News

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global Insurance broker and Simply Business, the UK's largest online business insurance provider, today announced the launch of a new e-trading comparison platform, Willis eQuote, for the exclusive use of Willis Networks members in the UK. The online trading portal is the first of its kind in the market.

Willis Networks is the Group's alliance with over 130 independent brokers in the UK. The exclusive relationship with Simply Business provides Willis Networks members access to small business insurance products for over 800 trades across the construction, professional, retail, pubs, restaurants and landlords sectors. Insurance policies are provided by 12 insurers including Aviva, Axa, Zurich and RSA.

Through the development of the new Willis eQuote platform, Willis Networks members will be able to compare and bind Simply Business insurance products online on behalf of their clients, enabling brokers to be able to compete more effectively in a price sensitive market. Importantly, Willis Networks' independent broker members will be able to utilise the smoother, faster process when placing their small business clients' insurance.

Sara Fardon, Managing Director, Willis Networks says of the alliance: "We were seeking a solution to help our brokers compete more effectively in the small business insurance market place. The high quality services and advice provided by our members combined with Simply Business's product set and the efficiencies of an online comparison trading platform will enable Willis Networks members to offer something truly compelling and unique to help them compete in their local markets."

"By entering into this exclusive alliance, the Willis Networks have assured their places as innovative Networks enabling the growth of their members. Simply Business has proved itself to be a progressive organisation, continually developing its products and platform to offer clients an excellent service."

Chris Slater, Chief Operating Officer at Simply Business, said: "We pride ourselves in our agile approach to bringing products to market, and so this opportunity to partner with Willis in the broker space is hugely exciting."

"Simply Business is looking to build on its success in the online SME market by working with Willis to create a unique platform for brokers to trade such business and continuing to challenge the technology options available to the insurance industry."     

"Willis eQuote will keep evolving as technology and products are continuously updated, offering the most competitive platform to anything else out there in the industry."

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today announced that ten new members have joined its network, Willis N2 - an alliance with local, independent insurance brokers in the UK.

The ten new members, which take the total Willis N2 membership to 34, are: Allsop Commercial Services, Mayman Financial Services Ltd, Towbay Ltd, Alfa Insurance Facilities, Allbright Bishop Rowley Ltd, Whitefield Insurance Services Ltd, Curwins Insurance Services Ltd, Riverside Insurance Services Ltd, Seaway Insurance Consultants (GI) Ltd and Jequier Newitt Insurance Brokers Limited.

Willis N2members access a wide range of free marketing and growth services as well as Willis expertise, differentiating them in their local marketplace. New additions to the N2 proposition include: three additional insurers to the existing panel of 10, a broader personal lines offering via a partnership with Broker Direct and a free client prospecting and email marketing system.

Welcoming the new members, Sara Fardon, Managing Director of Willis Networks, said, "We continue to invest into our growing Networks; broadening the services available and forging stronger relationships with insurers, with the view to helping members achieve their growth aspirations.  Our high retention and new member signings demonstrate the value of the Willis Networks to independent brokers, of all sizes, around the UK."

Willis Networks is made up of the Willis Commercial Network (WCN), which represents larger independent brokers and Willis N2, representing smaller provincial and start up brokers.

At the inaugural Willis Commercial Network Live conference yesterday, the Willis Networks team announced that it has been awarded the prestigious "Chartered Insurance Brokers" title by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Part of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, the Willis Networks team manages Willis Networks, comprising the Willis Commercial Network and Willis N�, and is the first broker network team in the UK to achieve this status.

Chartered status is an exclusive title only awarded to firms that meet rigorous criteria in relation to professionalism and capability. To achieve this status the Willis Networks team was able to demonstrate to the CII that it works in an ethical manner and places the clients' interests at the heart of the advice it gives.

Sara Fardon, Managing Director, Willis Networks said, "This demonstration of our professionalism is a key part of our Network strategy.  Our Network members are renowned for their quality and so it's essential that the Willis team can demonstrate our own commitment to quality and professionalism."

To date, less than 100 firms have achieved Chartered status, but of these over 10 percent of all chartered UK brokers are Willis Network members. "Increasingly insurers and clients will differentiate and chose those brokers that can display the highest standards. Setting ourselves apart from the competition is exceptionally important. Throughout 2012, we will be working with our members to increase the number of brokers who achieve chartered status," said Fardon.

Congratulating the team, Dan Wilkinson, CEO, Willis UK &  Ireland, said, "This is a great achievement for Sara and her team and shows that Willis Networks not only talks the talk, but walks the walk too! We are creating a high-performing network run by professionals for professionals and are delighted that the CII has recognised this by awarding us Chartered status."Willis Commercial Network Live, held in The Willis Building, London, attracted over 150 independent brokers who came to hear plans for a redefinition of the Network's strategy and to meet with the Willis Networks team to discuss ways that Willis can help them grow and develop their businesses.