Nearly 300 advisers have joined Openwork’s protection advice arm, Owl Financial, during the pandemic.

The firm says it has benefitted from introducing online face-to-face advice as more than 47,000 policies have been arranged since the onset of Covid-19.

Life and critical illness cover have been the biggest selling policies, accounting for nearly half of sales this year.

Accident and health has also been popular with customers.

Owl sales director Pat McKenna says: “The expansion at Owl this year underlines the commitment and drive of the team to support customers and their focus on communicating the benefits of protection at a time of huge uncertainty.

“Thanks to the support from the Openwork network, we have come together and delivered  a new online solution to support our existing customers and offer advice to those seeking it.”

The specialist firm is licensed to recommend products from providers including Aviva, Zurich, Legal and General, MetLife and Vitality.

It operates a network of 150 businesses with 1,200 advisers serving more than 350,000 customers with an active policy.

It has been part of the Openwork network for six years.