Acrisure expands Scottish footprint with broker acquisition

Acrisure has acquired insurance broker WH&R McCartney as it looks to expand its presence in Scotland.

Motherwell-based WH&R McCartney provides commercial insurance advice and products to a range of business clients, as well as personal cover to private individuals.

Acrisure, which already has a presence in Scotland through its purchase of Glasgow-based Affinity Brokers in 2023, said the new deal formed part of its growth strategy in the region.

It added that growing a Scottish platform has been a priority for Affinity.

Mark McIlquham, president of Acrisure UK Retail, said: “Establishing a Scottish platform has been a priority for Affinity following its acquisition in early 2023.

“While it continues to demonstrate its commitment to Scotland and to the strong expertise that exists in the country, Affinity have realised the value of being a part of a global organisation and the resources this provides.

“With a strong track record in the Scottish market, the acquisition of WH&R McCartney represents the formation of Acrisure’s Scotland platform and marks the beginning of our growth strategy in this region.”

Structure

As part of the deal, Yvonne McKnight, Acrisure Managing Partner, will join the board of WH&R McCartney, whilst continuing to run Affinity.

And Scott Meechan, founder and managing director of Affinity, will focus on the growth of Affinity’s embedded insurance offering.

Both offices in Glasgow and Motherwell will continue to trade, with all existing staff remaining in place.

Acrisure also said that Graeme Robb and Alan Kirkwood, who both run WH&R McCartney, will play “key roles in the new management team”.

“Graeme, Alan and their team offer valuable expertise for Scottish businesses,” McKnight said.

“Together with Scott, WH&R McCartney make Acrisure’s Scotland platform a formidable proposition with significant growth prospects.

“They know the Scottish insurance market better than anyone and we want to support them to fully utilise their local market knowledge and focus on growing their total client offerings. I look forward to working with them as we continue the expansion of Acrisure’s Scottish footprint.”