Henderson Insurance launches new division

HENDERSON Insurance has announced the creation of a new division, Henderson Employee Benefits, based at the former headquarters of insurance broker Denney O’Hara which it acquired last year.

The new HEB division at Lawnswood, Leeds, combines the Denney O’Hara business with Henderson’s previous healthcare and employee benefits arm.

Five healthcare staff have moved across from the Leeds corporate office to swell the ranks of the new unit and four more have also been recruited.

“This brings the total number employed in this division to 26, up from the 18 employed at Denney O’Hara at the time of the acquisition,” said Henderson director Ian Dearnley.

“The market conditions have seen other firms contracting while Henderson expands, so we have been able to cherry pick the best talent.”

Mr Dearnley was recruited just over a year ago from Aon, where he was principal at the Leeds office.

Three other Henderson recruits, associate director of risk benefits Dave Farebrother, pensions consultant Kathryn Bastow and Stephen Carr, an associate consultant, have also joined from Aon.

“A lot of competitors focus only on one aspect, such as health care or pensions. But what we have now is critical mass – one team working in one location but with a vast array of expertise, which is close to unique in the market,” added Mr Dearnley.

Brian Denney, HEB chairman, said: “Directors Steve McDermott and Sharon Vodden, who are both Fellows of the Pensions Management Institute and hold Chartered Financial Planner status, look forward to offering their cutting-edge financial planning and group pensions advice to a wider audience.”

The four newest members of the newly-created division include account executive Martin Lloyd, associate consultant Stephen Carr, and healthcare administrator Louise Pratt, who are all based at the Lawnswood office.

Account executive Nick Pratt is based at Henderson’s Kirmington office.