Doodson acquires two brokers

Cheshire based Doodson Broking Group has acquired of two brokers, opened a new office in Ireland and become a Lloyd's broker.

Doodson, which specialises in entertainment, corporate, motorsport and private clients, has acquired London based entertainment and leisure specialist Albemarle Insurance Brokers and Blackburn based construction specialist Sumner Insurance Services.

The group has also launched Doodson Motorsport in Belfast. The company said the new office will create the ideal base for it to expand its motorsport business. Doodson Motorsport has recruited former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams to head up business development for the office.

Neil Clayton, managing director of Doodson Broking group said: “These acquisitions will not only help us to develop our London and regional based clients, but also help with developing our international business. Launching Doodson Motorsport in Belfast will establish a foothold in Ireland and working with motorsport giant Jeremy McWilliams, who understands the importance of having the right insurance coverage in his sport, will raise the profile of Doodson Motorsport and our excellent bespoke industry policies."

He added: “We have now made four acquisitions since March 2008 and where the opportunity exists to find niche businesses which fits culturally, we will continue to expand. The Group’s bespoke policies, developed from an unrivalled knowledge of their core sectors, will add even further value to Doodson Broking Group’s national position and reputation”.

The broking group said it had also achieved official Lloyds broker status, allowing it to deal direct into Lloyds.