The North Staffordshire-based building society, which has seven branches across the region, said it selected Berkeley Alexander for its broad panel and specialist knowledge.

Indeed, David Lownds, head of marketing & business development at Hanley Economic, said: “We’re very proud that for nearly 200 years we have been helping people in North Staffordshire to buy homes and protect their futures.

“It’s a big responsibility for any partner of ours to live up to, so we are delighted that in Berkeley Alexander we have found a partner that shares our values.

“They have one of the largest panels available on the market and a reputation for their specialist knowledge in landlord and non-standard insurance lines.  I look forward to working together to offer valuable insurance solutions to our clients.”

Meanwhile, Mark Hutchings, managing director at Berkeley Alexander said: “Like Hanley Economic, we combine tradition with modern efficiencies, using our expertise and relationships, combined with online distribution, to ensure we get the right cover for even the most complex of risks.

“Never has this level of expertise been so important as during the current insurance hard market.

“Providers like us with the expertise and knowledge of the particular and niche risks involved in landlord and non-standard GI, can leverage our insurer relationships to ensure we get our most favourable terms for customers.”