Broking group Brightside this morning said that trading in 2011 was ahead of the company's expectations.

Brightside also revealed that is has decided to separate the roles of chief executive and finance director "in the interests of good governance".

Paul Chase-Gardener, who previously held both roles, will retain the role of finance director and Arron Banks has been appointed chief executive.

In a statement ahead of the company's Annual General Meeting later today, chairman Chris Fay said: "Trading in 2011 to date has been strong with an aggregated performance of the business units ahead of initial expectations.

"The strong organic growth of our existing insurance broking businesses, the successful integration of the eCar and eBike policy books and the growth of our premium finance, medical reporting and lead generation businesses are continuing to deliver good results in 2011."

He added: "Overall trading in the year to date is ahead of our expectations and we are optimistic for the remainder of the year."