News

Seventeen Group Acquires Titan Insurance Services
Seventeen Group Acquires Titan Insurance Services 1224 610 James Hallam

Seventeen Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Titan Insurance Services Ltd, a specialist commercial insurance broker based in Putney, London. 

Founded in 1987 by Basil Tsapralis, Titan has built a strong reputation in the commercial insurance market, with particular expertise in the Real Estate, Construction and Leisure sectors. The business has achieved consistent growth through high client retention and strong new business performance. 

Titan’s clients will benefit from access to the wider Group’s capabilities, specialist expertise and broader range of insurance and risk management solutions. The acquisition also creates opportunities to support Titan’s continued growth through strategic insurer partnerships and access to additional markets. 

Titan will continue to trade under its existing brand and will align with the Group’s Real Estate & Construction Division. The acquisition brings more than £5 million of Gross Written Premium (GWP) into the Group 

End of Press Release 

For more information contact: –

Jackie Knight Group Marketing and Events Director
e: jackie.knight@seventeengroup.co.uk
t: 07824 486319

Welcome to James Hallam: Supporting Anthony Jones Business and Personal Insurance Customers
Welcome to James Hallam: Supporting Anthony Jones Business and Personal Insurance Customers 500 334 James Hallam

When your insurance arrangements move to a new broker, it’s understandable to have questions. Will your service change? Who do you contact? Will you still receive the same expert advice?

If you’re an Anthony Jones business or personal insurance customer, you can be reassured that you’re moving to a broker with a long-standing reputation for delivering specialist insurance advice and outstanding customer service.

James Hallam is proud to be the official nominated insurance broker for Anthony Jones customers, providing continuity, expertise and access to an even broader range of insurance solutions.

A broker you can trust

Insurance isn’t just about policies. It’s about having experienced people who understand your circumstances and are there to help when you need them most.

As one of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, James Hallam has been arranging insurance for businesses and private clients for more than four decades. We work with a wide panel of leading insurers, enabling us to recommend cover that’s tailored to each client’s individual needs rather than a standard, one-size-fits-all solution.

Whether you’re protecting your family home, your car, your business premises or your professional liabilities, our advisers take the time to understand what’s important to you.

Looking after both personal and business insurance

One of the advantages of working with James Hallam is the breadth of expertise available under one roof.

For personal customers, we can arrange insurance for homes, vehicles, travel, valuable possessions and many other everyday risks.

For business owners, we support organisations across a wide variety of industries, arranging cover for property, liability, professional risks, cyber threats, fleets and much more.

Many of our clients appreciate having a single trusted broker who can look after both their business and personal insurance requirements, making it easier to review cover, identify potential gaps and ensure their insurance evolves alongside changing circumstances.

Making the transition straightforward

We understand that changing brokers can seem daunting, but our priority is making the process as seamless as possible.

Our experienced advisers are available to answer questions, explain your options and support you throughout your renewal and beyond.

You’ll continue to receive personal service from knowledgeable insurance professionals who are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your insurance.

Insurance advice that grows with you

Insurance requirements rarely stay the same for long.

Businesses expand, employ more people, purchase new equipment or enter new markets. Families move home, buy new vehicles or acquire valuable possessions.

Regular reviews help ensure your insurance continues to reflect your current circumstances, providing appropriate protection without unnecessary complexity.

As an independent broker, James Hallam can work with you over the long term, adapting your insurance programme as your needs change.

Welcome to James Hallam

We’re delighted to welcome Anthony Jones customers to James Hallam.

Our focus is simple: providing expert advice, excellent service and tailored insurance solutions that give you confidence in the protection you have in place.

Whether you’re renewing an existing policy, reviewing your insurance portfolio or looking for advice on future cover, our team is here to help.

We look forward to building a long-term relationship and helping you protect what matters most, both in business and in your personal life.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the dedicated Anthony Jones team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Seventeen Group Acquires Gibraltar based Senate Insurance
Seventeen Group Acquires Gibraltar based Senate Insurance 1224 610 James Hallam

Seventeen Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Senate Insurance Brokers, a Gibraltar￾based insurance brokerage specialising in Corporate Insurance, Property, Professional Indemnity and International Corporate Healthcare.

