IFA Promotion (IFAP), the body which promotes the concept of independent
financial advice, is to review its estimated pounds 200,000 PR account,
threatening Lansons’ three- year hold on the business.
The review, which will begin in January, forms part of a routine
assessment of its pounds 2 million PR and advertising spend. In 1992
Lansons won the account from competitor Ludgate following a similar
three-year review.
IFAP, which is funded by sponsorship from 50 life insurance companies
and subscriptions from independent financial advisers, appointed a new
chief executive in April.
Robert Browne-Clayton, former general secretary of the Chamber of Coal
Traders, replaced Joanne Hindle who quit to head the Personal Investment
Authority’s pensions unit. Browne-Clayton, who is well-known for his
political contacts and lobbying experience, indicated to PR Week that he
would take a close look at IFAP’s public relations resourcing.
‘Lansons had the account for a number of years before I arrived and I’m
the new chief executive,’ he said. ‘You can draw your own conclusions
from that. My job is to review all accounts and select the best
agencies. We are looking for companies who have experience in financial
services.’
Lansons has won numerous PR accolades for its work with IFAP over the
last three years, including the PR Week Award for Best Business Campaign
and the IPR Sword of Excellence this year.
