Insurer establishes Scottish base to grow SME

MMA Insurance has made a bid to expand its commercial lines proposition with the establishment of a new Glasgow base.

It is the latest insurer to set up in a regional centre following the likes of Brit Insurance, QBE and RSA. As Scotland is recognised as the UK's most important financial centre outside of London, MMA said it was an obvious location to open its first office outside of Reading.

Derek Plummer, commercial director at MMA, said: "We have asked brokers in Scotland and the North-east what they expect from an insurer wishing to be successful in developing bespoke small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) business.

"Our presence in Glasgow will allow relationships to be built up between our underwriters and local brokers. We have spent time understanding the needs of the SME market, from sole traders to larger firms, and are confident this will be a foundation for successful development."

The Glasgow and North-east team comprises Gillian McLaughlan, who joins from Allianz, as senior commercial underwriter and Ian McIntire, who joins from NIG, as commercial underwriter. Both have been charged with developing the insurer's trading relationships with Scottish brokers, with a focus on small and mid-market commercial business.

They will be supported by Scott Downie as development manager, Scotland and Anthony Harris, development manager, North-east. Both previously worked in business development roles with MMA.