A new milestone in aggressive growth at the York office of Ward Evans group was announced today as the independent insurers appointed eight new people and flagged up two new promotions.

It brings the number employed by Ward Evans at Station House in Hull Road, Dunnington, to 60 with three more jobs still being advertised.

Already the group, named in a survey by publishers Newsco as one of the fastest-growing companies of any type in Yorkshire has about 125 staff at all its offices - York, Glasgow and London.

Its turnover of £18 million represents an annual growth of 274 per cent and there are plans to attain £50 million turnover within two-and-a-half years.

And the group, which in 1998 achieved £4 million in commission income, aims to top £10 million for this year.

Michael Kenney, group chief executive, said the new appointments reflected continuing expansion.

The appointments are

David Atkinson, 44, risk benefits consultant,

Julian Connor, 38, and Lee Nicolson, 27, account executives,

Steve Reading, 29, new business development executive,

Bruce Herrington, 35, compliance officer,

Doug Strachan, 35, competence officer,

Michael Bains, 33, trainee employee benefits consultant,

Catherine Priestley, 25, trainee account executive.

Joanne Taylor, 22, has been promoted to employee benefits consultant, having completed her training

Chris Gaunt, 26, has been promoted to trainee account executive, having worked for Ward Evans as a manufacturing and distribution executive.

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