Corporate director says there is ’huge potential for growth’

Verlingue has hired a new corporate director for the Midlands and south west as it announced plans to further expand in the region.

The chartered insurance broker said it was planning to open a new Birmingham office, which would be led by new appointee Ian McKinney.

As part of his role as corporate director, McKinney will head up the operation to expand Verlingue’s existing client base in the Midlands and south west.

In a statement announcing the move today (18 April 2023), McKinney said: “Verlingue is a fantastic business that I have admired from afar for a long time.

”It has a great leadership team that are respected across the market and a family business culture that delivers real long-term value for its clients and its people.

“This combination makes it a hugely attractive prospect for businesses and talented people in the market who are looking to join us on our journey.”

‘Logical step’

McKinney, who has over 20 years’ insurance market experience, joined the broker from A J Gallagher, where he held roles such as service team leader.

His career has also included roles at both national and multinational insurance brokers including Oval, Aon and Willis, where he started out as a graduate trainee.

McKinney said he “really understands” the market in the Midlands and south west and the “huge potential for growth”.

He added: “Having an office on the ground is the next logical step to help us expand our services to clients.

“I am truly looking forward to building a team over the next few years, encompassing the best and brightest talent in the market and believe that Verlingue is a very exciting alternative for those who’ve become disillusioned with the constant churn and deteriorating service of the consolidator and global broker models.”

Verlingue chief executive Mike Latham added: “There is no doubt that the continued consolidation in the broker market has left a major gap for corporate and mid-corporate clients who are looking for high quality advice and service delivered by experienced people who understand their business.

“For many years, our business has been built on our ability to consistently provide what those clients need.”