Aviva builds foothold in Chelmsford and Southampton

Aviva is preparing to launch two new regional trading offices in Chelmsford and Southampton in a bid to enhance its regional network to better connect with brokers and customers.

This expansion into the London & South East Region (LSE) is also part of Aviva’s broader strategy to consolidate its market presence through increased local engagements.

The initiative follows the establishment of Aviva’s regional trading model, which integrates the key broker-facing sectors of claims, distribution, and underwriting. The new offices are expected to bolster this model by fostering local empowerment and accelerating decision-making processes closer to the market base.

The forthcoming Chelmsford and Southampton sites also aim to enhance direct interactions with brokers, thereby boosting Aviva’s operational responsiveness and market visibility.

The management of these new branches will be overseen by a dedicated local team. Alison Coleman will serve as branch manager for the South-East, while Peter Jukes will take on the role of regional broker development manager.

In addition, they will be supported by James Preston, Client Relationship Manager, and Vanessa Millar and Kim Owen, who will manage claims services.

Commenting on the expansion, Dave Martin, managing director of SME and distribution at Aviva, highlighted the strategic importance of the new offices.

“Aviva has one of the widest geographical footprints in the UK. But we know that brokers want more face-to-face meetings and a greater underwriting presence. The opening of the Chelmsford and Southampton offices will deliver on this, making us more responsive and supporting our ambition to be the trusted insurance partner of choice,” he said.

“The office openings also build on our expanded presence in Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester. Taken together, this is an exciting new chapter for the growth of our regional footprint and our ability to deliver better outcomes for our brokers and customers,” Martin said.

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