Melbourne-based national brokerage BJS has expanded its NSW footprint after forming a partnership with Hurstville brokerage Gary Morton Insurance Broker.

BJS Morton Insurance Brokers began trading last weekend, with BJS MD Belinda Scott saying the deal was sealed “after many rounds of talks on ways to take our businesses forward”.

Gary Morton and wife Julie will continue in the business, and their daughter Vanessa has taken up a shareholding in the partnership.

The arrangement also means BJS will have two company officers working for the broking profession through the board of the National Insurance Brokers Association.

It’s very exciting to have Vanessa working with us,” Ms Scott told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “She is a director of NIBA, alongside our National Operations Manager Di Phelan, who is the Vice-President.

“On top of all that we now have a larger footprint to service our clients in the Sydney market better. We are super-excited about the opportunities it will bring.”

Ms Scott says BJS wanted a partner with shared values and culture, and the fellow Steadfast-linked NSW brokerage ticked these boxes.

“It was a very good fit.”