XL move signals wider regional push

Newcastle's growing insurer presence has been enhanced by XL Insurance, which has set up an underwriting office in the city to handle middle-market business.

Terry Nichol, regional manager of UK middle markets, will be based at the new office with Karin McKivitt, who has joined as casualty underwriter. They will both work alongside XL's London-based middle-market underwriters, focusing initially on liability and contractors all-risks.

Mr Nichol said this was the first step in a larger programme