THE former boss of Bury St Edmunds-based Alliance Corporate Risk Management has announced plans for a new venture. John McLaren-Stewart, who sold the brokerage business to insurance consolidator Towergate nearly two years ago, is now re-entering the industry with the creation of BrightStar Risk Solutions.

THE former boss of Bury St Edmunds-based Alliance Corporate Risk Management has announced plans for a new venture.

John McLaren-Stewart, who sold the brokerage business to insurance consolidator Towergate nearly two years ago, is now re-entering the industry with the creation of BrightStar Risk Solutions.

Following a period of management in Suffolk, Mr McLaren-Stewart began devising a new brand which he believes will surpass even the accomplishments of Alliance and provide “the best possible service to a county with a proven record of huge business success”.

“BrightStar will focus on reaching Suffolk-based entrepreneurs, growing brands and inspired businesses who want to benefit from a broker which truly understands their concerns and has a keen interest in being part of their strategic long-term direction,” he said.

“With more than 21,000 limited companies with a primary trading base in Suffolk and more than 3,000 finding success as a business start-up during the tough economic climate, the county is clearly the perfect territory for commercial success and BrightStar hope to help provide a service which strengthens economic growth further still.”

Mr McLaren-Stewart added: “Bringing the BrightStar brand to the insurance industry has been a focus for the last two years. Insurers have been giving us fantastic support and encouragement and I am delighted to be unveiling it at last.

“Our sales teams have pin-pointed a real strength in the Suffolk business community, where there is a wealth of entrepreneurial spirit and a strong focus on economic growth within local government strategy.

“We recognise that a number of successful business brands here have been born out of the dedication and innovation of entrepreneurs, such as BT, Gressingham Foods, Greene King and Adnams alongside growing businesses such as Ess Foods, Jules and Sharpie and the Hearing Care Centre to name but a few.

“We want to help strengthen that commitment through clear and comprehensive, accurate insurance and risk programmes, which are developed through the understanding of the businesses, their working environment and the challenges and risks they face each day.”

Mr Laren-Stewart added that that the new brand would build on the cultures and features that made Alliance a success but will offer some additions, such as an innovative Customer Document Management System will allow customers 24/7 access to all their working documents through the company website.

The company has also launched the BrightStar Club, a business network that brings customers together and offers a range of benefits to its members.

Joining Mr McLaren-Stewart as directors are two former colleagues, Marie Selby and Rebecca Hession. They are backed by a team of staff from corporate broking backgrounds, including employees formerly with the likes of Marsh and Heath Lambert.