Yellow Brick Road (YBR) has posted a $6.83 million loss for the first half of this year.

“Financial year 2012 saw the company build on solid foundations and invest for future growth,” the company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

It says the result reflects its “investing for growth” and “building the brand” focus for this year.

The loss is up on the $2.6 million loss of the previous corresponding period.

The company’s operating costs rose to $14.2 million for the half-year, up from $9.5 million in the previous corresponding period.

However, overall revenue increased 31% to $14.8 million, compared with $11.3 million.

YBR attributes this to successful planned investments, increased brand awareness, growth of the branch network and an expanded product suite, including the launch of various “general advice” insurance products late last year.

An expanding branch network led to a significant increase in branch revenue, with general insurance up 99% to $161,000, compared with $81,000 in the previous corresponding period.

“Despite challenging marketing conditions, which included low credit growth, the YBR business has grown revenue strongly against the trend,” it said.

General insurance offered through professional services was down 73%, from $844,000 to $231,000, due to the restructure and rebuild through branches.