London, 7 January 2010 - Lockton has succeeded in its application to achieve Chartered Broker status from the Chartered Insurance Institute. Lockton is one of a select group of insurance brokers to make the Chartered grade. 

The benefits of being Chartered include: 

• Differentiator - Only one of the top 20 Brokers in the UK has achieved Chartered Broker Status as an organisation.
• Client Recognition - Research commissioned by the CII demonstrates that consumers recognise and value the 'Chartered' status as an indication of merit, capability and commitment to ethical practice.
• Associate Recognition - Talented professionals want to work for ambitious, principled organisations, and Chartered status is a clear indicator of the professional standing of an employer. 

Dr Alexander Scott, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said, "Lockton International are clearly committed to developing the insurance profession and we are delighted that they have achieved Chartered Broker status.  This announcement offers further evidence that brokers are alive to the benefits of professionalism, both as a driver of competitive advantage and as an important means of building confidence and trust in the insurance sector.  

Lockton International CEO Julian James said: "We are pleased to have achieved such an important milestone just three years on from the acquisition of Alexander Forbes. We have taken this step because there is clear evidence that achieving Chartered Status has tangible business benefits to the companies and the individuals that work in them. 

"As a client-focused organization we are determined to take all steps necessary to provide our Associates with access to the knowledge and tools that will allow them to service our clients more effectively. Our partnership with CII will undoubtedly help us to achieve these aims."

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About Lockton 

More than 3,800 professionals at Lockton provide more than 15,000 clients around the world with insurance, benefits, surety and risk management services, offering an uncommon level of client service.  Since its founding in 1966, Lockton has grown to become the 10^th largest insurance broker in the world.  Learn more at www.lockton.com   

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