"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"
- Debbie Kennedy - LifeSearch
Skipton Building Society has announced a strategic partnership with LifeSearch, one of the UK’s leading protection specialists, marking its transition from a single-tie arrangement to a broker model. The move gives the Society’s one million-plus members greater choice, access to the wider market, and specialist advice on life insurance products.
Under the partnership, Skipton members will receive expert, impartial guidance throughout their protection journey. This includes advice on life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection from both household-name insurers and specialist providers. LifeSearch’s team of over 280 advisers will offer tailored recommendations to help members find cover suited to their individual circumstances.
The change responds to clear consumer demand for choice and value. Research from LifeSearch shows that 62% of consumers consider it important to access products from multiple insurers, rather than relying on a single provider, when taking out life insurance through banks, building societies, or high-street retailers. The research also found that 69% of consumers want fair prices supported by a comprehensive market comparison when purchasing life protection.
Greater choice and access for members
With a network of more than 82 branches, Skipton’s move to a broker model enables the UK’s fourth-largest building society to offer members access to competitive protection products while maintaining the high standards of service the Society is known for.
“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,” said Debbie Kennedy, chief executive at LifeSearch. “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.”
Industry trend toward broker models
The partnership highlights LifeSearch’s wider ambition to promote broker models, reflecting the belief that moving away from single-tie arrangements ensures consumers receive unbiased advice and access to the best products. LifeSearch already works with partners including Which?, Lloyds Banking Group, Yorkshire Building Society, Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket, and PensionBee.
“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,” Kennedy said. “This partnership shows how forward-thinking companies like Skipton are listening and responding to those needs.”
