ICW has expanded into the Irish market, extending its structural warranty services beyond its established UK base.
Trading as ICW Europe, the company will provide structural warranties to developers and housebuilders operating across Ireland. As part of the move, ICW will establish a regional presence, with building surveyors and support staff based locally.
The expansion follows growth in the UK, where ICW supplies warranty cover to a range of property developers, housebuilders and construction firms. In Ireland, the company will offer a portfolio of structural warranty products through its insurance business. These include a 10-year residential warranty for new builds, renovations and retrospective cover; a commercial building warranty for commercial or mixed-use projects; and cover for affordable housing schemes with 10- or 12-year terms.
Policy premiums are based on construction cost rather than property sale price. ICW states that all cover is underwritten by A-rated insurers.
The Irish structural warranty market has traditionally been served by a limited number of providers. While not a regulatory requirement, warranties are commonly used to meet lender expectations and reduce long-term liability for developers. Demand for such cover has risen in line with new housing delivery targets set out in the government’s Housing for All plan. Warranty products are increasingly seen as a key element in the risk management strategies of both developers and buyers.
ICW Europe sales director Laurance Belton said the company’s entry into the Irish market would enable it to work with clients on projects across the region. He said ICW had established itself as a provider for developers and builders in the UK and aimed to offer the same service in Ireland.
“The house building sector in Ireland is vibrant, and we are excited to be able to work with customers to provide them with a higher quality and better value service for building warranties,” Belton said.
Meanwhile, director Andrew Spratt said the business had developed its reputation through its approach to customer service, which had helped drive growth in its client base. He said the expansion into Ireland reflected that development and represented an opportunity to increase its presence in a market where it sees demand for warranty cover.
“Being able to bring our offering to the Irish market, where we see considerable potential for our building warranties, is a product of that endeavour and we look forward to growing our footprint here,” Spratt added.
