News in brief

Eight join Willis networks

Eight brokers have joined the two networks run by Willis – Willis Commercial Network and Willis N2 – since the start of 2009. Willis Commercial Network’s new members are ProAktive Risk Group, Rotherham Insurance Brokers and David Roberts & Partners. Willis N2’s new members are Alliance Insurance Brokers, Hepworth Insurance Services, Ivor Bellas & Co, Hargreaves Perkins Insurance Brokers Ltd and Collingwood Richardson & Co.

Towergate to Manchester

Towergate Risk Solutions has opened a new office in Manchester that will be led by Mike Shelley, formerly of Willis. Towergate’s Manchester-based professional indemnity business has also moved into the office, led by Alan Eyre. The consolidator admitted it had been “underweight” in Manchester, but now planned to build a “significant broking presence” in the area.

Hampden in Lloyd’s buy

Hampden Underwriting has acquired a corporate member of Lloyd’s for £500,000 cash. Nameco 605 has an underwriting capacity of £2.5m and participates in a spread of Lloyd’s syndicates similar to Hampden. Hampden, which provides investors with a limited liability direct investment into the Lloyd’s market, has a capacity of £5.4m. Jeremy Evans, director of Hampden Underwriting, said acquiring Nameco 605 was part of its business strategy and followed the acquisition of a corporate member in January last year. “We did look at several others last year but couldn’t agree on terms,” he said.

Manduca gets Aon post

Aon has appointed Paul Manduca as non-executive chairman. Manduca has served on the Aon board for three years and was chairman of stockbroker Bridgewell. He replaces Steve McGill, chief executive of Aon Risk Services.