Skipton Building Society has partnered with LifeSearch to move from a single-tie protection arrangement to a broker model, widening life insurance choice for its more than one million members.
The deal will give Skipton members access to advice on life insurance, critical illness and income protection from a wider panel of insurers, rather than a single provider.
LifeSearch said its team of more than 280 advisers would provide recommendations tailored to individual circumstances, as Skipton looks to broaden its protection proposition while retaining its existing service standards.
The move comes as firms across financial services face growing pressure to demonstrate value and whole-of-market access in protection distribution.
Research commissioned by LifeSearch found that 62% of consumers consider it important to be able to access products from multiple insurers, rather than just one, when seeking life insurance through banks, building societies or high street retailers.
It also found that 69% would want fair pricing backed by comprehensive market comparison.
Skipton, which has a network of more than 82 branches, said the partnership would give members more choice and access to competitive products.
Debbie Kennedy, chief executive at LifeSearch, said: “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering greater value and better outcomes for customers.
“By supporting Skipton Building Society in its move to a broker model, we’re empowering members with specialist protection advice and wider market access so they can make confident decisions about the cover that’s right for them.
“Together, we continue to raise the bar across the industry, championing guidance and support that works for everyone.”
Alex Sitaras, head of savings and partnerships at Skipton Building Society, added: “Partnering with LifeSearch is an important step in giving our members more choice, better value and the confidence that they’re getting the right protection for their circumstances.
“Moving to a broker model means our members can access expert, unbiased advice and a wider range of products from across the market – all while receiving the same trusted service they expect from Skipton.”
LifeSearch said the agreement also reflects its broader push for broker models over single-tie arrangements, arguing that wider market access gives consumers a better chance of finding suitable cover at the right price.
The protection specialist already works with a range of partners including Which?, Lloyds Banking Group, Yorkshire Building Society, Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket and PensionBee.
Kennedy said: “Our research reinforces what we’re seeing across the industry – consumers want genuine choice and access to the wider market. Moving to a broker model isn’t just good practice; it’s what customers are clearly telling us they value.
“This partnership shows how forward-thinking companies like Skipton are listening and responding to those needs.”
