Owl Financial, The Openwork Partnership’s specialist protection advice business, added 165 advisers in the first six months of the year as demand for financial protection continues to expand.

A major focus for recruitment at the specialist business, which is licensed to recommend products from a range of providers including Aviva, Zurich, Legal & General, MetLife, LV= and Vitality, is increasing the number of female advisers.

Around 45% of advisers at Owl Financial are female, with many joining from a non-financial services background attracted by the opportunities for career progression and a work-life balance enabling them to work flexibly.

Liam Richards, director at Owl Financial 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.

“That is underlined by the excellent client feedback Owl received with independent validation from Vouched For showing clients score us 4.9 out of 5 for the level of service received and we are the first Protection sales force to feature in the Vouched For awards.”

Owl Financial 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.