For Immediate Release: Monday 22 September 2003

IMA launches “Introducing Investment” -

a guide to help consumers make informed investment choices.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) today has launched “Introducing Investment”, a guide to help individuals make informed investment choices and manage their finances better.

The guide aims to address consumer needs first and products second. It describes the three main asset classes: cash, fixed interest securities and shares. It explains the risks associated with each and how individuals can mix these assets to meet specific goals. It then outlines the range of tools available to help investors build and manage an investment portfolio. The guide firmly recommends that investors consider asking a qualified financial adviser to help them.

Victoria Nye, Director, Training and Education at IMA commented:

“Our aim is to introduce consumers to the main building blocks of investment and understand how they can vary the mix of assets to suit their needs. Getting the right asset mix for your particular objective and time horizon is not easy. “Introducing Investment” will be a starting point for anyone who wants a better understanding of how to plan for their future.”

Introducing Investment is an important step in IMA’s strategy to encourage the development of a coherent and accessible supply of unbiased information for the public. IMA intends to work in partnership with the Financial Services Authority, the Government, consumer groups and other sections of the investment industry to develop a definitive and comprehensive range of information focused on consumers’ needs.

“ Many consumers do not know where to start. Faced with reams of overlapping promotional literature, they are, not surprisingly, suffering from information overload, so we must work in partnership with other sectors and with the authorities - playing to our various strengths in the process. Hence it makes sense for IMA to produce an introductory guide to investment” continued Mrs Nye.

IMA is also calling for: the development of “financial capability” in young people through school education*; financial education to become part of a company’s service both to its customers and to its employees; and for professional financial advice to be a valued option for more investors.

“Introducing Investment” is available from the IMA website at www.investmentuk.org. Hard copies can be ordered by calling the Unit Trust Information Service (UTIS) on: +44 (0)20 8207 1361 (seven days a week, 24 hour service). Multiple copies can be obtained by contacting Selina Staines at the IMA on 020 7831 0898.

- Ends -

For further information, please contact:  

Notes to Editors:

*The Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg) is central to this part of the strategy.   Victoria Nye is a director of pfeg, the aim of which is to help teachers develop financial capability in young people. For further information see pfeg’s website at www.pfeg.org or contact Wendy van den Hende on 020 7220 1735.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) is the trade body for the UK investment management industry. It was formed in February 2002 as a result of a merger between the Fund Managers’ Association (FMA) and the Association of Unit Trusts and Investment Funds (AUTIF). IMA’s members provide investment management services to institutions (for example, life assurance companies, pension funds, and individual companies) and to private investors, through individual fund management agreements and pooled products such as authorised investment funds. Between them, IMA’s members manage over £2,000 billion worth of assets.

In order to further stimulate discussion and understanding of these issues among policy makers, the IMA will host, in conjunction with the Social Market Foundation, a series of seminars for politicians, industry and media representatives;

Tuesday 23 September - Liberal Democrat Party Conference - Brighton

6.15pm, Walnut Room, Quality Hotel

Speakers

David Laws MP  -  Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Victoria Nye   -  Personal Finance Education Group, and Director of  Education and Training, IMA

William Kay  -  Personal Finance Editor, The Independent

Ann Rossiter  -  Director of Research, Social Market Foundation

Monday 29 September - Labour Party Conference - Bournemouth

6pm, Piano Room, Bourne Hall Hotel

Speakers

Malcolm Wicks MP  -  Minister of State for Works and Pensions

Ron Sandler  -  Chairman, Personal Finance Education Group

Evan Davies  -  BBC Economics Correspondent

Krisnan Guru Murthy  -  Channel 4 News

Wednesday 8 October - Conservative Party Conference - Blackpool
1pm, Mortimer Room, Hilton Hotel

Speakers

David Willetts MP  -  Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary

Digby Jones  -  Director General, CBI

Anna Bradley  -  Consumer Director, FSA

Patience Wheatcroft  -  Business Editor, The Times

65 Kingsway London WC2B 6TD 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 0898 Fax:+44 (0) 20 7831 9975 

www.investmentuk.org 

Investment Management Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales Registered number 4343737.  Registered office as above.