A LONG-standing Worcester insurance brokers has announced senior management changes as the partners move to take the company forward.

Russell Meers & Gill, which has been in business for 30 years at its Malvern Road offices, has appointed Karen Gill as senior partner.

Founding partners Stuart Russell and Colin Meers have decided to take more of a back seat and allow Mrs Gill to take the helm while they continue to concentrate on their individual areas of expertise. Mr Russell, who lives at Shelsley Beauchamp, and Mr Meers of Bransford, are both specialists in mortgage and life insurance and have grown their customer base throughout the county to more than 6,000 clients over the three decades.

Mrs Gill, who lives in Martley, near Worcester, is celebrating her 25th year with the company, having been a partner for the past seven years and now takes over as the firm expands and moves into fresh territory.

She said: “Having worked with the company for so many years I am absolutely delighted to be guiding the firm at this stage as we move into so many wider markets. Having such a varied client list, we have recently noticed an increase in demand for insurance cover for both domestic and fleet vehicles, especially coach firms, together with general household, personal and health policies and as we progress further we expect to create several more jobs within the city.”

Mr Meers added: “Stuart and I are definitely not retiring but have had the opportunity to witness over the years, the drive and enthusiasm that Karen possesses, so we felt it was fitting that with such energy and initiative she is the perfect person to take the helm as the company steadily expands.”