GUARDIAN Life, part of the Guardian PMPA group, has recorded strong growth in the first six months of 1996. New business in all its products grew by 18 per cent from £1.58 million to £1.87 million.

Guardian said it is looking for a period of sustained organic growth to increase its share of the life market. "An acquisition is not being ruled out as a way of achieving the necessary critical mass to remain a viable long term player," according to the group.

A breakdown of the latest figures shows a 40 per cent increase in annual premium pension sales from £477,000 to £670,000. Single premium pension sales increased by 127 per cent from £317,000 to £719,000.