Insurance advisory firm Connect and Grow Ltd has become part of ICIB Brokerweb Group, a move aimed at expanding its employee benefits and life and health insurance services.
Operating in Christchurch for more than seven years, Connect and Grow was founded by director Kerstin Bain, who has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years.
Bain, who will take up the role of employee benefits growth & development manager, said joining ICIB Brokerweb Group enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients.
“Our clients are now able to be helped by a great team of people from the employee benefits team, to personal, and business insurance advisers. In addition, clients can access the expertise of the general insurance team providing a more streamline service,” she said.
The agreement comes as businesses reassess employee benefits strategies in response to workforce expectations. A recent survey by Aon plc found that 60% of employees globally are considering changing jobs within the next year, with well-being and work-life balance ranking among the top concerns.
Aon’s 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study, which surveyed over 9,000 employees across 23 countries, indicated an increasing demand for flexible work arrangements and benefits supporting work-life balance, such as job-sharing and designated technology-free hours.
Among Gen Z employees, work-life balance ranked second in importance after medical benefits, ahead of paid time off, career development, and retirement savings.
The study also found that beyond salary and benefits, employees are prioritising company culture, seeking workplaces that align with their values and offer a positive environment.
ICIB Brokerweb Group’s head of life and health southern, Kathy Pascoe, said Bain’s experience would strengthen the company’s life and health division.
“Having someone of Kerstin’s experience on board is a very welcome addition to our life and health businesses,” she said.
The company’s focus on life and health businesses comes as a recent report by the Financial Services Council (FSC) of New Zealand highlighted the challenges New Zealanders face in managing financial risks, particularly in the life and health insurance sectors.
Pascoe offered assurances that the group will continue to look after Connect and Grow’s existing clients.
“We not only look forward to continuing to look after Connect and Grow’s existing clients but also helping to build our business with Kerstin taking up the role of employee benefits growth and development manager,” she said.
