UNA Announces New Partnership with QBE

UNA is proud to announce that as of 1 July, it has a new Partner Insurer in QBE.

Both organisations have worked well together previously, and benefiting from a fresh approach, we are delighted to once more work together in partnership.

There will be further announcements in due course, so watch this space....

Integro Rebrands to Tysers

UNA Member, Integro Insurance Brokers has revealed that its corporate and private clients division will be rebranded to Tysers on 1 July. 

This follows Integro’s purchase of Tysers’ parent company Hawkes Bay in March 2018.

The broking business detailed that its wholesale division has rebranded to Tysers immediately after the deal was completed.

As a result Tysers will have offices in Manchester, Hitchin and Aylesbury, in addition to its headquarters in London. The business specialises in commercial lines and private clients.

Integro explained that its entertainment and sport division, including the related private clients business, will continue to operate under the Integro brand.

UNA Board Member, Bob Pybus, head of the Corporate & Private Clients business commented:

“We have established a fantastic team of experienced brokers based in our regional offices.  Our strong and long-standing relationships with leading insurers and Lloyd’s syndicates will enable us to negotiate the very best deals for businesses.”

He continued:

“Whilst we will operate with the support of our London teams it is important that we offer our complete broking and risk service at a local level.  We already support many businesses in the regions and look forward to bringing the benefits of our expertise and solutions to many more over the coming months.”

 

UNA Shortlisted for 2 Prestigious Awards

UNA is delighted to report that it has made the shortlist for 2 prestigious awards:-

Broker Network of the Year for the Broker Innovation Awards and 

Broker Network of the Year for the UK Broker Awards.

Results are announced in September, so watch this space!

      

Russell Scanlan Launches New Business Protection and Healthcare Division

UNA Member and Nottingham's largest insurance broker, Russell Scanlan, has launched a new Business Protection and Healthcare Division, offering a range of corporate protection and healthcare solutions that can be tailored to the unique needs of individual business owners and their employees.

The new division will build on the company’s existing healthcare provision to include traditional Private Medical Insurance (PMI), Health and Wellbeing Support Plans and Business Protection Policies.

Bryan Banbury, Managing Director of Russell Scanlan said:

“..There are many benefits of corporate healthcare insurance both to the individual owners and to the business – it can help reduce absenteeism, creates staff loyalty, protects profitability and improve company efficiency. Once perceived as a perk, it is often now considered as an essential element in an employee’s package, helping to facilitate in the recruitment and retention of staff.

“And of course, it’s not just about employees. Business protection plans are designed to safeguard the people who matter most to your success. They can help ensure the business stays on track if you or a key member of staff were to pass away suddenly or be unable to work due to a serious illness.

“However, the diverse nature of businesses means that one size does not fit all. Sole traders, SME’s and larger organisations all have different needs, priorities and budgets! With our new suite of plans we can offer bespoke packages that are tailored to meet the needs of all business – large or small.”

The new division from Russell Scanlan includes the full spectrum of Health and Wellbeing related policies working with all of the UK's leading private health insurance providers.

Of course, the old adage prevention is better than cure is particularly true when it comes to reducing employee absenteeism due to illness. Russell Scanlan is one of a select number of UK wide insurance brokers that have exclusive access to Equipsme, a smart and super cost-effective way of providing practical Health and Wellbeing Support for employees.

Aimed at small and medium businesses who may have struggled to offer PMI to their employees, Equipsme provides healthcare cover from just £7 per month. It includes Health Insurance from AXA PPP healthcare and brings together essential services such as 24/7 GP Access, optional extras such as Stress Support and ‘day one’ value with personalised Health Checks.

Business owners can also take advantage of a range of new Business Protection Policies including Key Person Insurance, Ownership Cover, Loan Protection Cover and Death in Service. These arrangements are designed to provide the necessary financial security, protection and continuity in the untimely passing away of key personnel or the onset of serious illness. Russell Scanlan specifically works with Vitality, which offers competitive protection policies including the Vitality Discounts and Rewards Programme.

Business Healthcare Manager, Chris Cunnington, who has specialised in private healthcare and employee benefits for over 20 years, heads the new division. He added: “A growing demand for services are putting more strain on the NHS than ever before. As waiting times increase and access to specialist medical treatment becomes more difficult, business owners are starting to recognise the importance and value of supporting their employees.”

“As a business, your people are often your most important asset and a healthy workplace is a happier, more productive one. Our specialist Division will help identify key priorities, guide you to the best available solution and provide ongoing support.”

MRIB Completes Acquisition

                                                                                                                      

UNA Member, MRIB Group Insurance and Investments are delighted to announce the acquisition of Reading based insurance brokerage Independents.

MRIB Group was established in 1972 by Peter and Maureen Finch. Based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, the company has developed into one of the UK’s top Chartered Insurance Brokers and Financial Advisers, offering Corporate Insurance, Private Client Insurance and Financial Services. From its early days of 2 employees and premises on Easton Street, High Wycombe, MRIB Group now boasts a workforce of nearly 50 talented people from the local area.

Independents, based in Winnersh, Berkshire, are specialists in insurances for the UK health and fitness sector. Established in 1999 by Frank Adebowale, they have become market leaders in insurance and risk management programs for the Gym, and Trampoline and Inflatable Parks Industries. Such is their expertise, the International Association of Trampoline Parks UK have chosen Independents as their UK insurance partner.

Frank Adebowale, the founder of Independents says “We see this new phase for the business as hugely exciting”. Frank will continue as a Non-executive Director and Consultant. Neil Adebowale, his son, will continue working within the business as a Director and will join the Operational Board at MRIB Group.
Both companies are Chartered insurance brokers, a prestigious status that is granted to less than 5% of those in the industry. Chartered status is a symbol of excellence and serves as a mark of trust with clients and business connections. It demonstrates that the organisations granted it are at the forefront of their profession.

Today’s news demonstrates the business’ commitment to expand into attractive, specialist insurance markets. The highly compatible business structures and cultures will create an attractive and competitive brokerage.

Edward Finch, Managing Director of MRIB Group says “I am incredibly excited to bring Independents into the MRIB Group team. We are looking forward to developing our offering and strengthening our position as an insurance broker of choice.”