP communications strategy. Becky also gets involved in many areas of the business to ensure the right messages are delivered and the needs of IFP members are met.

Amy Wyrill
PA to Nick Cann
amy@financialplanning.org.uk

As PA to Nick, Amy’s main responsibilities include acting as Nick’s main point of contact in the office, taking calls, liaising with Board Members, organizing meetings, diary management, arranging travel and accommodation, typing of correspondence, preparing documents for presentation, and attending Board meetings to take minutes.

Karis Whitfield
CFP Certification Co-ordinator
karis@financialplanning.org.uk

Karis currently on maternity leave, is responsible for coordinating the CFP certification process in the UK. Her role consists of organising the CFP certification Fast Track Assessments, Financial Planning Preparation Days and 12 week home study assessments, and to ensure that individuals meet the required level of entry to embark onto the process. Once individuals have earned the CFP certification, Karis is responsible for issuing their new licenses and certificates.

Sophie Hill
CFP Co-ordinator
sophie@financialplanning.org.uk

Sophie is responsible for coordinating the CFP certification process in the UK. Her role consists of organising the CFP certification fast track assessments, 12 week home study assessments and to ensure that individuals meet the required level of entry to embark onto the CFP process. Sophie is covering Karis Whitfield's maternity leave.

Rachel Weihs
Membership Coordinator
rachel@financialplanning.org.uk

Rachel's role primarily focuses on membership - recruiting new members, dealing with enquiries and subscription payments and managing the "Members' Only" area of the IFP website. She also offers support to the IFP regional branch network and Branch Chairmen.

Danielle Day
Education Officer
danielle@financialplanning.org.uk

As Education Officer, Danielle’s main responsibilities are developing and planning the IFP Foundation, Core Skills in Financial Planning and Transition workshops. Additionally, she provides advice and guidance to IFP members on the qualifications that would enable them to embark on the route to becoming a CFP. Part of this advice would also include recommending the most appropriate IFP workshops to undertake. Danielle is also responsible for organising Fellowship preparation days and examination, as well as being the main point of contact for those wishing to become an IFP Fellow.

Alicja Twarowska
Education Administrator
alicja@financialplanning.org.uk

As Education Administrator, Alicja’s main responsibilities include being the first point of contact for education related enquiries at Whitefriars, booking individuals onto education courses and workshops, as well as providing overall support to the Education team. She liaises with Facilitators to help deliver the training for the CFP Preparation Days, Fast Track Assessments, Core Skills & Foundation workshops; issues members of the public with CFP Registries; ensures records and procedures are logged and accessible; as well as processing and maintaining feedback from IFP Education events.

Louise Guthrie
Marketing Assistant
louise@financialplanning.org.uk

Having recently graduated from the University of West England, Louise has joined the team as a Marketing Assistant. Louise’s main responsibilities include supporting the Events, Marketing and Business Development Managers as well as the Membership Co-ordinator. Her tasks include assisting with the organisation of IFP’s events including Annual Conference, working on Financial Planning Week, carrying out website administration, membership renewals plus much more.