Scottish broker Central in Glasgow move

Central Insurance Services has opened a new office in Glasgow.

The Aberdeen-based broker has invested £1.2m in premises and staff in the centre of Glasgow, which it said gives the company a strong platform to continue its growth strategy.

Central Insurance’s managing director, Iain Henry, said acquisitions by large insurance consolidators had led to a decline in the number of independent brokers in the Glasgow insurance market, giving Central an opportunity to extend its operations.

Henry said: “We have been considering this development for some time with a view to buying smaller brokers but have been hindered due to inflated valuations by owners, combined with a lack of quality opportunities.

“We decided that the best approach was to hand-select a team of key individuals from the Scottish insurance market and we are delighted to have recruited a number of highly regarded broking experts who will drive this initiative forward.”

The Glasgow operation will be led by former Aon regional sales manager, Tom Aldridge, who has been appointed regional director. Scott Campbell, formerly of AXA, has been appointed and will be responsible for the management and development of commercial business, while Ian Docherty, former broking director of Willis, has joined the team to manage insurer relations and support the group’s broking strategy.

Additional support staff and broking and claims personnel have also joined the team.

Henry added: “A ready-made experienced insurance team is in place and will focus on the Glasgow market and assist our other specialists in Aberdeen. It’s an exciting push in to new territory for Central Insurance but consistent with our policy of expanding the business through careful acquisitions and planned organic growth.”

Tom Aldridge added: “Central Insurance has an impressive track record of consistent growth and our Glasgow team can add to that legacy. We look forward to forging lasting relationships with new clients who will benefit from having Scotland’s largest independent insurance broker on their doorstep.”