Member Article

Newcastle's North Group opens Shanghai office

Newcastle-headquartered North Group, one of the world’s leading mutual marine insurance companies, has opened a new office in the Pudong district of Shanghai.

The new site will supplement the firm’s existing regional offices in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore and is expect to play a key role in realising North’s Asian growth.

In a complementary move, North has also revealed the strengthening of its operations in Tokyo. Robert Crichton, Director of Operations (Japan), has relocated from Newcastle to lead claims and service delivery in Japan.

Paul Jennings, Joint MD, said: “North Group has grown significantly since our beginnings in 1860.

“The North East’s strong maritime history enables us to recruit local expertise to provide the outstanding customer service we rely on to deliver a competitive business and continue our business growth.”

Jennings opened the new office at a reception attended by over 100 prominent members of the Chinese shipping community in Shanghai at The House of Roosevelt on the west bank of Huangpu River on Friday 25 November 2016.

Paul continued: “Our Asia Pacific membership in particular continues to grow – now accounting for 34% of our total insurance business. Our Shanghai office will be used to maintain our high service levels in the region.”

The multi-million dollar business employs almost 400 people worldwide, over 270 of whom are based in Newcastle.