R.E. Brown Underwriting, which is part of R.E. Brown & Others Syndicate 702 at Lloyd's, has opened a new branch in Birmingham, at Embassy House, Church Street. The additional branch brings the number of regional offices for R.E. Brown Underwriting to four.

The decision to open a branch in Birmingham reflects the success of the company's strategy to provide local brokers and businesses with direct access to experienced insurance underwriters, "who understand the insurance and risk management requirements in a specific area," says Steve Carroll, managing director of R.E. Brown Underwriting.

Andrew Partington, formerly a regional manager with London & Edinburgh, has been appointed manager of the Birmingham branch.