THE commercial insurance provider, Primary Broker Services (PBS), has expanded its Harrogate operation with the appointment of two new business underwriters, Debbie Dyson and John Darnbrook.

Debbie's years in both broking and underwriting includes ten years spent in the South African commercial market. On her return to the UK, she took up a commercial underwriting role with The Broker Network, specifically to develop retail and office package business.

John has more than ten years' experience with Norwich Union's North-East underwriting team, where he specialised in property and casualty classes. He has also worked in broking roles, and has had broker training roles in locations ranging from Cumbria to Bangalore.

Both join the existing team at The Lenz in Hornbeam Park, consisting of Paul Bennett, business development manager, and new business underwriters Claire O'Donaghue and Robin Hinchley.

The expansion comes hot on the heels of the Birmingham-based company's recent opening of a new regional office in Bristol. It also has offices in London.

Mr Bennett said: "We are seeing tremendous growth from our brokers in the North-East, despite the current market conditions favouring holding markets.

"Our exclusive agency base is proving to be a real winning card. This is helping us not only to grow our business, but to work in close partnership with our brokers to grow their business."

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, April 06, 2005