Rival loss adjusters are circling following the departure of Alastair Dewar, the regional operations manger of Crawford's Scotland property division.

Dewar is understood to have resigned, although Crawford refused to confirm his departure.

David Mansfield, a partner with loss adjuster The Davies Group, said: "We will be keeping a close eye on things to see what opportunities we can exploit as a result of his departure.

"[Dewar's resignation] is going to leave Crawford's operations weaker. He was a well-known figure in the industry."

According to an industry source Dewar is looking to set up a claims consultancy for a Birmingham-based business.' GAB Robins has strengthened its London market presence with the recruitment Andy Cathersides to its newly-formed London market business unit.