Healthcare arm created at Henderson

It is based in Lawnswood, Leeds, at the former headquarters of Denney O'Hara (Life and Pensions), which it acquired last spring.

The new division has 26 employees, up from 18 at the time of the acquisition, according to Henderson director Ian Dearnley.

He said: "Market conditions have seen other firms contracting while Henderson expands, so we have been able to cherry pick the best talent. I think it's a positive message that we are taking people from the big boys."

Mr Dearnley was recruited a year ago from Aon and was principal at the Leeds office. Three other recruits also joined from Aon. The division provides services to the group's client base.

Henderson recently recruited Nimble Thompson, chairman of one of Yorkshire's biggest family-owned businesses, to its board.