Sompo International, the Bermudian-based global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty re/insurance, has opened its first regional office in the United Kingdom.

The company’s office in Birmingham, its first in the UK outside of London, is located at The Colmore Building in the Colmore business district, the city’s main business area.

It will be led by Matt Cullen, VP retail property and Kevin Green, VP retail casualty.

Richard Brown, head of property retail, Global Markets, said: “This is a significant step forwards in creating a local presence outside of London and the latest stage in the growth of our UK regional portfolio. Initially our focus will be on writing property & casualty business, but with the potential for more lines to be added as the office grows.”

He added: “Having greater proximity to our clients and brokers in the UK regions will enhance our ability to understand their needs and deliver them the right solutions. They will have access to autonomous, empowered local underwriters with direct knowledge and experience of the markets they operate in.

“Working predominantly through international broking offices based in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Bristol -- as well as the largest independent brokers -- we will target UK domiciled mono-national and multinational clients with turnover in excess of £100 million in sectors including manufacturing, leisure & hospitality, retail, infrastructure and transport.”