Berrymans moves into North East

Berrymans Lace Mawer is securing a foothold in the North East in an attempt to put a stranglehold on insurance specialists in the region.

The firm is proposing to take over niche firm Linsley & Mortimer, which provides specialist insurance advice for companies such as Iron Trades.

Paul Taylor, national senior partner at Berrymans Lace Mawer, says: "We are determined to attack the North East in partnership with a Newcastle firm."

Taylor says the decision to expand the firm, which is a prominent player in the insurance arena, was prompted by its clients, who wanted coverage in the North East.

He says: "The area does house firms such as Jacksons, Crutes and Sintons, but we believe the market is open to competition."

Richard Clarke, head of insurance at Jacksons, says: "With the changing insurance market we have been aware for some time that the big national players have had their eye on the North East.

"If Berrymans' decision is market-led then it's a good idea, but if not, I would question the wisdom of it."