But even before the departure of Mr Woodford, research by FTAdviser sister newspaper Investment Adviser conducted at the end of 2013 revealed UK Equity Income funds under management have significantly increased since January 2013.

The most popular fund, according to FE Analytics data, is the Artemis Income fund, managed by Adrian Frost and Adrian Gosden, which has seen a £634.9m boost in assets this year.

So, why should advisers be closely looking at this sector now?

This guide will explain how UK Equity Income funds perform, what part the vehicles should play in an investor’s portfolio and what research an adviser needs to do to make sure they pick the cream of the crop for their client.

Contributors to this guide are; David Holloway, marketing director of Rathbone Unit Trust Management; Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services; and Ben Yearsley, head of investment research at Charles Stanley.