Australian Unity is in talks with a number of brokers as it prepares to start offering general insurance advice.

“It will follow the same line as we took with accountants joining us as authorised representatives,” Personal Financial Services CEO Steve Davis told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Australian Unity’s personal financial services operation includes financial planning, finance and mortgage broking and life insurance advice.

“We find small business clients using accountants want general insurance advice covering areas such as buildings and workers’ compensation,” Mr Davis said. “By adding general insurance broking we will be able to give additional value to these clients.”

He says Australian Unity wants to establish a network of quality professionals that can advise on all areas of business.

“We are always making sure our clients have the relevant insurances in place and this will add to that service.

“It will also create opportunities in the self-managed super funds we look after.”

He says the move into broking provides further diversified revenue and “a way to reinforce the relationship with our clients”.

Meanwhile, Australian Unity’s 13% stake in Calliden Group has been valued at $6.1 million in the annual accounts, up from $5.6 million the previous year.