Founded in 2019 by Kevin Hook, Chief Executive Officer, and Nicholas Pecino, Chief Business Officer, Senate Insurance Brokers has rapidly established itself as a respected adviser within the Gibraltar market and currently manages approximately £3.8 million in Gross Written Premium (GWP).

The transaction is also expected to drive collaboration across Seventeen Group’s specialist divisions, including Marine, Property, High Net Worth and Touchstone MGA. Through the introduction of the Group’s established expertise, product capabilities and technical knowledge into the Gibraltar market, the acquisition presents significant opportunities for cross-selling, upselling and accelerated growth.

Commenting on the acquisition, Oliver Thorne CEO Seventeen Group

“I am delighted to welcome Kevin, Nick and the team to the Group. Their dynamic and entrepreneurial approach coupled with our Group’s expertise creates an exciting platform to build the leading broker for clients in Gibraltar and southern Spain”

Nicholas Pecino FCII, Chief Business Officer and Kevin Hook FCA, Chief Executive Officer of Senate Insurance Brokers commented

“Joining the 17 Group and James Hallam marks an exciting new chapter for Senate Insurance Brokers. It’s a partnership built on shared values, exceptional people and a commitment to putting clients first. By combining Senate’s expertise with the wider capabilities of the Group, including specialist knowledge, enhanced resources and direct access to the Lloyd’s of London market, we are even better positioned to support our clients while staying true to the personal approach that defines our business. We are delighted to become part of the 17 Group and James Hallam”.

End of Press Release 

For more information contact: –

Jackie Knight Group Marketing and Events Director
e: jackie.knight@seventeengroup.co.uk
t: 07824 486319

Everard Supports All-Women Sea Survival Course
Everard Supports All-Women Sea Survival Course 2048 1536 James Hallam

At Everard, part of James Hallam, we are proud to support initiatives that help strengthen safety, skills and opportunities across the marine industry. As specialist marine insurance brokers with deep roots in the maritime sector, we understand the importance of practical training and ongoing professional development for those working at sea.

We were delighted to sponsor three spaces on the recent all-women sea survival course organised by Women in Fisheries, helping participants gain vital emergency safety training and confidence at sea.

The course was another successful step forward in supporting and encouraging more women into the fishing and wider maritime industries, while reinforcing the importance of safety awareness and preparedness for everyone working on the water.

Read more about the All-Women Sea Survival course.

As a dedicated marine insurance broker, Everard remains committed to supporting the communities and industries we work alongside every day.

Seventeen Group announce acquisition of 1st Choice Insurance
Seventeen Group announce acquisition of 1st Choice Insurance 1224 610 James Hallam

Seventeen Group are delighted to announce the acquisition of 1st Choice Insurance. Based in Shrewsbury, 1st Choice Insurance business is an award-winning commercial broker, recognised for its client service and entrepreneurial culture. This acquisition enhances Seventeen Group’s motor fleet proposition and is an important step in strengthening the Group’s presence in the West Midlands. 1st Choice employs 39 staff and places £13m of GWP into the market. 

Founders Jason Martin and Callum Watkins commented as follows :-  

We’re incredibly excited to become part of the Seventeen Group. 1st Choice Insurance was founded on a simple ethos: providing great insurance policies with exceptional customer service. We’ve found a natural partner in Seventeen Group, whose culture and values align closely with our own. With their support and scale, we’re looking forward to growing our business and continuing to deliver on our key principle to even more clients. Callum Watkins

Joining the Seventeen Group is a natural step for 1st Choice Insurance. Our businesses share a strong commitment to people, relationships, and delivering the highest standards of service. This partnership allows us to build on those foundations, creating new opportunities for our team and even greater value for our clients. Jason Martin 

Oliver Thorne Seventeen Group CEO: I’m delighted to welcome the 1st Choice team to Seventeen Group. Their impressive growth is built on a foundation of quality client service and significant investment in sales strategy. Their entrepreneurial culture perfectly complements the direction of our Group and I’m excited to build our business together. 

