The TNP says its Academy has been highly successful in its first year of operation and advisers who took apart in the development scheme increased their sales by 50% on average.

TNP managing director Jeff Page describes the Academy as being one of the key differences and benefits of the group and is designed to help members increase their sales.

Over the past year 83 advisers took part in the Academy. Each was assigned to one of three mentors who developed a personal growth plan and coached them during the year.

Former PAA chief executive Dave McMillan runs the Academy as part of TNPs comprehensive Professional Development Programme.

While the Academy has been highly successful TNP plans to make some changes to it this year. These include incorporating world leading research to help Academy members increase their mental toughness.

McMillan describes this as "bridging the gap between what we currently achieve in life and our most ambitious goals."

Because of the intensity of the 2010 programme, TNP is limiting the number of advisers who can take part to 40 and has also brought on a fourth coach and mentor; adviser Tina Jarvis.

McMillian says it is "only for people absolutely committed to making changes to their business."

TNP presented its "Academy Awards" at its conference in Queenstown last month.

The Overall winner was Mike Lloyd (Tauranga)

Sales team of the Year: Milestone Financial Services (Wanganui)

Individual Open: Mike Lloyd (Tauranga)

Individual Novice: Tony Gribble (Auckland)