A return to growth

While all the speculation in recent months has been around the continuing success story of the big three brokers, Aon, Marsh and Willis, it is very clear that the next tier of London Market brokers are also doing very well, with an average operating profit margin of 14.3 percent in 2012 reflecting a full 4.3 percent increase on the previous year.

Last year saw a strong return to growth for the London Market’s independent insurance brokers. While 2012 and this year have been characterised by significant acquisition activity, most notably Cooper Gay’s acquisition of Newman Martin and Buchan, and Hyperion’s acquisition of Windsor, there has also been some impressive organic growth.