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With the current economic downturn the need for firms to protect themselves was greater than ever but many IFAs were not particularly confident in this sector, the provider said.

The tool will enable intermediaries to provide clients with a tailor-made recommendation, highlighting the appropriate product for specific business needs, Zurich said.

However advisers already active in the business protection market, will also be able to use the tool to create audit trails.

Peter Hamilton, proposition management director of Zurich, said: "The launch of the business protection tool builds on our comprehensive business protection proposition, including in particular our large case underwriting capabilities.

"The tool will be a real asset to advisers who are new to the market, giving them greater confidence to address their clients' business protection needs."

The tool enables advisers to complete a factfind for each business owner, giving details of all information relevant to business protection.

This helps establish the needs of the business and potential risks in the event of loss, whether through serious illness, death or incapacity of a key employee or shareholder, according to Zurich.

Alan Lakey, partner of Hemel Hempstead-based IFA Highclere, said business protection was a "vogue" area that had not been penetrated by providers in the same way as critical illness and educating advisers was the best way to break into this market.

Mr Lakey said by dealing with companies advisers could also build up their client base through the employees.

He said: "This is a means of gently persuading them. This is a market well worth dealing with."