Triplejump franchises set up independent firm

After nine years as a Triplejump franchisee, Auckland insurance advisers Jamie Lester and Heath Cleland have made the leap to operate independently under the own brand, Advice Plus.

Thursday, April 7th 2016, 6:00AM

Jamie Lestor

Triplejump was founded as specialist insurance broker helping small businesses insure against the loss of key staff.

About five years ago it changed its focus to becoming a software development firm, hoping to sell its advice platform internationally.

The technology embeds the six-step advice process within the software programme so that advisers can easily calculate client risk and prepare a compliant risk plan.

Triplejump is moving away from its franchise model, instead offering licenses for its software and systems.

Cleland said while the pair understood the reasons for Triplejump's business decisions, it was not the right fit for their business into the future.

Lester and Cleland said they were excited about the opportunity to develop their own insurance advice philosophy and reporting format for the SME market, in addition to establishing a user friendly platform for delivering comprehensive personal insurance advice.

Lester signed his first agency agreement in 1996 before spending six years working with Prudential, Colonial and Sovereign in various business development roles.

He returned to the broker market in 2004 and opened the first Triplejump franchise in 2006.

Cleland entered the broker market in 2003 as an associate, before establishing Cleland Financial Solutions in 2006, later merging with AFS Limited which traded as Triplejump.

Lester and Cleland joined forces in 2007. Advice Plus is located in Albany.

Tags: Insurance Advisers triplejump