Granite City flit for expansive insurance broker AJG

Global insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG) has moved its 15 strong Aberdeen workforce to a new location within the city’s traditional business quarter.

AJG, which is the international brand name for US-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, has moved its Granite City operations to 56 Queens Road, from Anderson House in Thistle Street as it eyes expansion.

The firm said the new site offers opportunities to grow and diversify its client base in the north east where it has been operating since 1991.

AJG, which has its global headquarters in Itasca, Illinois, and a regional HQ for its European business in London, has taken suites two and three of the west end building now housing its Aberdeen team, giving it more than 1,800sq ft of first and second floor accommodation on a 10year lease, with a five year break option.

Tom Christie, branch director at AJG in Aberdeen, said: “We’re excited to move into our new offices in Queens Road, from where our team can best look after the diverse risk management and insurance needs of local businesses at a time when the challenges impacting the oil and gas industry are being felt across the local economy.”

Mr Christie said it was important for the branch to “sit at the heart of business communities”, offering regional knowledge and local client service through its dedicated team.

He added: “As part of one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, we can also leverage the power of global resources and expertise to create competitive, customised solutions for our clients.”

The move come as the group this year celebrates its 90th anniversary having been founded in 1927.

In the UK its runs a network of branches in more than 50 locations, including offices in Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William and Portree where it specialises in risk management and insurance services for commercial and private customers.

The company employs 15 people in its Granite City operation, as a community broker backed by national and international expertise.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “The move will give the branch the required space to facilitate the future growth and expansion of the team. It has chosen offices in the heart of Aberdeen’s business district to help further raise Arthur J. Gallagher’s profile within the business community.”