North Group strengthens its international network

Newcastle-based North Group, one of the world’s leading mutual marine insurance companies, has further strengthened its global network with the opening of a new office in Shanghai.

In addition to their Newcastle head office, North has offices across Asia Pacific and Europe – employing almost 400 people, over 270 of whom are based in Newcastle.

The new office, located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, supplements North’s existing regional offices in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

Joint managing director Paul Jennings 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.

”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.”

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 November  25, 2016. North’s new office opened for business earlier in the week to support the Club’s ever-growing Asia Pacific membership.

North Group was established in Newcastle in 1860 and has since grown to become a multi-million dollar business and a major employer in the region.

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