Aon Risk Solutions boss Jim Herbert says move will position broker for growth

Tony Carnduff Aon

Aon has merged two of its small business arms - enterprise and partners - under a new SME division.

The new unit will be headed up by managing director Keith Harrison.

Before joining Aon in March 2014, Harrison was managing director of eTrading at Towergate.

Aon Risk Solutions chief executive Jim Herbert said: “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy and a true growth sector so it is essential that we invest here to ensure we are well-placed to help our clients grow and develop their businesses.

“The investment we have made builds on our core offering and positions us well for future growth.”

The broker has also announced further plans to bring a number of its affinity businesses together.

The affinity practices group will combine: Aon private risk management; estates; artscope; and the sports, recreation and entertainment businesses.

The division will be led by Aon private clients managing director Toby Carnduff (pictured), who has been with the broker since November 2013.

The affinity practices group also consists of Aon’s new customer and schemes solutions unit, which provides business consultancy services to Aon’s clients including tender management and market analysis.

The customer and schemes solutions unit will be led by Roger Hine.

Chief operating officer and Aon affinity managing director Chris Lee-Smith said: “Our investment in the SME market recognises UK SMEs as a core sector for Aon.

“By consolidating our affinity offering and strengthening our leadership team we will be able to deliver real value to our SME clients.  

“We are committed to ensuring we have the best talent in the industry to serve our clients’ interests and support them with their business growth plans.”

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