Cost pressures on SMEs tops concerns of advisers

For coming year

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 1 min read

Cost pressures on small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) have been cited as the top concern this year for over half (55%) of workplace protection advisers, research by Canada Life found.

The provider surveyed 135 advisers at the end of January and found that economic uncertainty forms the second-highest concern for advisers at 53%, whereas 42% are concerned about the impact of costs on their fee revenue. Almost half (45%) of advisers also expressed concerns that economic uncertainty will reduce the volume of business they write over the next year. However, advisers noted there are "key" benefits they are looking for, Canada Life said. High service (75%) tops this list of priorities, followed by price (74%) and value-added services (62%). Areas to take greater focus...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

53% of Brits make mistakes at work due to stress

53% of Brits make mistakes at work due to stress

25% called in sick from stress

Cameron Roberts
clock 12 January 2026 • 1 min read
2026 is a year of change for employee benefits: GRiD

2026 is a year of change for employee benefits: GRiD

Five trends for the market

Cameron Roberts
clock 06 January 2026 • 1 min read
URIS Group acquires Ardonagh's Lutine Assurance Services

URIS Group acquires Ardonagh's Lutine Assurance Services

Expansion of Lutine's protection solutions

Jaskeet Briah
clock 05 January 2026 • 2 min read