sales

Prudential's UK retail sales rose by 10% during 2008, while overall sales for the group climbed 5%.

Just Retirement saw sales slump 8.6% during the second half of 2008 as the firm chose to focus on profitability over new business.

Royal London saw group life and pensions sales climb 17% during 2008, with 90% of individual new business coming from advisers charging agreed fees.

Enhanced annuity sales rose by almost a third in 2008, with strong growth expected to continue through the recession, according to Watson Wyatt.

Legal & General saw new business rise 3% during a tough 2008 as growth in the pensions and retirement market offset falling sales elsewhere.

Marketers in the financial sector are fearful for their job prospects, as negative economic sentiment affects anticipated sales performance.

The FSA has ignored IFAs and listened to the views of providers and the European Commission in establishing a 'sales advice' channel with equivalent minimum qualifications to the IFA stream.

Friends Provident's UK life and pensions business has been badly hit by turbulent market conditions and changes in the group's focus, with total sales plunging 24% over the first nine months of the year and a huge 47% in Q3.

Royal London Group saw its new life and pensions business climb 14% in the first nine months of the year.

Just Retirement's new business figures have fallen almost 4% over the past twelve months, with equity release making up the bulk of the business slowdown.