Protection advice specialist Owl Financial has reported a rise in protection sales due to the Covid pandemic.

The firm says around 25,000 households across the UK have benefited from its advice service in the first half of the year.

It credits the surge in protection sales to the firm’s switching to face-to-face advice online during the Covid pandemic and says clients will continue to receive the option as lockdown restrictions ease.

It says clients have seen the benefits of taking out protection during the pandemic with millions of pounds paid out to its customers including for Covid related claims.

Owl Financial also report that more than 165 advisers, a large percentage of them female advisers, have joined the firm recently.

Around 45% of its advisers now are female with many joining from a non-financial services background attracted by the opportunities for career progression and flexible working.

The firm says the increasing number of women working as advisers is a real benefit for clients and is reflected in the high ratings Owl advisers are achieving on VouchedFor.

Owl Financial director Liam Richards said: “Demand for protection continues to grow as more families and households recognise the value of cover and that is driving the number of advisers joining the business.

“We are particularly pleased that more women are recognising the opportunities available in financial services and are delighted that our advisers reflect the clients they are supporting.”

The group operates a network of 150-plus managers and more than 1,000 advisers supporting over 350,000 customers who currently have an active policy.

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