Sales of investment trusts have been gradually climbing thanks to a concerted effort by the industry to promote greater awareness of these vehicles among the adviser community.

For years, these closed-ended funds were in the shadow of their open-ended counterparts but now advisers and investors are beginning to recognise some of the benefits offered by the structure and how they can fit into a long-term investment portfolio.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the Association of Investment Companies, says adviser purchases of investment companies via adviser platforms have nearly tripled since RDR.

Understanding some of the main features of investment trusts - including gearing, net asset value and discounts - has been key to increased adviser take-up. 

Also, recognising the role closed-ended funds can play in terms of providing a steady and growing income, as well as offering exposure to often very specialist asset classes is vital if the industry wants to become a core part of portfolios.

Neil Woodford has also helped raised the profile of investment trusts with the launch of Woodford Patient Capital.

But maybe the best way to understand how to invest in closed-ended funds is for advisers to take the leap and invest their own money.

This guide explains how advisers can access investment trusts, how they differ from open-ended funds and demystifies some of the jargon around these vehicles.

Contributors to this guide include: Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the Association of Investment Companies; James Carthew, head of research at QuotedData; Dion di Miceli, head of investment companies at Gravis Capital Partners; Tony Yousefian, investment trust specialist at FundCalibre; James Burns, co-head of Smith & Williamson's managed portfolio service; Alex Crooke, manager, Bankers Investment Trust; Job Curtis, manager, City of London Investment Trust.