AXA has confirmed that it plans to open offices in Bristol and Newcastle by the end of the year.
AXA will be talking with brokers over the next few weeks about the plans.
Commercial lines chief executive Amanda Blanc is keen to get the French-headquartered insurer closer to regional brokers by opening up underwriting offices across the UK.
Blanc hopes this will drive up service for brokers in return for increased premium and lower loss ratio business.
AXA Group is aiming for its insurance businesses across the world to have a combined operating ratio of 96% by 2015. The UK is included in those plans.
A spokesman told insurancetimes.co.uk: “We can confirm that AXA Commercial Lines has announced to its people that it will open two new branches in 2011. It is looking at central locations in Bristol and Newcastle.
“This move supports one of Amanda’s stated aims of reinvigorating the branch network and further demonstrates AXA’s commitment to trading in local markets. She confirmed her intention to open more regional branches at Biba earlier this year.
“A project to launch these branches is underway and AXA will be engaging with brokers in the next few weeks to discuss its plans. We will be sharing further details as the project progresses.”
There has also been speculation that AXA will open an office in Cardiff, although that has not been confirmed.
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