Aon Risk Solutions has launched an SME division bringing together two of its small-business focused areas - Enterprise and Partners - to broaden its client proposition and create a centre of client excellence. The new SME division will be headed up by Keith Harrison, Managing Director who has extensive insurance and technical experience in the SME market. Before joining Aon in March 2014, Harrison was MD of eTrading at Towergate, with responsibility for strategically developing their commercial eTrading capabilities.
Aon is also investing in its Affinity business to align those business units focused on providing a specialised service to high profile and high net worth clients. The Affinity Practices Group will combine: Aon Private Risk Management; Estates; Artscope; and the Sports, Recreation and Entertainment businesses. Bringing these practices together will ensure Aon provides a tailored service for its clients in this growing area. The division will be led by Toby Carnduff, Managing Director, Aon Private Clients, who has been with Aon since November 2013 and brings a wealth of experience to this role. The creation of this Group will ensure it is positioned for strong growth in the future.
The Affinity Practices Group also consists of Aon’s new Customer & Schemes Solutions unit, which provides business consultancy services to Aon’s clients including tender management and market analysis, and is led by Roger Hine, Managing Director – Aon Customer & Scheme Solutions. This exciting business area has been growing with recent appointments and has a particular focus on the Affinity and Corporate Partnership market.
Jim Herbert, CEO, Aon Risk Solutions said: “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy and a true growth sector so it is essential that we invest here to ensure we are well-placed to help our clients grow and develop their businesses. The investment we have made builds on our core offering and positions us well for future growth.
Chris Lee-Smith, COO ARS UK and MD of Aon Affinity, said: “Our investment in the SME market recognises UK SMEs as a core sector for Aon. By consolidating our Affinity offering and strengthening our leadership team we will be able to deliver real value to our SME clients. We are committed to ensuring we have the best talent in the industry to serve our clients’ interests and support them with their business growth plans.