Member Article

North East insurers experience growth in 40th year

Blyth-based Weir Insurance is marking its 40th year in business with expansion across Northumberland and a recruitment and apprenticeship drive throughout the firm, in a bid to get more young people into the industry.

The second generation, family run business that has a yearly turnover of £6 million, is on target to reach a £10 million turnover aim by 2016, which will require an impressive 65% increase in growth.

Commercial account executive and well known businessman Dennis Hetherington has been appointed to assist the firm’s ambitious business expansion plans throughout Alnwick, Berwick and Hexham - key growth areas for the firm in the region for 2012 and beyond.

Since being at the firm, Dennis has implemented a farm and agricultural scheme, highly sought after in the rural landscape that is Northumberland.

Dennis, from Alnwick, said: “When it comes to agricultural insurance, whether it’s cattle or crop, you need an insurance policy that will protect the very thing you depend on to earn a living. We offer a plan that can cover your business, buildings, stock, machinery, vehicles and all other essential equipment.

“With our local knowledge and national expertise we can provide a range of tailor made agricultural and farming insurance plans, working closely with the customer.”

Weir Insurance is one of the largest and trusted independent insurance brokers in the North East and has been providing a bespoke service since 1972.

A keen advocate of staff development and learning, the pro-active company is further demonstrating its commitment to the region by encouraging young people to embark on a career in insurance via its apprenticeship scheme, which 25% of its workforce is currently enrolled on.

Managing director Karen Weir said: “One of the main secrets to our success over the last 40 years has been that we are an intimate business with a progressive outlook on practices such as management and staff development.

“2012 has been a great year for us so far. Our recent appointment and apprenticeship roll out has equipped us to support customers and businesses in the Hexham and wider Northumberland area, and we hope this illustrates how we are committed to supporting the North East community.

“There is a persistent skills gap in the insurance sector which needs to be addressed in order to get more young people into the industry. Apprenticeships and training have been, and will continue to be, a focus area for us.”

Eager apprentice, 22-year-old-account handler Chris Marsden, said: “Being new to the world of insurance, the continued learning and new business experiences offered to me with Weir Insurance is certainly not something I take for granted.

He continues: “Having worked as a canoe instructor in the South of France, insurance is a sector which I previously knew very little about, so having the opportunity to learn on the job whilst working with a highly professional and knowledgeable team is something I plan to take full advantage of in order to further my career.”

Karen concludes: “It is vital businesses continue to contribute to the development and regeneration of the region and the team are really proud of what we have achieved over the years. We will continue to forge close relations with our clients, providing the utmost level of service as we enter this new and exciting phase of growth.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Weir Insurance .