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Seventeen Group has acquired Cornwall based Christopher Rowe Limited (‘CRL’) effective from 11th May 2021 for an undisclosed sum.
CRL was established in 1984 by Christopher Rowe and is a respected local broker specialising in the Marine sector and associated trades plus personal lines. The business, now owned by Christopher’s wife Kathleen, employs 8 staff in its Penzance office.
Seventeen Group has acquired CRL to build its presence in the South West and specifically to establish a footprint in Cornwall. It is also an opportunity for James Hallam to expand its Everard Marine Division in a region which is strong in the marine sector and associated trades.
Seventeen Group CEO Paul Anscombe comments:
We are very pleased to welcome the Christopher Rowe team into Seventeen Group. This is an important strategic acquisition which should offer a very exciting future for the team in Penzance. Cornwall is a unique county which prides itself in supporting the local economy and so we felt strongly that if we want to play a part in this then we needed to put some roots down long term”.
Seventeen Group has acquired Middlesex based Pinner Risk Solutions (‘PRS’) effective 7th May 2021 for an undisclosed sum.
PRS was established in 2012 by the current owner and Managing Director Zena Tebboth and focuses on clients in the construction industry. The business employs 9 staff out of its offices in Ruislip and handles circa £5 million Gross Written Premium.
PRS will continue to operate from Ruislip under the leadership of Zena and will become the construction specialist division for James Hallam.
Zena Tebboth comments,
“Myself and the team are looking forward to working under the umbrella of James Hallam. We believe this will enable PRS to expand the service and options we provide to our clients and offer a construction speciality within the James Hallam operation. As we continue to grow; the larger and more flexible business model will allow us to keep pace with an increasingly complex insurance and risk management environment.”
Seventeen Group CEO Paul Anscombe comments:
“Zena and her team have worked together for a number of years and offer an excellent blend of personal service and sector knowledge for the benefit of their clients. Construction is a significant part of the UK economy and is predicted to grow. Bringing PRS on board greatly increases our capability in this sector and offers a wider range of specialist services to our clients.”
Seventeen Group has acquired Ipswich based Ryan Insurance Group effective from 6th May 2021 for an undisclosed sum.
Ryan’s was originally formed in 1975 and is one of the leading regional brokers in the East of England. The business employs over 50 staff, is a UK Top 100 broker and handles over £12 million of Gross Written Premium. Two thirds of the business is commercial and one third private clients. Included within the commercial book is a specialist Hospitality account plus a dedicated SME unit.
Ryan’s is a Chartered firm of brokers and are members of the UNA Alliance. Tim Ryan, Chairman, is also Chairman and CEO of UNA and has been a board member and active
BIBA supporter over many years.
Seventeen Group CEO Paul Anscombe comments:
“We are delighted with the acquisition of Ryan’s, a business we have known for a number of years, and are proud to welcome them into our Group. It is a high quality organisation with a great team and a strong focus on client service. It is also a company which takes its role within the broking community very seriously and actively works to raise professional
standards and share good practice”.
Ryan’s will form part of James Hallam, Seventeen Group’s broking subsidiary, and remain within its existing Ipswich premises. It will continue to trade under the ‘Ryan’s’ brand and, whilst Tim Ryan will be departing upon completion to focus on other interests, Executive Directors Robin Belsom and Tim Larke will continue to lead the business with the wider management team.
James Hallam are also UNA members and so this important relationship will continue for our enlarged business.
Ryan’s Chairman, Tim Ryan comments:
“For some time, the shareholders have been considering the long-term plan for Ryan’s with an ambition to remain part of an independent brokerage which puts people first.
When we met Seventeen Group, it was clear that they filled our requirements so we are pleased that the business will continue with a similar culture, aims and objectives as well as
creating security and new opportunities for the team.”
Looking to the future Anscombe adds:
“The consolidation of the market has accelerated and we see no sign of that changing in the short term. Key for Seventeen Group is to remain a long term independent broker and so we will continue to seek the right strategic acquisition opportunities to help support this growth alongside our natural organic growth plans.
Seventeen Group were supported by Beechbrook Capital in this acquisition. Beechbrook Capital is a specialist lender providing innovative and flexible financing solutions to support fast growing SMEs across northern Europe.
he James Hallam Sport team is pleased to note that the UK Govt. is to withdraw from the ‘Vnuk’ legislation passed by the EU in 2018, which has been a regular talking point and threat to the UK motorsports industry since 2014, when the law was first considered.
