OPEN + DIRECT ON THE UP WITH TWO NEW OFFICES IN COLERAINE AND BALLYMENA

Colin McEvoy, Operations Director, Open + Direct said: “As one of a stable of businesses owned by Equity Insurance Brokers, Open + Direct customers can gain from our size and our ability to access the local and national marketplace to deliver the best deals from a wide panel of insurers.”

“The expansion in Coleraine is particularly pleasing given our strong links in the town right back 34 years through to the early days of SG Cathcart and Company which began trading in 1974 and was purchased by Open + Direct in 2000. Over the years we have worked extremely hard to build a brand which represents competitive value and great service delivered by local staff.”

The expansion of Open + Direct comes at a time when economic factors such as the downturn in the local property market and increased living costs are impacting NI consumers and squeezing household budgets.

Colin McEvoy continued: “As increased household bills hit people's pockets, we are finding that more and more customers are looking for increased savings and in particular to get the best possible deal on all of the insurance products that they are buying.”

Open + Direct Insurance is part of the Equity Insurance and Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and the expansion represents further support for the Northern Ireland market. The new branch in Coleraine, located on the bustling Abbey Street, is the result of a move from older premises in the town to a new state-of-the-art office.  The new regional premises in Coleraine offer further room for expansion going forward with space to add an additional 40 members of staff, adding to the current 260 already employed by the group.

A new Open + Direct branch has also opened in Ballymena following the purchase of Diamond Insurance in Broughshane street.

This most recent expansion follows the opening of a branch in Cookstown in September 2007 after the acquisition of Martin Sheehy and Co. by Equity Insurance Brokers Limited.

Colin McEvoy concluded: “Open + Direct continues to be at the heart of local towns in the province but with the added strength that comes from being nationally and internationally backed.”

- ENDS –

Pictured at the launch are [l-r] Mike Hutton, Acquisitions and Development Director and Nick Potts, Managing Director, Equity Insurance Brokers Limited; Local Coleraine Model, Clare Lambe; and Colin McEvoy, Director - Operations, Open + Direct Insurance.

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