Following a successful period of substantial growth over the past two years, Marsh, the world's leading insurance broker and risk adviser, is expanding its team of client advisers in Bristol to meet the growing demand for the firm's risk and insurance services in the South West. Marsh has appointed three new client advisers to the team, with a fourth expected to join later this year.

Alison Bush joins Marsh from regional broker, Jelf, and will lead the Client Advisory team. She has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years, dealing in corporate and international business, and has particular expertise in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Jane Silvester joins Marsh from Aon, where she was previously in a client advisory role. Ms Silvester has worked in the industry for over 20 years, including a tenure as a commercial business underwriter with insurer, NIG.

Christopher Makin joins Marsh from Towergate in Bristol. Mr Makin has worked across the South West geography over the past 10 years and has extensive knowledge of the risk and insurance requirements of commercial and corporate businesses.

In addition to the new joiners, James Purkis has been promoted to Regional Broking Leader for the Midlands and South West Region, based in Bristol. Mr Purkis has overall responsibility for Marsh's market facing-relationships in the area, including those with regional insurers and London-based contacts.

Commenting on the expansion, Gareth Waite, Head of Marsh's Bristol Office, said: "As the recession takes hold, we are finding that clients in the South West are asking for more risk and insurance advice. They need to be serviced by a team with full local representation, yet who have access to and experience of the wider insurance market, which provides them with a superior and more competitive service.

"Establishing a team of highly experienced and professional client advisors in Bristol is key to sustaining our ambitious growth strategy and helping our clients to manage through the downturn; I am delighted to welcome Alison, Jane and Chris to the team."