Count grows advisory network

Count has announced the appointment of Rockhampton-based advisory business, TISLife, which specialises in delivering insurance advice.

The firm, which has been servicing clients in Queensland since 2015, has dedicated strategies to reduce risk for its client base, which includes small businesses and individuals.

TISLife managing director, Andrew Thackeray, said the business has a passion for delivering solutions to clients based on the view that “everyone has a need for insurance”.

“You never know what’s around the corner, so it’s our job to provide the right recommendations based on the client’s unique circumstances,” Mr Thackeray explained.

“We work in a small town and have built strong relationships in the community based on a foundation of expertise and trust. If our clients are happy with their outcomes, they are more likely to recommend us to their family and friends, which helps us to grow in turn.”

Mr Thackeray added that he previously encountered situations where clients sought to cancel or modify their policies because they didn’t see value in them.

“That’s where my understanding of their situation and their needs comes to light. To explain the benefits of different types of cover and give them a dynamic perspective they hadn’t previously considered. I have had clients who relied on the Total and Permanent Disability insurance cover we arranged, which made a world of difference to their financial position.”

He further hinted that the decision to partner with Count was based on dissatisfaction with his previous licensee.

“I didn’t agree with some of the decisions made by my previous licensee, so I went about speaking to four or five alternatives in the market.

“It’s early days, but the experience with Count so far has been brilliant. The team members provide high-quality service and are always willing to help. It makes a massive difference to a small business like mine that needs to operate as efficiently as possible and needs solutions turned around quickly.”

On Wednesday, Count reported group revenues of $91.5 million in its full-year results, up seven per cent from $85.3 million in FY22.

The group attributed the increase primarily to revenue growth recognised in its wealth segment.

Count’s wealth segment also reported having 379 advisers at 30 June 2023, an increase of 101 new advisers from the prior period.

This total encompassed 264 advisers under Count, with an additional 115 hailing from Affinia Financial Advisers. Count successfully completed its acquisition of Affinia from Australian life insurer TAL in May.