A global company
Aon Corporation provides more insurance brokerage, reinsurance
brokerage and risk management services than any other company in
the world, and is a leader in human capital and management
consulting and specialty insurance underwriting.
With 43,000 employees in 500 offices in more than 120 countries
around the world it has the resources, industry knowledge and
technical expertise to help clients develop effective risk
management and workforce productivity solutions.
Strong Scottish presence
In 1982, the Ryan Insurance Group merged with Combined
International Corporation
and five years later the firm was introduced to Wall Street as Aon,
a Gaelic word meaning "Oneness."
Since then, Aon's expansion in the global insurance marketplace
has been fuelled by organic growth and strategic acquisitions,
including the acquisition of the renowned Glasgow firm of insurance
brokers, Alexander Stenhouse in 1997. It is now the UK's largest
insurance broker and risk adviser.
Aon's Glasgow insurance broking and risk management operation
has thrived and it now holds a market share of between 30 and 35
per cent of the Scottish FTSE 100.
They also boast an extensive international client list that
requires the resource and expertise of a global broker, such as
Aon, to service UK subsidiaries.
In 2005, Aon moved into the IFSD as the first tenant of the
prestigious Sentinel building, which sits on the corner of
Wellington Street and Douglas Street.
The firm occupies 15,000sq ft over the top two floors of the
building, plus a roof garden, in the heart of the IFSD.
High calibre employees and a supportive
environment
Glasgow's reputation for producing high quality graduates in the
area of risk management means that Aon is able to attract high
calibre employees to join its 100-plus workforce. Murray
Cromar, client director at Aon, recognises that the people he wants
to attract will be highly sought after skilled individuals he said
"We have got to where we are today by employing the best people and
giving them all the support they need to develop their skills and
careers."
As part of a "Rising Stars" programme, Aon works with other
like-minded organisations such as RBS, Maclay, Murray, Spens and
Ernst & Young to bring its young graduates into contact with
their peers to work with and learn from each other about how the
different businesses work.
Murray Cromar again, "Commercial insurance remains almost
entirely broker-based. It's a "people business" so it is
vital that our staff understand the changing needs and constraints
of our clients' businesses from all sorts of risk whether it be
financial, physical, local or global. This programme helps
them create their own network and broaden their business
accumen."
Location
As part of a global group it was important to Aon that their
offices were located near the main road, rail and air links.
Whether it is clients travelling to meet with Aon or its own staff,
many of whom travel extensively on business, Glasgow's transport
links play a vital role in Aon's business.
Aon's modern, bright and airy offices in the IFSD offer
panoramic views across the city, a fitting location for a firm with
a truly global reach.