MMA unveils new micro underwriting team; Raids AIG UK

Broker insurer MMA Insurance has launched a new micro underwriting team for its non-standard micro commercial business.

The new team, led by comercial underwriting services manager Matt Brown, is comprised of underwriters with expertise in micro SME risks. It covers Master Tradesman, Shops, Offices & Surgeries and Residential Property Owners.

MMA commercial director Derek Plummer said: “This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to building our micro SME offering. We’ve already seen a lot of progress this year, all of which has been in response to feedback from our brokers. This latest service is no exception.

“Our research identified that brokers wanted a dedicated underwriting resource for non-standard SME business that did not fit the profile for our web-based trading platform, Broker Online.”

He added: “We know SME is a really important business area for our brokers and so we want to make it as easy as possible for them to respond to their clients’ needs with underwriting flexibility and first class service. The micro underwriting team have that as their objective and will work hard with brokers to help them achieve as much success as possible both attracting and retaining SME clients.”

Brown added: “Every member of this newly created team has specific expertise in micro risks so will be able to provide exceptional support to brokers. We will continue to invest in Broker Online for standard SME risks as well as work with brokers to make sure all their needs are being met for non standard risks.”

New Scotland development manager joins from AIG UK

Allan Burns has joined MMA as development manager for Scotland. Burns will be responsible for developing trading relationships and delivering MMA’s proposition to the Scottish broker market.

He joins MMA from AIG UK where he was most recently property development underwriter. Prior to this, he spent five years as account manager for AXA Insurance’s provincial broker panel developing local relationships.

Burns will be working out of the company’s Glasgow office. He will report to UK business development manager Claire Ephgrave, who said: “We are delighted to welcome Allan to the team. He has over 13 years experience in various sales and underwriting roles and has already built solid relationships with brokers in Scotland. The combination of his expertise, local knowledge and our Commercial Lines proposition will be a winning blend for MMA and our brokers.”

Burns added: “MMA offer something unique and different and I am really looking forward to being part of a team who genuinely seek to make brokers’ lives easier. To be able to offer this type of support, especially in these difficult trading conditions, will be a real pleasure.”