TAL’s new risk-specialist dealer group Affinia has launched a recruitment drive, looking for like-minded business partners.

Its network includes around 50 authorised representatives already and the group is in discussions with another 12 practices.

The recruitment phase will continue for the next 12-24 months, although Head of Affinia Craig Parker told insuranceNEWS.com.au there’s no target number of partners.

“We want to partner with business people who are specialist in risk insurance, who have the same values and are driven to supplying advice,” he said.

The group wants to help its partners grow their businesses. “We don’t want them to feel they’re just a number,” he said.

Mr Parker says the group has noticed a move to specialisation, where consumers want to deal with experts.

“If you are a risk specialist practice we have the tools, business acumen and marketing support to assist in growing the business, because our parent is TAL and our global parent is Dai-ichi Life.”

While the recruiting process “comes down to relationships and building that network”, Mr Parker says it has a flipside.

“We’re getting our brand out there into the market and that’s resulting in people picking up the phone speaking to us,” he said.

Affinia also launched its company values, which focus on the importance of community, ethics and professionalism.

The values will be displayed on banners at professional development days and conferences.

The dealer group was launched in November and has previously said it is open to training new life specialists. See earlier story.

Earlier this month it hired three regional managers as part of its national expansion strategy.