Brokers quick to join Countrywide Clubs

A total of 36 brokers have signed up to Countrywide’s new Commercial Club with AXA in two months, equating to a support commitment of £3.6m GWP.

The arrangement gives members of the Countrywide network an opportunity to earn extra commission across all of AXA’s commercial product lines in return for an annual support commitment of £100,000 GWP.

A total of five Countrywide Clubs are now available, covering a number of individual insurers and product lines – primarily household and commercial, with more planned.

Clubs have been introduced to compliment Countrywide’s Partner Broker arrangement which recognises and rewards account growth by offering the equivalent of ‘preferred status’ across a panel of strategic insurers in return for a support commitment of £250,000 GWP.

Martin Ellison, sales and marketing director at Coulter Hurst and Co. Insurance Brokers and Risk Management, one of the first to sign up, believes that the Clubs arrangement will help them grow their commercial business. He said: “We have been part of Countrywide for a number of years. Arrangements like Clubs which offer numerous commission and rating advantages, in addition to those already available via the network, reinforce the value of membership, whilst helping us win new business.”

Andy Halstead, Head of Business Development, Spirit Unit, AXA, said: “The early success of Clubs is a great testament to the strength of Countrywide brokers and their commitment to supporting AXA. Our products are highly competitive and cover a large range of risks. The arrangement rewards brokers’ support but more importantly helps them compete.”

John Dawson, Head of Countrywide, commented: “Both our Partner Broker and Club arrangements are proving highly successful. They allow us to provide brokers with numerous additional commission and rating advantages as well as business development support. With Partner Broker Commercial expected to launch in June and further Club propositions soon to be announced, members need look no further for solutions to help them win business in an ever changing and demanding market.”