Many advisers are resuming face to face meetings with clients following the lifting of all Covid restrictions, research commissioned by insurer Zurich finds.

The research shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of advisers have restarted face to face meetings with clients and around 66% have returned to working with colleagues in the office.

Nearly a quarter (23%) are also meeting with providers and a further 20% are fully intent on meeting their clients face to face.

About 22% of advisers are planning time in the office, although most have not set firm dates.

The majority of adviser firms (65%) are looking to resume in person meetings with their providers.

Only one in 10 (13%) have no plans to return to face to face meetings suggesting a preference for continued remote working.

Online meetings now ‘preferred channel’ for advice

Almost three-quarters (73%) said they are comfortable returning to industry events and conferences later this year with the remaining 26% not yet ready.

The research was conducted this month after the government lifted remaining Covid restrictions on 19 July following nearly two years of remote home working.

Zurich’s director of retail protection business Louise Colley said: “The pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of protection. It’s also shown how the industry has done a sterling job in working together to support customers throughout.

“This includes the ability to flex and adapt, with virtual appointments and things like health screenings to help people secure valuable cover. These new ways of working, will certainly remain in place for people who may struggle with mobility or transport issues – or generally balancing appointments with work and childcare.”

Colley added: “That said, for many of us, face to face contact with colleagues and advisers is absolutely invaluable, and it’s great to see that advisers are looking to support this where customers want it.”

Commenting on the findings, Sesame Bankhall Group chief executive Michele Golunska said: “We’re keen to support people back into the office and out meeting clients in person where that’s preferred. What the pandemic has taught us is that we can be flexible and offer customers more choice.

“Being able to do things remotely has provided flexibility for our staff, members, and their clients, and some will want to continue in a similar vein. It’s about offering choice and striking the right balance.”