Hiscox has moved its UK terrorism unit from London to its new office in Birmingham. The specialist insurer, which has provided terrorism cover for more than 25 years, will offer a 24-hour faxback service for brokers throughout the country.

The unit will be led by underwriter Alistair Sandilands, who joined Hiscox in 1994 and has more than four years of experience in the terrorism insurance market. Sandilands previously worked at Sedgwick before joining Hiscox to underwrite professional liability and high value household claims.

Martin Hill and Reetu Hargun, both formely from Norwich Union's commercial property insurance division, and Jatinder Virk of Weslyan Financial Services will also join him in Birmingham. The office opened earlier this year and currently has four staff.

“Relocating our specialist team to the Midlands will allow us to work more closely with supporting brokers and clients,” he said. “It is also a reflection of the fact that terrorism is a UK-wide issue.

“The threat of terrorism has often been associated with London and Northern Ireland, but recent events indicate this is not always the case. Statistics show that 40% of the terrorist devices found in the UK have been placed outside of London.

“Arms finds have recently been made in Birmingham and it remains very difficult to predict where incidents will take place in future.”

Hiscox employs approximately 350 staff and also has regional offices in Glasgow. Its seven-strong team in Harrogate will be relocating to Leeds later this year.

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