Markel International, the speciality property and casualty insurer, plans to double the size of its UK regional business, Markel (UK).
Its intention is to increase its branch network, making senior hires, launching new specialist products and developing new distribution systems and mechanisms.
Steve Carroll, managing director, said: "Over the last five years we have successfully grown the UK business base by a factor of three, so we know that there is a huge demand for the sort of service that we offer.
"We are now looking to double the size of the business and an important part of the plan is a programme of new office openings."
The company will increase its regional underwriting network from four to seven branches, adding representation in Cambridge, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Markel (UK) already has offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Reigate.
Mr Carroll said: "Brokers want to have a personal relationship with their insurer and the ability to deal with them face to face.
"Our strategy is to deal directly with the retail brokers using our own local people rather than appointing a network of regional wholesalers or underwriting agencies to represent us. By extending our branch network we aim to serve a wider range of customers without imposing unrealistic premium volume demands and, perhaps more importantly, to maintain a high level of service in our specialist areas."
Other key elements in the development programme include the design of further specialist, packaged niche products, targeted at growing businesses and the development of additional forms of distribution, including ' online' capabilities.
Mr Carroll added: "These are exciting times for us and we are committed to playing an increasingly important role in the UK regional market. The success we have achieved so far gives us confidence in the future."
Markel International is based in London and comprises the international operations of Markel Corporation.