End of Press Release 

For more information contact: –

Jackie Knight Group Marketing and Events Director
e: jackie.knight@seventeengroup.co.uk
t: 07824 486319

Seventeen Group strengthens its specialist capability with a brace of acquisitions
Seventeen Group strengthens its specialist capability with a brace of acquisitions 1224 610 James Hallam

Seventeen Group are delighted to announce the acquisitions of Citrus Healthcare and Smith England Insurance Brokers into James Hallam, it’s UK retail Division.

Citrus Healthcare is a specialist private medical brokerage established in 2010 by Richard and Claire Bamford and based in Kent. The move significantly expands the Group’s Employee Benefits division and reinforces its commitment to delivering market-leading healthcare and protection solutions.

Founders Richard and Claire Bamford comments:
“We are very excited to be joining Seventeen Group and to be part of a growing and forward-thinking organisation. We look forward to contributing to and enhancing the Employee Benefits division as we move ahead together.”

Smith England, led by Nigel Smith, focusses on corporate clients that favour a risk managementled proposition. Its base in Cheadle provides a platform for expansion in the North-West of England.

Nigel Smith from Smith England commented
“We were attracted to James Hallam by their governing principle “to do the right thing”; the fact that directors are insurance brokers; our common belief in providing a professional local service, and the active encouragement for staff to be qualified. We look forward to continuing to service our valued clients as part of James Hallam and
using our North-West of England location to build the James Hallam business and brand in the region”

Combined, these businesses add £12m GWP to the Group.

Oliver Thorne Seventeen Group CEO, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Citrus and Smith England teams to our business. Their specialist knowledge perfectly complements our existing capability, adding distribution and expertise to our Group. In return, we provide support, investment, and operational expertise to the leadership teams, enabling them to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit and achieve their long-term growth aspirations.”

End of Press Release

For more information contact: –

Jackie Knight Group Marketing and Events Director
e: jackie.knight@seventeengroup.co.uk
t: 07824 486319

Supporting Friends of Horsey Seals: A Collaborative Approach to Specialist ATV Insurance
Supporting Friends of Horsey Seals: A Collaborative Approach to Specialist ATV Insurance 1369 672 James Hallam

A Heartwarming Partnership in Action

We’re delighted to share a heartwarming story that perfectly captures what can be achieved when collaboration, understanding and a little determination come together.

Protecting Seals During Pupping Season

One of our valued insurance partners, ERS, has created a fantastic video showcasing the incredible work of the volunteers at Friends of Horsey Seals. The charity works tirelessly to protect the local seal population, particularly during the busy pupping season, when extra care and vigilance are essential.

Why the Quad Bike Is Essential

A key part of their work relies on a quad bike, which allows volunteers to transport vital equipment across the beach and safely assist seals when needed. Without it, reaching the animals quickly and efficiently would be a real challenge.

Watch this heartwarming video

Finding the Right ATV Insurance Solution

From our perspective, the risk didn’t immediately sit within the typical scope of our agricultural ATV/RTV scheme. However, rather than stopping there, Chelsea Chatfield from our Personal Lines team took the time to truly understand the charity’s needs and the importance of being able to use the ATV on the beach in support of their work.

A Team Effort to Deliver the Right Outcome

That understanding opened the door to a productive conversation with ERS underwriters. By working together, we were able to agree suitable terms and ensure the charity had the cover they needed to continue their invaluable efforts.

It was especially rewarding to hear Friends of Horsey Seals personally thank Chelsea during the marketing call, sharing how thrilled they were with the support provided. Having the ATV properly insured will make a meaningful difference throughout the pupping season, enabling volunteers to protect the seals more effectively and with greater ease.

A special well done also goes to our Personal Lines Schemes team in Ipswich. Claire Moore, Team Manager, highlights that the team pride themselves on taking the time to understand each customer’s unique needs and delivering a friendly, personal service that builds trust and long-lasting relationships.

