Willis Towers Watson
In 1828 Henry Willis began his career as a merchant selling imported goods on commission in the UK at the Baltic Exchange in London. Willis applied for membership of Lloyd’s in 1848, where he started to broker insurance for the cargoes of commodities he sold on commission. As his enterprise grew, he became involved in the hull business, establishing himself in marine insurance and founding Henry Willis & Company. Today WTW, created by the merger of Willis and Towers Watson in 2016, aims to provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital to help make organization more resilient, motivate workforces, and maximize performance.
Willis Towers Watson features in the Insurance Age Top 75 UK Brokers listing. Find out what other companies made the cut.
Willis and JLT agree 2016 High Court date over team defection
The broker's case includes alleged conspiracy relating to JLT taking some its staff members.
Willis reports fall in Q1 profits
GB unit sees income fall due to impact of currency rates.
Moody's changes Willis's rating outlook to negative from stable
The ratings agency said the move reflects broker's relatively high financial leverage.
JLT Group will "defend interests vigorously" in High Court
Willis has started action against firm regarding proposed sale of one its divisions.
Willis confirms 350 redundancies
Broker says the changes are in line with its restructuring programme.
Car insurance premiums fall slightly in Q1 2015
Confused.com and Towers Watson index says the trend remains steadily upwards.
Willis begins legal action against JLT at the High Court
The case relates to the proposed sale of its FAJS division to Miller Insurance and involves JLT Group.
JLT takes 22 from Willis
New recruits add to specie, fine art and jewellery team.
CMA investigating Willis acquisition of Miller
The body will consider written submissions about the proposed deal.
Profits flat at Willis in 2014
Willis Insurance UK posts “low single digits” fall in organic commission and fees for final quarter.
Willis deal “biggest” acquisition for Clark Thomson
Broker insists independence remains following the deal which also saw it join Willis Commercial Network.
Clark Thomson joins Willis network as it buys Scottish SME unit
Deal sees broker become member of Willis Commercial Network.
Willis' takeover of Miller confirmed
Deal will see selected broking activities transfer between the two firms.
Willis promotes Philip Smaje as broking chief of new GB unit
Smaje steps up from aerospace role.
RFIB takes Hughes from Willis
Steve Hughes joins broker as divisional director for hull and war.
Premierline joins Willis Commercial Network
The Allianz owned business buys Willis's Businesscare as part of the deal.
Willis network re-elects governance chair
Roger Gaunt, of Gauntlet, voted in again as chair of Willis Commercial Network’s governance committee.
Price Forbes launches new accident and health division
Division to be led by Richard O'Brien and other former Willis staff.
Marsh takes three from Willis in Scotland push
Broker adds four people to its Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices.
Willis takes Aubert from AIG
Nicolas Aubert to become CEO of Willis UK Insurance.
Willis UK sees performance fall
Single mid-digit drop for Willis Insurance UK but retail division achieves modest growth.
Towers Watson warns of "bubbling cauldron of issues" in motor market
Big data, telematics and driverless cars all have the potential to shape motor insurance.
Willis and Miller in exclusive takeover talks
Willis to work with Miller Insurance Services to develop London-based wholesale specialist broker.
Aon tops list of world's largest brokers
Marsh and Willis are the next biggest brokers in the top 150.