Lockton allies with minority-owned brokerage

Ken Hurtt

Lockton Cos. LLC on Monday announced a partnership with Birwood Services Group, a Detroit-based minority-owned brokerage that was formed earlier this year.

The partnership with Birwood will include risk management and employee benefits placements, Lockton said in a statement Monday.

“Birwood will tap into Lockton’s experts, as needed, in disciplines like actuarial service, compliance and claims management. Over time, Birwood will continue to grow its team, creating career opportunities for diverse populations across the country in the insurance brokerage industry,” the statement said.

Birwood is headed by Ken Hurtt, who previously owned Employee Solve Inc. in Detroit. It has four staff and is a certified minority business enterprise. MBEs must be at least 51% owned and operated by minority individuals.