Purchase of Willis’ Cumbrian Office enhances company’s regional presence

Smart & Cook has announced its 54th acquisition with the purchase of Willis’ office in Cumbria.

Willis Cumbria currently employs 24 staff who will remain in place and trade from locations in Cockermouth and Carlisle. The company previously traded as C H Jeffries before its acquisition by Willis in 2004.

Andrew Fennell, Branch Director at Cockermouth said: With Smart & Cook we will now be in a position to deliver the excellent service our clients have come to expect over very many years”.

Paul Meehan, Chief Executive of Smart & Cook, added:: “Willis had decided that in order to ensure continued provision of a high level of service that it would be in the best interest of their clients to enter in to discussions with a national broker whose emphasis is on offering a personal and dedicated service to its clients and Smart & Cook was selected for this reason.

“Smart & Cook already has a significant operation in Penrith & Carlisle and I am confident that this merger will provide an enhanced pool of expertise across the whole range of business and personal insurances, whilst continuing, with greater effect, to ensure the highest possible standard of personal service”.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.