Aon has entered into a partnership with business advocacy group Business Australia to support the organisation’s SME members.

The partnership is centred around a referral service where Aon may offer broking, insurance and other services to the business community across the country.

Aon MD Commercial Kevan Johnston says the broker is keen to build a lasting relationship with Business Australia, formerly known as NSW Business Chamber, and work together to ensure businesses of all sizes remain a strong economic force following the COVID-19 disruption.

“Our common goals are to ensure that all Australian businesses remain supported through these times, and that means putting into place the right programs for each business,” he said.

“We know that the majority of businesses that do not have appropriate insurance do not survive severe and very large losses in business interruption, often occurring from fire, flood or significant storm damage.

“By joining with Business Australia we can help businesses focus on what they do best, and ensure they remain more successful than ever coming out of this tough time.”

Business Australia says is similarly confident the partnership will benefit the business community.

Chief Customer Experience Officer Richard Spencer says insurance “is a primary concern for our members, so the launch of this service will support them to find the right insurance solution for their needs, no matter their size or industry”.

Research conducted by Business Australia has found 70% of businesses believe they could be doing more to reduce the cost of insurance, and about 33% say they are struggling to manage the paperwork involved.

“Businesses are also reporting that it is difficult to find suitable insurance products, with only four out of 10 businesses satisfied with the ease of finding insurance,” Mr Spencer said. “Underinsurance is also cited as a big concern for SMEs.

“Managing risk is a crucial part of successfully operating a business, which is why insurance is so important.”