Irish broker swoops for Hull firm

Willis Insurance and Risk Management of Northern Ireland has acquired Hull-based broker Kennett Insurance Brokers.

Kennett Insurance was set up in 1975 employs ten staff at its office in Saxon Business Park in Hessle, Hull.

Nick Wride, managing director of Kennett Insurance, said: “Kennett Insurance brokers has a long tradition of working with a wide range of companies in Hull and the Humber.

“We look forward to a new period of growth in the local market following the acquisition by Willis Insurance and Risk Management.”

Willis IRM Managing Director Richard Willis, whose father Robert Willis set up the firm almost 40 years ago, said the acquisitions would further strengthen its offering to companies across all sectors.

He said: “By acquiring Kennett Insurance Brokers, we are continuing our strategy of growing independent businesses and will continue the good work undertaken by Nick Wride and his team in establishing a solid reputation in east Yorkshire.

“It follows the opening of Willis IRM’s office in Reading in 2015 and we continue to look for further opportunities for growth through strategic acquisitions.”

Willis IRM was originally set up in Bangor in 1978 by Robert Willis, its current executive chairman.