Openwork has seen its network exceed 4,000 advisers during the lockdown period as firms looked for support during the coronavirus pandemic.
In an update today (June 23) the network stated it had gained 100 advisers during lockdown, predominately recruiting in the mortgage and protection sectors.
The boost came alongside increased recruitment in Openwork's adviser academy, which gained 69 trainees amid the coronavirus crisis.
Philip Howell, chief executive of Openwork, said: "Thanks to tireless and determined efforts of everyone at Openwork, we have in the last 100 days been able to quickly mobilise our entire network to ensure that advisers were able to more effectively overcome the challenges and, at the same time, maintain and increase dialogue with clients.
"The threat remains but as lockdown measures are slowly eased across the UK, it is important that we not only reflect on the past 100 days but also begin to look forward.
"We must continue to work together to support clients up and down the country who continue to rely on the support, guidance and reassurance of the very personal and expert advice that characterises our business."
At the beginning of lockdown Openwork waived its regular support fees for member firms for three months, hoping the move would provide a "material and immediate benefit" to advisers.
Openwork's coronavirus portal, which launched in March to provide updates, support on servicing clients remotely and tips for advising vulnerable clients, received more than 8,000 visits from advisers during lockdown.
Last year saw record recruitment for mortgage and protection advisers joining the Openwork network, with some 559 members in this sector joining in 2019.
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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