Increased demand for medical insurance has contributed to specialist medical insurance intermediary, The Private Health Partnership Ltd (PHP), being the fastest growing independent Yorkshire insurance broker according to a survey by a leading industry publication Insurance Times.

The survey based on 'year on year' increase in gross profits also ranks PHP as the 10 th largest independent Yorkshire broker by turnover.

Part of Skipton Building Society group since 2002, PHP itself was established in 1988 and is based in Otley.  It claims to be one of the oldest and most experienced specialist medical insurance advisers, and is also one of the largest independent intermediaries in the UK with over 7,000 clients ranging from individuals, to small and medium sized businesses up to large household name corporations.

In 2004, PHP acquired Shipley based MLP Insurance Services Ltd, which has strong links with trade associations, managing nearly 50 different schemes including Association of British Travel Agents, Retail Motor Industries Federation, British Printing Industries Federation and National Association of Estate Agents. 

Jan Lawson , PHP's Managing Director, said,  "Yorkshire is a very active area in the UK insurance world and for this survey to have shown us as the fastest growing Yorkshire Insurance Broker is fantastic recognition for PHP, and the value and importance now being placed on medical insurance.

"With increasing concerns over the NHS - eg waiting lists, cancelled operations, MRSA - the true value of having such insurance cannot be under-estimated.  Not just by individuals but also employers who recognise it can help get key staff back to work more swiftly, especially in small and medium sized businesses which can be so crucial.

"Medical insurance is principally about a choice of when and where - getting people treated quickly and getting them back to a quality of life as soon as possible, and for those self employed back to the livelihoods."