Melbourne-based insurance group McLardy McShane has forecast another strong year ahead for the business, buoyed by its 2019/20 performance.

The business made the projections as it announced the winners of its annual awards for outstanding contributions.

In the last financial year premium income surged 22% over the previous 12 months to June 2019, and the business has since grown its presence through acquisitions and additions of new authorised representatives (ARs).

Key expansion moves in the last few months include the purchase of Perth-based Central Insurance Brokers in July. McLardy McShane also entered into a joint venture in Sydney with experienced broker Charles Clark.

“It’s looking very exciting. We’re still progressing forward very strongly which is great,” CEO Don McLardy told insuranceNEWS.com.au today. “Last financial year, the results were great, they’re very strong.

“We’re still in a growth phase. Profits are one thing but we’re more interested in the quality of people and personnel that we have.”

Mr McLardy says the business places a strong priority on recruiting the right people as it “helps to make the group stronger and stronger each year”.

While the pandemic fallout remains a concern, McLardy McShane continues to focus on growing the business.

“We’re still looking actively for good people to join us,” Mr McLardy said.

Meanwhile the business has announced the winners of its annual company awards. They are:

• McLardy McShane Group Employee(s) of The Year - Sharron Healy, Emma Cahill-Pixton and Rebecca O’Callaghan

• McLardy McShane Partners AR of The Year - All Australian Insurance Solutions

• AR Employee of The Year - Katherine Arena of Impact Insurance

• McLardy McShane Insurance Brokers Branch of The Year - McLardy McShane Swan Hill

• Mc Culture Award - Jamie Mercieca

• Mc Community Award - Nick McLardy