Compass starts 2016 with 10 new members

Compass, the UK networks division of insurance broker Arthur J Gallagher, has added 10 new members since the start of the year.

The company has also seen consistent annual growth, taking total gross written premium (GWP) controlled by its independent broker members to £660 million.

Select — Compass’ network proposition designed specifically for larger brokers generating more than £3 million GWP — saw six of the 10 new members joining it, and membership hitting 50 three years after the partnership offering was launched. The four other brokers have joined Westinsure, Compass’ UK national alliance for smaller brokers.

Among the latest broker members to join Select are Hampshire and Somerset-based Oliver & Sanders and Spencer Hayes Insurance, located in Lancashire. Oliver & Sanders joins from Broker Network, while Spencer Hayes was previously with Willis Networks.

“Having explored or experienced the alternatives, we felt strongly that Compass offered the best fit for us and our own growth ambitions, enabling the team at Oliver & Sanders to invest in different areas as and when we need to” said David Mumford, director at Oliver & Sanders.

“Its fully-rounded and bespoke proposition ensures we have access to a quality London market placement operation for difficult risks, strong support in services such as marketing and compliance, and a more inclusive partner placement policy.”

Paul Bentley, head of operations at Spencer Hayes Insurance, added: “Like us, the team at Compass are dedicated, proactive and passionate in their delivery of client services. They offer real strength and breadth of insurer relationships, strategic advice and support designed to facilitate growth, and the ability to retain control over how we trade — a great combination for independent brokers looking to compete more effectively and secure the best customer solutions.”

John Lincoln, managing director of Compass, commented: “We’re delighted to start 2016 with such a fantastic group of new members, knowing that the propositions we’ve developed, the insurers we partner with and the strategic services and support we offer continue to hit the mark in terms of what independent brokers really need to expand and compete.”