Sesame Network has expanded its protection panel with the addition of seven providers.
Sesame Network has expanded its protection panel with the addition of seven providers.
The network has added British Friendly, Canada Life, Cirencester Friendly, Guardian, Shepherd’s Friendly, The Exeter and Unum.
These providers join Aegon, AIG, Aviva, L&G, LV=, Royal London, Scottish Widows, Vitality and Zurich, leaving the total number on the panel at 16.
According to the network, the providers offer advisers additional support including adviser toolkits and calculators, along with videos and webinars
Richard Howells, managing director at Sesame Network, said: “Financial advisers have an incredibly important role looking after the health and financial wellbeing of customers and their families.
"However, putting protection front and center in these conversations requires the right level of knowledge and skills, backed by a comprehensive range of products to choose from. Our new expanded panel gives advisers more solutions and greater choice.
“This is particularly important right now given the increased consumer interest in protection cover brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, along with the regular criteria changes being made by product providers.
“Expanding our protection offering is valuable for customers, and it can help advisory firms to build value in their businesses too.”
Howells added: “In our experience, protection conversations between advisers and their clients can be even more successful when brought to life through powerful stories.
“It can help to demonstrate true customer value by illustrating how people can manage their risks, as well as overcoming any potential hurdles and misconceptions, such as how people can secure adequate cover on a reasonable budget.
“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought these protection conversations into sharper focus, which is why Guardian’s campaign is well timed and can assist advisers in this important area.”
Jacqui Gillies, marketing and proposition director at Guardian, said: “Advisers have told us that since the start of the COVID-19 crisis they have seen an increased willingness by their clients to talk about protection.
“Our new campaign is designed to support those conversations.
"Using human stories to bring to life some of the real situations people could find themselves in, helps advisers have the right conversations with clients about risk appetite and what they value, to ultimately lead to better-informed protection choices.”