Here to Help with Your ATV Insurance Needs

If you have any ATV insurance requirements, our team would be delighted to help. Get in touch to find out how we can support you with your specialist or non-standard ATV insurance.

T: 01473 343390

E: plnew@jameshallam.co.uk

 

A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk
A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk 600 400 James Hallam

For hoteliers, providing exceptional guest experiences is the top priority. However, ensuring the safety of both guests and staff, protecting the property, and managing operational risks are just as critical to running a successful business.

At James Hallam, we work closely with hoteliers to identify risks, implement proactive solutions, and ensure they have the right insurance coverage in place. Nick Maddox, our risk management specialist, shares his insights on the most pressing risks facing the hospitality industry today—and how hotels can stay protected.

Understanding the Biggest Risks

While fire remains one of the most significant concerns for the hospitality sector, advancements in construction and fire prevention have helped reduce the risk to life. However, the financial impact of a fire has increased, largely due to rising material costs, limited availability of skilled trades, and planning or heritage restrictions.

Beyond fire, slips, trips, and falls continue to be the most frequently reported incidents in hotels, making up nearly 50% of all accident claims. In fact, over the past year alone, we’ve seen a 13% rise in these incidents. This highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment through proper flooring, lighting, and staff awareness.

Common Pitfalls in Risk Management

One of the biggest challenges we see is that while many hotels have detailed policies and risk assessments, they often fail to implement them effectively. Risk management should not be seen as a tick-box exercise but rather as a core part of daily operations.

To be effective, risk management should follow three key steps:

  1. Identify the specific risks to the business
  2. Develop practical and achievable control measures
  3. Ensure staff are properly trained so that risk management becomes part of the hotel’s culture

Taking a Proactive Approach to Risk Reduction

Every hotel has a unique risk profile, but there are key areas that all hoteliers must focus on, including:

  • Fire safety – Ensuring compliance with fire regulations and best practices
  • Food hygiene – Reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illness
  • Health & safety – Preventing accidents through proper training and procedures
  • Property protection – Safeguarding the hotel’s physical assets
  • Cybersecurity – Protecting guest and business data from cyber threats

Beyond meeting legal and regulatory requirements, hotels must also demonstrate effective risk management to insurers. Without the right safeguards in place, claims may be delayed, reduced, or even declined. Regular internal assessments, or engaging an external risk management specialist, can help ensure compliance and minimise exposure.

The Importance of Staff Training

A strong risk management culture is key to protecting any hotel, and this starts with ongoing staff training. At James Hallam, we focus on four core principles that help embed risk awareness across teams:

  • Communication – Keeping staff informed about risk management policies
  • Consultation – Encouraging team input to identify potential hazards
  • Collaboration – Working across departments to ensure best practices are followed
  • Coordination – Ensuring all teams are aligned on risk mitigation strategies

Effective training not only reduces risk but also helps staff feel confident and engaged in their roles, creating a safer and more efficient working environment.

Mitigating Cyber Risks in Hospitality

Hotels rely on digital systems to manage reservations, guest data, and payments, making them a prime target for cyber threats. While most businesses outsource IT security to specialist providers, hoteliers should take an active role in understanding how their data is protected.

We always recommend:

  • Conducting regular cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities
  • Ensuring robust data protection measures are in place
  • Considering comprehensive cyber insurance to safeguard against potential breaches

How James Hallam Supports Hoteliers

At James Hallam, we work with hoteliers to tailor risk management solutions that go beyond just insurance. Our comprehensive risk audits assess both insurable and non-insurable exposures, ensuring that hotels:

  • Meet regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Implement best practice risk management
  • Provide insurers with clear and accurate risk assessments

By taking this proactive approach, we help our clients not only secure the right insurance cover but also reduce the likelihood of claims—ultimately protecting their business and reputation.

Final Advice for Hoteliers

Risk management isn’t about reacting to incidents; it’s about anticipating what could go wrong before it happens. Successful hoteliers are those who can predict the future by identifying emerging risks and taking action to mitigate them.

