Commercial underwriter set for new Midlands office.

Commercial lines underwriter Arista has announced it is to establish a local presence in the Midlands.

The company is already engaged in discussions with potential staff and with a variety of independent regional brokers in the Midlands area.

When opened in January 2009, the Midlands office will join Arista’s network of offices based in Southampton, Bristol, Redhill and Manchester and St Albans. Further expansion is planned throughout 2009.

Arista’s chief executive, Charles Earle, said: “The Midlands has a significant independent broker market and is therefore an important area for Arista. Having established a strong presence in the South and the North we are now able to apply our resources to providing Midlands brokers with on the spot access to our underwriters and our wide range of commercial products.

“We will also benefit from being able to access the local pool of experienced insurance professionals who will ensure that Arista delivers its usual high quality support from the word go.”