First Willis Networks Member Graduates from its Chartered Management Institute Scheme
London, UK, October 06, 2009 – Willis Networks, a partnership between Willis Group
Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, and local, independent brokers in the
UK, today announced its first network member graduate of its Chartered Management
Institute (CMI) accreditation scheme.
Willis Commercial Network (WCN) member Chris Harper, Insurer Relations Director of Berkeley
Insurance Group, has successfully completed the CMI Level Seven accreditation through the
Willis Networks training programme. He is now a CMI member and intends to
continue the programme to become a Chartered Manager, which will significantly enhance Berkeley
Insurance Group Ltd, which employs 55 staff. Eight other WCN members are currently
taking part in the scheme Including Henshalls Insurance Brokers, Gauntlet Risk Management. K
L Plester Insurance Service Limited, Scrutton Bland Ltd and Heartland Ltd with more
anticipated to join in 2010.
As part of its ongoing initiative to train and support independent regional brokers,
Willis Networks has developed a roster of training programmes dedicated to enhancing
the management skills and expertise of its network members. The current courses include
an executive development programme and a supervisors course. Last year the WCN
aligned and extended these programmes to the CMI qualification to enable network members
to combine and develop their practical business experience in conjunction with the theory
of the programme to develop their managers.
Anne Hughes, Operations Director, Willis Networks, said, “The training offered by
the Willis Commercial Network only serves to further highlight our commitment to helping
regional brokers thrive in these difficult times. I congratulate Chris on his achievement
and look forward to seeing businesses like Berkeley Insurance Group grow as their
managers reap the benefits of the CMI training.”
Chris Harper said, “I am delighted to have finished the first part
of this scheme, and am eager to take the next steps towards becoming
a Chartered Manager. The Willis Commercial Network has provided a vital stepping stone
through the CMI scheme and I am sure that many more will see
their businesses enhanced through this service.”
Willis Networks was established in 1999 and is comprised of the Willis
Commercial Network, representing brokers placing annual premiums of between £3 million to £25
million, and Willis N2, which represents community brokers with up to £3 million
in annual premium.
About Willis
Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and
delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource
consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world.
Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team
of approximately 20,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries. Additional information
on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.
About CMI
The CMI is only chartered professional body that is dedicated to management
and leadership. They are committed to raising the performance of business by
championing management, and do this through supporting and advising individuals and organisations,
or through engaging policy makers and key influencers in government and the
management profession.
About Berkeley Insurance Group
Berkeley Insurance Group Ltd completed a management buy-out of the general
insurance business in 2008. They have been members of WCN since 2000. They are
the fifth largest Chartered Insurance Broker in the UK and have a gross written
premium approaching £40m. Group Chairman Andrew Bedford said ‘We are delighted Chris Harper
has achieved this qualification which will be invaluable in his personal development’.
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