Beagle Street has launched into the intermediary market, marking a significant expansion for the protection brand as it seeks to grow its distribution through advisers, networks and service providers.
The business, which forms part of the OneFamily Group, said the new proposition combines its protection expertise with the mutual heritage of OneFamily, which has supported customers across the UK for more than 50 years.
The intermediary offering has been developed with advisers in mind and is designed to be simple to understand and adapt as client needs change. The launch follows a pilot programme involving a select group of intermediaries, whose feedback was used to refine both the proposition and adviser journey ahead of a wider market rollout.
Beagle Street said partnership would be central to its distribution strategy, with the business working alongside advisers, networks and service providers to develop its offering. Early support has come from firms including Omni Protect and St. James’s Place.
The launch represents the first stage of a wider development programme, with further product and proposition enhancements planned over the coming years.
Initially, the intermediary proposition includes life insurance and critical illness cover. The first critical illness product covers 23 conditions and is positioned as an entry-level option, with additional products expected to follow.
Customers will also have access to a range of added-value services, including Reframe Cancer, Square Health’s 24/7 virtual GP service, RedArc support, and will writing and legal services. Beagle Street said it is the first individual protection provider to offer access to Reframe Cancer as an added-value benefit.
The proposition is supported by adviser-focused underwriting and technology designed to improve efficiency and decision-making. Pricing has been structured to reflect individual risk profiles more closely, while the company said customers would also benefit from a dedicated claims service, including payment of valid claims within three working days of receiving the required evidence.
Holly Ewing, distribution director at OneFamily, says: “Today marks an important milestone for Beagle Street as we enter the intermediary market with a strong initial proposition and a clear ambition to build from here.
“Our distribution strategy is rooted in partnership, working closely with advisers, networks and service providers to create a proposition that is simple, flexible and aligned to the needs of the market.
“We want to make it easier for advisers to put accessible protection in place for the people who need it most. Backed by agile technology, transparent pricing and a strong mix of added-value services, this proposition gives advisers another credible option and supports growth across the intermediary market.”
Ryan Griffin, protection director at OneFamily, adds: “Following a successful pilot, we are pleased to launch into the intermediary market with both life insurance and critical illness products. Our proposition has been designed to provide faster, fairer outcomes for customers from an underwriting and pricing perspective and an intuitive and straightforward experience for advisers.
“Our unique support services such as Reframe Cancer reflect the growing need for practical support alongside financial protection. With further launches planned over the next 12 months, we are excited to continue building our proposition and supporting more customers with products suited to their needs.”
Jim Islam, chief executive at OneFamily, says: “As a mutual, our members are at the heart of everything we do and we understand the financial pressures facing households across the UK.
“Helping people build a financial safety net for their families is more important than ever, and this launch allows us to reach more people with protection that is right for them.
“With more than 50 years of heritage, we have already helped more than two million customers work towards their financial goals. This launch gives us the opportunity to go further by offering vital protection to more people and marks the start of a new chapter for the business.”
Rob White of Essential Insurance says: “At a time when the protection market has seen several providers step away, it’s refreshing to see a new entrant arrive with real intent. Having worked closely with Beagle Street during development, we saw firsthand their willingness to listen and act on adviser feedback.
“The result is a compelling proposition and an adviser journey that stands out for its simplicity and ease of use.”
