October 2007 – Intermediary-only insurer, MMA Insurance plc (MMA) has seen an encouraging increase in its Commercial Lines business in the first six months since the opening of its new Manchester underwriting centre.

The team, which offers specialist commercial underwriting services in the North of England and Scotland has seen a very positive response from Commercial brokers in the region. The focus is on business in the SME sector across a variety of MMA’s product range, including Commercial Combined, Commercial Motor; and Property Owners. MMA plans to accelerate growth in this area but ensure that the high service standards that brokers have been praising are maintained.

The Manchester team includes Stewart Taberner and Emma Heywood and building on the immediate success of this initiative, Neil Aldred has also recently been appointed as a Commercial Underwriter.

Dave Evans, Account Executive at MCM Insurance Group said: ‘We have an excellent relationship with the MMA Commercial Underwriters in Manchester. The fact that they are local means that I can invite them to a meeting with a prospective client at short notice, which adds a valuable element to the service we provide.’

Ian Page, Commercial Underwriting Manager at MMA, said: “Intermediaries have given us excellent feedback on the team’s work, with positive comments about response times, the fact that our Underwriters are easily accessible and our competitive quotes. Our commitment to making it easier for brokers to do business with us was an important element of our decision to set up a team in Manchester, and this is paying off.

“The team’s extensive experience and expertise has got the unit off to a great start.”