A-Plan plans to make friends in the north

High street broker A-Plan could target the north of England after further cementing its position in the south.

The Barclays Private Equity-backed company is opening a new branch in Poole, Dorset, to take its total number of shops to 58.

Chief executive Carl Shuker said there was still potential for the company to grow in the south, but did not rule out expanding beyond Birmingham, currently the location of its northernmost branches.

Since December, A-Plan – which currently targets market towns and cities across the south of England – has launched three new ‘cold start’ branches in Wimbledon, Salisbury and Maidenhead.

“With a couple more new branches still on the drawing board, these openings provide great career stepping stones for the many talented, hardworking and ambitious people we have across the company – we always promote from within,” Shuker said.

“While the direct market is firmly established, and price comparison sites have established a significant role, there are still many people who like the option of arranging their insurance locally and dealing face to face.”

He added: “We passionately believe there is a very exciting future for all businesses that understand what their clients want and then work hard to deliver.” A-Plan currently employs 700 staff across the group.