Willis Commercial expands into Northern Ireland

by Gill Montia

Willis Commercial Network (WCN) has expanded into Northern Ireland with the addition of three new independent brokers.

McCausland Light & Rankin was established in 1993 and operates from two offices in Belfast; the firm specialises in commercial insurance, particularly the transportation sector.

Commenting on the decision to join WCN, managing director, Gary McCausland, says: “We have always prided ourselves on being independent and providing a personal service, but we saw the opportunity to tap into the resources of a bigger organisation, while still retaining our own independence, as being a great advantage.”

Dickson & Co was established in 1992 and is based in Co Tyrone; the commercial and personal lines broker operates a network of six offices throughout Northern Ireland and managing director, Ashley Dickson, is keen to expand the firm’s range of services and take advantage of the Network’s sales training and support.

A third and as yet unnamed Northern Irish broker will commence trading within WCN in March, bringing the combined revenues of the first three Northern Irish members to over £20 million.

Source: Willis Commercial expands into Northern Ireland

Motor insurance under the spotlight

09.02.86

The consumer watchdog is to put motor insurance under the spotlight after drivers faced average premium increases of up to 40% in a year.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has issued a "call for evidence" as it looks to establish if any competition or consumer issues need to be addressed to improve the motor insurance market.

The role of price comparison sites will be examined by the OFT as it gathers evidence, and particular focus will be given to reports suggesting premiums are significantly higher in Northern Ireland than the rest of the UK.

The "shoparound average" for annual comprehensive car insurance cover rose by 40.1% for the 12 months to March 31, according to the AA's British insurance premium index.

The OFT said the call for evidence represented a quick look into the market that may lead to a full inquiry if consumer or competition issues are found.

Source: The Independent

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