The Finance & Technology Research Centre (F&TRC) Protection Forum is to report on the benchmarking of provider's protection retention systems in December.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of small, family-run businesses would not survive the loss of a key member of staff, according to Scottish Widows.

The NHS faces a crisis of care for older people, is not caring for the elderly as well it should, and the situation is worsening, NHS employers have heard.

Families are focusing on protection, even as they cut back on non-essentials, Aviva has found.

Half of insurers are now offering some form of HIV Life Assurance, up from 35% last year, according to medical financial advisers Unusual Risks.

A marked change in consumer awareness is causing consumers to take an "austere" self-assessment of protection needs, Swiss Re has said.

Westfield Health has reported sales growth of 29% increasing market share to 13.5%, in its annual results for 2010/11.

Choosing the right provider is key to advisers considering the business protection market Defaqto has said in a new guide to the sector.

Figures from the Government Statistical Service (GSS) have shown no increase in cancelled operations over this time last year.

Aviva and Legal & General are to provide life and general insurance products for Barclays Bank UK Retail customers.