Sixth regional branch for commercial underwriter

Commercial underwriting business Arista has expanded into the Midlands by opening a branch in Birmingham, its sixth regional office.

The company has appointed three former employees of AIG UK to launch the office. Scott Hallett will be broker development manager for the Midlands, Rebecca Light will be senior underwriter and Tom Bolstridge will be underwriter.

Charles Earle, chief executive of Arista, said the Midlands was a strong insurance market. Its independent regional brokers had given the company’s plans a positive response, he added.

Arista hopes the new branch will enable it to expand its agency base and reach its target of 250 brokers.