Liberty to grow UK commercial book

Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe (LMIE) is making “a major push” into mid-market commercial lines in the UK.

The company said it has been building infrastructure in the sector, refining its offering and hiring staff over the past year, and will expand its network of regional UK offices and suite of commercial insurance products during 2011.

The main focus for growth will be in the UK market although the company also writes commercial business in Ireland through its Dublin branch.

“We have had a commercial offering for a few years now operating out of London and Dublin as well as regional offices in Bristol, Cheltenham and Manchester,” said LMIE chief executive Sean Rocks.

“Our presence in this segment has been well-received by brokers and we have begun to score well in broker surveys.

"Now, we’re making major investments in our newly-restructured LMIE commercial division in products, people and expanded distribution, and we are looking to establish the Liberty Mutual brand as a recognised, trusted name in the sector.”

The commercial operation will focus on corporate mid-sector and larger SME risks, and offer property, casualty and financial lines backed up with risk management and risk engineering services as well as some more specialised products.

To manage the broker strategy and promote the commercial products LMIE has hired a business development team for UK business under Mark Stephenson, head of business development and market relations.

"Stephenson will be supported by Neil Findley and Ian Cook covering the northern and southern UK, respectively.