North West expansion for Staffordshire insurance broker Autonet

Staffordshire van and car insurance broker Autonet Insurance has created jobs by expanding into the North West.

The company opened a second office in central Manchester where 80 new employees will support the personal lines team at its Stoke-on-Trent HQ.

Staff at the new base will also work with Autonet’s commercial team to develop its business insurance offer.

The firm said it is now looking to create further employment opportunities in the city.

Ian Donaldson, Autonet’s managing director, said: “Manchester is the insurance powerhouse of the north and we are delighted to have opened our first office in the city.

“We have been fortunate to hire 80 high calibre insurance professionals who will be of real assistance to the 650 of us back in Stoke.”

He added: “With the backing from our new shareholders, HPS and Madison Dearborn Partners, we are perfectly positioned to step up the expansion of our existing business and seize on opportunities to grow in new areas.”

The chief exec of Manchester inward investment agency MIDAS, Tim Newns, commented: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome a company as ambitious and community-driven as Autonet to Manchester.

“The city has the largest general insurance community outside of London, with a sizeable, skilled professional services labour market.”

He continued: “We look forward to working with Autonet further as they settle into the city and look to tap into this talentpool.”