The SimplyBiz Group has reported an increase in adviser interest in offering digital solutions to their clients, alongside traditional face-to-face advice.

The increase was evidenced by the take-up of the group’s ‘NextGen’ client website proposition. 

The websites – which provide firms with a professional-looking website, rich in content and with the option to add an array of interactive and transactional tools and services – have been adopted by more than 400 member firms since their launch in January.

In addition to content produced centrally by the group, ‘SimplySites’ also offers a range of tools and systems from partners that enable clients to transact online when it may be uneconomical for either client or adviser to do so on a face-to-face basis.

Partners include Mortgage Brain, Octopus Energy, Zurich, Intelliflo, Children’s Isa and the Source, Deposit Sense, Direct Life and Pension and Pension Monster, with more waiting to be added.

Richard Ardron, marketing director of SimplyBiz Group, said: “I feel the success of NextGen SimplySites gives a really clear picture of the position of many advisers regarding conducting transactions online.  

“While most advisers do not see a place for ‘robo-advice’, they do see an important role for digital services that can both complement their traditional advice models and offer clients a real choice at a time when these services are prevalent in day-to-day life.   

“Since the implementation of the RDR  [Retail Distribution Review], the adviser community has held concerns about the fact that young people – or those on lower incomes – would have less access to financial advice.

“There are also some transactions that do not need a fully advised service, as they are a straightforward presentation of the options, followed by a sale.

“Providing digital services for clients, or prospective clients, through a SimplySite means that advisers can spend more time on the areas of the advice process which are most valued by clients.”