LV= Broker Division to Expand Into Scotland
Press Release 30th January 2009
The LV= Broker division today announced that it is expanding into Scotland.
The expansion will be lead from a new office based in the heart of the financial district of Glasgow. Much of Scotland’s insurance business is dealt with from companies based in the country and LV= strongly believes that by opening an office in Scotland it will be best placed to provide a first class service to local brokers.
An experienced team of insurance professionals have been recruited to run the office. The team will be lead by Jim Rennie who has been appointed Regional Manager. Jim has 30 years insurance experience including sales and management roles at both AXA and Independent Insurance. Most recently Jim was Head of Zurich’s broker business in Scotland.
Jim has recruited four local experts to assist him in leading the expansion. Margaret Alexander has been recruited as a Senior Underwriter. Margaret has over 20 years experience in the local market and previously held sales and underwriting roles with both Norwich Union and Chubb.
Alison McDowell has been recruited as an Underwriter. Alison also joins with over 20 years experience in the local market. Most recently she worked in underwriting at RSA.
Alan Blair has been appointed as the Regional Sales Executive. Alan has worked in the local market for 20 years including time in sales roles with both Norwich Union and Fusion.
As a result of LV=’s acquisition of Highway Insurance in October 2008, Sandra Inglis, Regional Account Manager for Highway in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England will also be based in the office.
Phil Bunker, Managing Director of LV= Broker said:
"Although we already write business in Scotland this will be the first time LV= Broker has had a direct physical presence in the country. We believe by recruiting Jim and the team with their wealth of experience in the local market, we will be able to provide a top rate service to brokers across the country."
The LV= Broker branch network predominantly sells Commercial Combined Business insurance but also sells a range of personal lines and commercial products including Car and Fleet Insurance plus Commercial Package Insurance for Shop Owners, Property Owners and Offices & Surgeries.
LV= Broker currently has branches in Leeds, Croydon, Sheffield, Bristol, Bournemouth, Manchester, Birmingham and Maidstone. In contrast to many insurers, the business plans to continue to develop its network to ensure brokers have easy access to local decision makers.
LV= Broker is part of the LV= group of companies. LV= is a trademark of Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) and LV= is a trading style of the Liverpool Victoria group of companies.
LV= employs more than 3,700 people, serves more than 3.6 million customers and members, and manages around £7 billion on their behalf. We are also the UK’s largest friendly society (Association of Friendly Societies Year Book 2006/2007, Total Net Assets) and a leading mutual financial services provider.