PSC Expanding New Zealand Presence

PSC Expanding New Zealand Presence | Insurance Business New Zealand

Property

PSC Expanding New Zealand Presence

PSC Connect is growing its affiliated broker network, as well as PSC Connect Life and PSC Insurance Brokers

Property

By
Bennett Richardson

As the PSC Insurance Group continues with its impressive growth in Australia, the UK and Hong Kong, their New Zealand business is no different enjoying over 15% growth in the last 12 months.

So far in 2023, PSC Connect have added two additional Member Brokers to their network with Ben Pattinson of The Insurance Hub NZ Ltd, based in Mangawhai, and Paul MacKay of Waimea Insurance Brokers Ltd, based in Nelson, adding to the depth of knowledge and experience within the group.

“We have several other high calibre candidates already committed to join us over the next few months which is really exciting for us,” says director Dave Penfold.

“It is what our whole focus is i.e supporting our Member Brokers in building a quality broking business and asset for themselves.”

As a result of this growth, PSC Connect have employed additional staff with two of the key appointments being Lance Ashton as broker services manager and Olivia Chisholm as southern regional manager based in Christchurch.

“Both Lance and Olivia bring a wealth of insurance industry experience and expertise to our business,” says Penfold.

“We have also opened our first South Island office, located in Blenheim Road in Christchurch which will help strengthen our brand in the South Island even further.”

PSC Connect recently held its second national conference at the magnificent Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch with 125 delegates including Member Brokers, Sponsors, PSC Executives from Australia and staff.

“We cancelled last year’s conference due to COVID so it was great to have everyone together again networking, celebrating successes, hearing top quality speakers, sharing our exciting plans for improving our model further, supporting the Child Cancer Foundation (donating bikes following the Amazing Race) and having some fun. It was a very successful few days.”

Award winners announced at the yearly Conference Gala Dinner were:

High Achievement Award – Denise Bourdot of PSC Connect for outstanding work setting up three FAP licences; and Paul Withers of PSC Connect for providing outstanding service and support on claims for our network.
Rising Star – Nikayla Glenn from The People’s F&G in Napier (pictured below left)
Member Broker of the Year – Mark Davie from Sepio Risk Management Ltd (pictured below right, in centre)

PSC New Zealand is implementing some market leading technology initiatives over the next several months which will include, amongst other things, a platform which will provide multiple quote/bind options giving our broker network the ability to obtain multiple options from the market and offer a professional presentation of these to their clients.

“In addition to our exciting technology road map, before the end of this year we are rolling out additional negotiated agreed policy wordings, additional PSC Connect schemes and access to markets not currently available in New Zealand,” says Penfold.

“We really appreciate the support of our Member Brokers in our network joining us on our way through the technology changes we’re implementing and taking a longer-term view of the huge benefits they will enjoy after these have been bedded in.”

PSC appointed Kelly Sullivan as the new national manager of PSC Connect Life NZ Ltd in May. Sullivan is an experienced and well-respected financial adviser and the business has some exciting growth plans. She takes over from Steve Morris, who departed the company recently after doing a fantastic job in building the PSC Connect Life business over the last several years.

“We have some exciting plans for PSC Connect Life which will complement the general insurance offerings already provided by the PSC NZ network. I’m really looking forward to building on the good work already done by Steve,” says Sullivan.

The third PSC New Zealand entity, PSC Insurance Brokers NZ Ltd, is also growing rapidly following several acquisitions over the last few years and strong organic growth.

The latest acquisition was completed in April for Respectrum Insurance Brokers Ltd, a quality business built by director Chris Benson based in Christchurch. PSC Insurance Brokers is run by national manager William O’Brien with over 20 staff currently in Auckland and Christchurch and three new brokers due to join over the next few months.

“We are building a quality team in PSC Insurance Brokers to manage the rapid growth we are achieving, both through acquisitions and organically. Exciting times ahead!” says O’Brien.

“With over $100m premium of general business being managed by PSC Connect and PSC Insurance Brokers plus the growth plans for PSC Connect Life and plans to double the NZ business over the next four years, we are constantly on the lookout for quality people to join our business,” says Penfold.

PSC Connect is a network of experienced and dedicated insurance broking specialists who help thousands of small to medium organisations across New Zealand and Australia to protect themselves from the risks and perils facing their business. The reputation our Member Brokers have built is second to none thanks to the intimate relationships built with customers, throughout the insurance industry, and their ability to leverage the benefits of being part of an international network when negotiating on behalf of clients.