Local businesses have a responsibility to protect their business interests advises Derek Quinn, Commercial Insurance Director at Hughes Insurance, no matter what the eventuality.

Hughes Insurance is a local business which continues to expand its operation - and the commercial division within the Newtownards based broker is leading the way having recently reported a 100% growth in new business.

The expansion is founded in a straight forward ‘no nonsense’ approach to commercial insurance according to Derek: “There is no magic formula. We concentrate on our customers and endeavour to deliver the most comprehensive cover as cost effectively as possible. Price is obviously an important factor for our clients, but we work very hard to ensure the cover we support them with offers the protection they need. There are so many variables that can affect a businesses performance in today’s economic climate that a company needs to be confident it has the right commercial insurance support. Making a false economy on commercial insurance could prove to be disastrous.”

Derek continues: “Business owners need an insurance provider who has a comprehensive understanding of their commercial insurance requirements and the ability to be able to secure them the best deal - we are effective at getting this balance right. Our relationships with our panel of insurers inspire confidence because they know we understand this market better than anyone. That’s why we can offer customers the best available protection at the best price.”

To accommodate the recent growth, the Hughes Insurance commercial team has relocated to new 3000 sq ft business premises in Sketrick House, a new state of the art Business Centre in Newtownards.

“We have invested in our commercial team dedicated to the SME market.” Explains Derek: “We leverage our relationships with insurance providers to support small, medium and large scale commercial enterprises. Each commercial operation is treated as a unique partner, no matter what size the company is. This is why our operation is expanding, each customer gets the same service and the protection we deliver is the same for the allied trade as it would be for a blue chip company.”

Hughes Insurance has been active in the Northern Ireland insurance sector since 1977. In over 30 years of business the company has delivered consistent growth and 2010 is looking no different as the commercial team continues to outperform the commercial insurance sector.

“Few can match Hughes Insurance,” continues Derek: “We are the largest independent brokerage in Northern Ireland and offer our clientele local expertise. Our independence means we can advise on the best products available, our size enables us to negotiate to secure the best price. Our customers can concentrate on their respective industries – safe in the knowledge that their insurance requirements are covered by the best available products at the best price.”

Derek has a team of 32 professionals working with him to support commercial insurance customers in Northern Ireland. The commercial team specialise in different sectors, according to Derek, with clear areas of growth: “The construction sector is showing signs of renewed activity, we are placing more and more allied trade policies and commercial vehicle insurance is an area of strength. Traditionally we have been strong in retail, wholesale, building and allied trades, financial services and manufacturing, as we grow our portfolio we also compound our expertise, customers can clearly see the benefits in this market of our brokerage model – it is tailored to support their needs.”

The business climate is challenging enough without being concerned about your commercial insurance, it pays to have Hughes Insurance looking after your requirements: “Its one less thing to worry about,” according to Derek.

For more information and full terms and conditions you can go online at www.hughesinsurance.co.uk , call our Commercial Department on 02891 819275 or visit us at 4  Jubilee Road, Newtownards,BT23 4WN.