Global broker Marsh has launched an Australia-wide division aimed at the SME business market.

Marsh Advantage Insurance will be headed by Executive Director Travis Kemp and will incorporate the company’s existing commercial, schemes and affinity, private client services and retail life businesses.

“More than 95% of Australian businesses are small or medium-sized, and as their risk and insurance needs continue to evolve this dedicated entity will ensure we respond more rapidly,” Marsh Pacific Region Head John Clayton said.

Mr Kemp was previously GM of Marsh’s employee benefits division and authorised representative business. He has worked with SME businesses for more than 18 years.

“In 2014 we will be actively seeking to extend our geographic footprint in regional and suburban centres,” he said.

“We intend to double the number of authorised reps by adding complementary business models and opening greenfield sites across Australia.”