McLardy McShane Group CEO Don McLardy says the Melbourne-based broker is pushing on with plans to grow the business, despite the current difficult economic climate caused by the virus pandemic.

“We are continuing to expand and are actively looking for acquisitions and good quality people to join us,” Mr McLardy told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “But we are very selective on who we take because we have a very good brand.

“We are very conscious of [the pandemic impact] but we are always cautious with what we do anyway. So it’s all really about people and long term relationships.”

Last week the business announced a new acquisition and joint venture deals, further expanding its presence nationally.

In WA the group acquired Perth-based Central Insurance Brokers, with the business to be operated as a joint venture with McLardy McShane Authorised Representative (AR) Simon Thomas, who will run the business.

It also entered into a joint venture in Sydney with experienced broker Charles Clark to look after its growing clientele in NSW.

In Victoria, the business welcomed Shane Brady as a new joint venture partner of McLardy McShane South East, based in the suburb of Dandenong. Mr Brady was previously national manager with Sign Manufacturers Insurance Brokers, according to his LinkedIn account.

He says the amount invested in the new acquisition and joint ventures is confidential but is confident they represent “good commercial deals” that will support the future growth of the group's two key arms, the McLardy McShane Insurance Brokers brand and McLardy McShane Partners.

The business now has 21 branches and 41 corporate ARs across the country.