Norwich Union splits from Beckett after BIG pilot ends

Norwich Union has ended its relationship with Bob Beckett whose firm helped it set up the Broker Independence Group (BIG).

NU confirmed that Beckett’s consultancy, UKGI, had conducted initial research to help it launch BIG, a support network for smaller brokers, but said there would be no further involvement.

An NU spokesman said there had never been any plans for a long-term relationship, but confirmed UKGI was invited to tender for full compliance services to BIG’s members when its research project ended in February.

Mike Williams, Beckett’s business partner and managing director of UKGI, said: “We thought the pilot that ended in February was a great success, as did the brokers that were involved in it, but Norwich Union decided not to take it further.”

Compliance services are now being provided to BIG members by PWC. A number of services are free, though some are paid for.