Group GWP surpasses £550m

Broker Network has appointed two new members – RG Ford and Taylor McGilll Insurance Consultants – bringing its total membership to 210 with a shared gross written premium of more than £550m.

The network said that the number of members joining the company has more than doubled over the past 12 months. So far during 2008 Broker Network has recruited 49 new members, compared to 21 in 2007.

Mark Wood, Broker Network’s managing director, said: “We’re obviously delighted to bring two new members into the Broker Network family and cap an excellent year for Member recruitment. The market has responded very well to our suite of propositions which now includes Start-up, Associate and Member packages.”

RG Ford is a commercially-focused broker based in Chelmsford, Essex. It has recently acquired several businesses and has ambitious growth plans for the next three years.

RG Ford's managing director, Giles Ford, added: “It’s no secret that I haven’t always been the biggest fan of the network model, but Broker Network offers its members much more than just enhanced commissions which is why we decided to join them.

“As well as safeguarding members’ independence they also offer a full suite of business services which we are looking forward to utilising. The compliance, marketing and training provisions will no doubt be particularly useful.”

Taylor McGill Insurance Consultants, based in Arnold near Nottingham, is a commercially orientated broker with a small high-net-worth personal portfolio. It also has plans to grow rapidly over the next three to five years.

Taylor McGill's managing director, Gerry McGill, added: “We currently have contracts with individual providers for HR, compliance and telemarketing but by joining Broker Network we bring all these services under one roof, as well as gaining access to additional services and of course significantly enhanced commissions.”