By adopting a proactive and structured approach to risk management, hoteliers can create a safer environment, protect their assets, and ensure long-term success. At James Hallam, we are here to help every step of the way.

Contact Nick Maddox
Email: nick.maddox@jameshallam.co.uk
Tel: 07876 204692

IK Partners to invest in Seventeen Group
IK Partners to invest in Seventeen Group 1184 540 James Hallam

IK Partners (“IK”) is pleased to announce that the IK Partnership III (“IK PF III”) Fund has signed an agreement to acquire a minority stake in Seventeen Group (“Seventeen” or “the Group”), a leading independent insurance and risk management organisation in the UK, from the founding shareholders and management team. This transaction represents IK’s first investment in the UK Insurance market, building on a well-established track record of supporting similar businesses across Europe. Financial terms are not disclosed and completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. 

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in London, UK, Seventeen is a multi-disciplinary insurance group which provides a comprehensive range of services, including broking, underwriting, risk and claims management. 

 The Group comprises: 

  • James Hallam, a UK-wide brokerage platform focused on serving commercial, personal, specialty and high-net-worth clients domestically and globally.
  • Touchstone, a specialist independent managing general agency servicing more than 550 brokers.
  • London Re, a joint venture with MRH Trowe and domiciled in Düsseldorf, Germany.

At present, Seventeen operates from 25 offices across the UK, DACH and the Isle of Man, collectively managing around £400 million in premiums. 

The investment represents a major milestone in Seventeen’s history. With the support of IK, the Group aims to further accelerate its growth, enhance innovation and leverage technology to capitalise on attractive opportunities in new and existing markets — all while staying true to the core values that have shaped the business to date. 

Paul Turner, Executive Chairman and Paul Anscombe, CEO, said: “Seventeen Group is proud to be the UK’s longest-serving independent insurance distribution group of scale. As we enter this next phase of growth, we are delighted to welcome the team at IK who share the passion and belief that our independent model provides a differentiated proposition for our clients, acquisition partners and colleagues. This long-term investment reflects the conviction in our strategy, the opportunities ahead and most importantly, is testament to the hard work of our staff which has enabled a great business to be built.” 

Adrian Tanski, Partner at IK and Advisor to the IK PF III Fund, added: “We have been very impressed by Seventeen’s journey to date and believe that the Group is well positioned to continue its strong development, off the back of its strong customer service focus, broad coverage of the value chain and longstanding expertise in the insurance brokerage and underwriting space. We are excited to work with both the Pauls and their team to further develop the Seventeen platform and pursue consolidation opportunities in the UK and beyond.”

End of Press Release

For more information contact:
Jackie Knight Group Marketing Director
T: 07824 486319
E: jackie.knight@seventeengroup.co.uk

Exciting News from Everard Insurance!
Exciting News from Everard Insurance! 1280 720 James Hallam

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our New Personal & Commercial Boat Insurance Product available to brokers, designed to provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind for boat owners. Whether you own a sailboat, motorboat, fishing vessel, or yacht, our tailored coverage options ensure that you can enjoy your time on the water with confidence.

Key Features of Our New Boat Insurance:

  • Hull and Machinery Coverage: Protects the structural integrity and mechanical components of your boat.
  • Liability Coverage: Safeguards you against legal liabilities for bodily injury or property damage to others.
  • Personal Property Coverage: Insures your personal belongings on board.
  • Medical Payments Coverage: Covers medical expenses for injuries sustained on your boat.

Discounts and Incentives:

  • Multi-Policy Discounts: Bundle with other Everard Insurance products for additional savings.
  • No Claims Bonus: Rewards for maintaining a claim-free record.

Why Choose Everard Insurance?

Set sail with confidence knowing that Everard Insurance has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our new boat insurance product and get a personalised quote!

Or use our online risk capture portal, please find the link below:

Small Craft: Commercial Marine Insurance Form – James Hallam

Small Craft: Private Pleasure Craft Insurance Form – James Hallam

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