Gallagher’s UK operations see organic growth improve by 12% in Q4 2021

Broking organisation Arthur J Gallagher’s UK broking and underwriting business has achieved organic growth of 12% in Q4 2021, according to its latest financial results published today (28 January 2022).

In particular, Gallagher’s UK retail division boosted its organic growth by 7% in the final quarter of 2021. 

Simon Matson, chief executive of Gallagher in Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA), said: “Looking at 2021, clearly many of our clients continued to be impacted by the pandemic and the varying restrictions on the country, so a major focus was helping clients to navigate the changing economic conditions.

“Our team did an excellent job on that front and client retention levels were extremely high. We hope that as 2022 progresses, we can look forward to more economic stability.”

‘Potential merger partners’

Alongside client retention, Matson highlighted that Gallagher’s “strong growth” has also been supported by “new business wins”, such as gaining new clients in its specialty construction practice and acquiring Willis Re in December 2021, which welcomed close to 2,200 new employees.

Gallagher’s MGA Pen Underwriting bought Manchester Underwriting Management in October 2021 as well, further contributing to the broker’s growth - the deal added £60m of gross written premium (GWP) and 50 colleagues to the Pen Underwriting team.

Matson said that Gallagher is continuing to look for M&A opportunities in the UK and is in conversations with several potential merger partners.

He added: “Recruitment has continued apace over the last year and I am delighted with the level of talent that is joining Gallagher.

“We put a great deal of focus on making Gallagher a great place to work with excellent career opportunities. Alongside the people who have joined through acquisitions, we’ve added nearly 1,000 new employees to our UK-based team.

“We start 2022 energised and ready for another year of strong performance and growth.”