FNB Insurance Brokers launches expanded Durban operation

FNB Insurance Brokers celebrated the successful amalgamation of two recently acquired independent broking houses with the formal opening of new metropolitan offices in Durban.

The new offices at 320 West Street brings under one roof the original city centre operations of FNB Insurance Brokers with those of GDI Schofield Insurance Brokers (GDIS) and S.N.I.B and is an important step in the creation of what is now a powerful and unified presence in the Durban Insurance Market.

The official opening of the consolidated office premises was hosted by incoming FNBIB chief executive officer Johan Nagel. The event was attended by 150 clients and insurance industry executives.

Consolidation of Durban operations and development of its KwaZulu-Natal business are key elements in the ongoing growth strategy of FNBIB, now into its fifth year.

Andrew Coutts, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at FNBIB, commented: “We see significant potential for growth in Durban and across KwaZulu-Natal.

“Consolidation of the three teams aggregates considerable expertise while enhancing our buying and negotiating power in this important market.

“This will result in tangible benefits for our clients in what remains an extremely challenging environment. We’re extremely upbeat about prospects in this area. A bigger footprint was a prerequisite for continued growth.”

Andy Coughtrie, new head of Durban operations and former principal shareholder at GDIS, said the benefit of relocation to one central location was already evident in team dynamics and that short term focus was on realising operational efficiencies and ensuring continued excellence in service delivery at all levels.

The Durban business of FNBIB is complemented by a provincial network covering Pietermaritzburg, Uvongo (Port Shepstone), Newcastle, Ladysmith and Richards Bay.

“Closeness to customers and their needs drives our business,” noted Andrew Coutts. “Acquisitive growth is an important component of our growth focus, but remains secondary to our drive for strong organic growth, underpinned by in-depth familiarity with local challenges and opportunities. Consolidation in Durban will enable further gains by a dynamic team.”