Willis UK chief gearing up for aggressive growth of network

Willis UK and Ireland chief executive Brendan McManus has said Willis is set for an aggressive drive to grow its network in the New Year.

In his first interview since taking over the helm at the broking giant, McManus said Willis was looking to target disenchanted members of other networks as part of its bid to significantly grow the Willis Commercial Network.

Willis will also be launching initiatives to encourage smaller brokers and start-up brokers to join the network, he said.

McManus said that Willis would take advantage of Towergate’s acquisition of Broker Network. “We expect to pick up new members from Broker Network. Their membership has been sold on. The emotional contract has been broken.”

He also said that members of other networks would be concerned that their network could also be sold. This would provide opportunities for the Willis Commercial Network.

“It gives us a huge advantage. We are not going to sell our network.”

The Willis Commercial Network currently has 74 members. McManus said he was looking to at least double its size. “I am looking for some multiple of this,” he said.

See the full interview in next week’s Insurance Times.