Expansion follows Willis book acquisition

Chesham Insurance Brokers has opened its first office in the north following the acquisition of a book of business from Willis that doubled its brokerage.

The new office in Warrington opened last week with five members of staff. Three former Willis employees join new account executives Lynette Houghton and Darren Jones.

Willis Network member Chesham will use the Warrington office to serve former Willis clients in the north-west and grow in the region. Chesham already has offices in Bedford, Leicester and Colchester.

Chesham bought a book of medium-sized clients in England from Willis earlier this month. The deal will see its brokerage more than double to over £20m.

“We’re going to be actively bedding in our clients, providing great local service to them and targeting new opportunities with our expanded footprint,” chief executive Tom Bartleet told Insurance Times.

“We’re an active supporter of the network and network insurers.”

Chesham is focused on mid-market clients and has developed a specialism for academy schools, among others.

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