Insurance Brokers Network Australia (IBNA) has signed-up two former Insight members in Victoria and a business in SA as it continues its expansion drive.

The cluster group, which specialises in independently owned members, has added eight businesses to its membership in the past couple of months.

Ballarat-based David Marks Insurance Brokers, which advises small-to-medium sized enterprises in sectors such as farming, retailing and trades, joined IBNA last week.

“The type of products they offer and the benefits they have are the reason why I have chosen IBNA,” MD David Marks told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“They have strength in their ability to do deals with insurance companies and the independence that you get from being with IBNA is crucial to me.”

White Insurance Brokers, based in Hallam in southeast Melbourne, has also switched, with MD Richard White saying cluster groups “get the better wordings and products that insurers offer”.

“We as brokers have a duty to provide the best advice, products and service to our customers,” he said.

The business, started by Mr White in 2005, has five staff and specializes in SME businesses and affinity groups.

Adelaide mortgage and financial advisory business Bernie Lewis bought a general insurance brokerage early last year.

Insurance manager/adviser Karen Hicks says joining a cluster group like IBNA is important for general support such as compliance and training.