Howden says its newly created partnership with Perth-based insurance broker Unicorn Risk Solutions marks another step forward in its growth plan for Australia and the region.

The arrangement, announced last week, will further strengthen its presence in WA, nationally and also in the broader Pacific market.

Howden Pacific CEO Matt Bacon says it is a “long-term strategic partnership where both Howden and Unicorn will utilise their expertise and capabilities to service their respective clients”.

Unicorn Risk Solutions is privately-owned and was established in 2020, offering a range of risk management and insurance broking services and solutions. These include general insurance broking, workers’ compensation claims and injury management, insurance program auditing and claims handling.

“Brokers can only represent their clients’ interests properly when they understand them intimately,” Mr Bacon said.

“When it comes to [WA], Howden is delighted to partner with Unicorn Risk Solutions, whose brokers have been immersed in the Western Australian insurance market for decades.”

He says Unicorn Risk Solutions is a “high-class operation that demonstrates genuine care” for its people and a “real passion” for clients and markets.

“With Howden’s footprint in [WA] now secured with this unique partnership, we will continue the ambitious build-out of our platform across the broader Pacific market,” Mr Bacon said.

Unicorn Risk Solutions Director Eddy Pope says the partnership is the “next natural step” for the business as it seeks to grow further.

“With Howden, we get all the benefits of working with a large global broker, combined with the responsiveness, speed of innovation and specific know-how of a local broker,” Mr Pope said.

“Howden’s people-first and client-centric approach, combined with their obsession to provide world-class solutions and service, fits perfectly with Unicorn’s culture.

“We are confident that the depth, breadth, and scale of Howden’s capability will bring real benefit to our clients.”