Acrisure expands in Scotland with SME broker acquisition

Acrisure has announced the acquisition of WH&R McCartney, a Scottish insurance brokerage established in 1932 and based in Motherwell.

This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Acrisure’s presence in Scotland, following the earlier purchase of Glasgow-based Affinity Brokers Limited (Affinity) in 2023.

WH&R McCartney, under the leadership of Graeme Robb and Alan Kirkwood, specialises in general commercial SME insurance. Both Robb and Kirkwood will join the new management team and play pivotal roles.

As part of the transaction, the firm will continue its operations in both Glasgow and Motherwell, with all current staff retaining their positions. Yvonne McKnight, Acrisure managing partner and a board member of WH&R McCartney, will also maintain her role at Affinity.

“Graeme, Alan and their team offer valuable expertise for Scottish businesses,” McKnight said. “Together with Scott, WH&R McCartney make Acrisure’s Scotland platform a formidable proposition with significant growth prospects.

“They know the Scottish insurance market better than anyone and we want to support them to fully utilise their local market knowledge and focus on growing their total client offerings. I look forward to working with them as we continue the expansion of Acrisure’s Scottish footprint.”

Scott Meechan, founder and managing director of Affinity, will concentrate on expanding Affinity’s Embedded Insurance offering. This service allows customers to secure insurance coverage at the point of sale, both in-store and online.

Mark McIlquham, president of Acrisure UK Retail, commented on the strategic importance of this acquisition as the firm further bolsters its foothold in the country.

“Establishing a Scottish platform has been a priority for Affinity following their acquisition in early 2023,” McIlquham said. “While they continue to demonstrate their commitment to Scotland and to the strong expertise that exists in the country, Affinity have realised the value of being a part of a global organisation and the resources this provides.

“With a strong track record in the Scottish market, the acquisition of WH&R McCartney represents the formation of Acrisure’s Scotland platform and marks the beginning of our growth strategy in this region,” he said.

“This partnership is an exciting step for WH&R McCartney,” Robb said. “Acrisure’s global reach and outstanding reputation combined with Affinity’s and our own local market knowledge will allow us to become the Scottish broker of choice for clients of any shape and size.”

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