Openwork has expanded its core network, which excludes its protection business Owl and nationwide IFA firm 2plan wealth management, with large practices such as Just Mortgages becoming Appointed Representatives.

The company says that recruitment will continue to be a key focus for Openwork this year. The network recently announced the appointment of Stephen Wildgoose as recruitment and growth director. Mr Wildgoose was previously head of network recruitment at Sesame Bankhall Group.

Openwork has also started the next stage of its programme to help member firms build succession planning into their practices, having taken more than 40 candidates through its adviser training academy since launch in 2014.

Openwork, which is majority-owned by its advisers, is also making structural enhancements to the network including moving from generalist support teams towards specialists.

As part of this move Openwork has recently appointed regional wealth account managers Sarah Alder, Paul Booler, Russell Anderson and Mark Holman, reporting to Mike Morrow, wealth director. Regional Mortgage Account managers Claire May and Julia Wilkinson report to John Cupis, mortgage and protection director.

Mark Duckworth, CEO of Openwork, said: “Surpassing 2,000 advisers in the core network for the first time in five years is a fantastic achievement for the business during a period in which overall adviser numbers in the UK have declined.

“We believe this growth is a clear endorsement of our proposition and unique structure, which gives advisers a share of the equity in the business and a say over its direction.

Openwork Limited operates as a directly authorised, multi-panel distribution network. It also has an IFA arm.