The law, which forms part of the EU’s MID, requires all motorised vehicles to be insured for compulsory and unlimited liability risks, including those whilst being used on private land, so captured the use of racing vehicles, pit scooters, and all other working vehicles operating within the confines of a motor sports venue, including whilst on track.
Securing coverage at the limit of liability required is just not feasible, from either the specialist motorsport liability market who cannot provide such capacity limits, or the motor insurance providers who have no appetite for such risk exposure, so it is timely that the Govt. has made their decision to scrap the ruling.
Our team had highlighted this matter to our clients over the preceding years, and encouraged them to support the Motorsports Industry Association’s campaign to lobby both EU and UK legislators to overturn the ruling, so its good news for the industry to see common sense prevail, at least in the UK.
Within the EU, there is no such liability insurance for motorsport risks available either, and it is understood that there is an appeal to exempt motorsport from the law, let’s hope their policy makers follow ours to keep motorsport on track!
Seventeen Group, owners of James Hallam and Touchstone Underwriting, are pleased to announce the formation of London Re, a European Lloyds broker based in Dusseldorf Germany and with a branch office based in London.
London Re has been formed in a joint venture agreement between Seventeen Group and MRH Trowe, one of the largest independent brokers in Germany which employs circa 450 staff across 12 offices in Germany and 1 in Vienna.
London Re offers an independent broking solution for EU clients and brokers wishing to access the London Market for a wide range of products including Property, Casualty, Marine and Motorsport. The business is regulated in Germany, has FCA approval for its UK branch and is a Lloyds Broker.
Speaking about the joint venture Paul Anscombe adds: “Seventeen Group is a diverse insurance business with a growing international client base. When we considered the impact of Brexit on James Hallam we decided without hesitation that we wanted to create a business which could directly service EU clients and brokers in the future. We also recognised that it would add enormous strength to work in partnership with a broker whom we felt shared our ‘independent broker spirit’ and culture.
We have known MRH Trowe for many years and respected the quality which Max and his team have brought to the German and Austrian markets. Our Head Office in Dusseldorf puts London Re in the heart of Europe and therefore offers us significant opportunities to work with the world leading skills contained within the London Market on European risks.
Setting up this new venture during lockdown has been a mammoth task for both parties but this is a very significant new chapter for our respective businesses and one which adds greatly to our strength in a rapidly changing world”.
Maximilian Trowe from MRH Trowe and joint Managing Director of London Re commented
“Establishing direct access to Lloyd’s of London has long been a strategic goal for MRH Trowe and we are excited that this became feasible through the personal relationship with Seventeen Group. London Re enables us to counter the capacity bottlenecks of insurers existing in the EU market and to offer support to medium-sized brokers for complex risks. We see tremendous opportunity within MRH Trowe’s client’s needs as well as the need for the services London Re offers to brokers across the EU.”
As we continue through a period of uncertainty one thing is for sure, winter is coming. The cold weather can increase the probability of major disruption and damage to your property or vehicle. We do not know how a winter with COVID-19 will look, but we can prepare ourselves, our homes and our vehicles for the season ahead. By taking the following precautions you can help to ensure you are ready for winter.
It goes without saying that drivers need to keep their cars in good condition throughout the year, however even more so during the winter months. Recovery firms suggest that you’re twice as likely to break down during this season, so here are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk.
If you are thinking of buying an insurance policy for something you don’t know much about or insuring something fairly unusual you should consider using an insurance broker. Some may think working with an insurance broker sounds time consuming or dated and it’s much easier to go online but as insurance get more complex and new risks need understanding are you confident that you are best placed to make the right insurance decisions for yourself, your family or your business?
We understand the terminology, the emerging insurance risks, the appetite insurers have for these and we work hard to understand your needs. This makes us well positioned to advise you on not only the right insurance products for you, but the right level of cover. Insurance is complicated. So why go it alone?
There are many benefits to using an insurance broker that other providers cannot offer. Read on to find out more on what an insurance broker can offer you and why you should consider contacting us before your next insurance purchase.
Advice and Knowledge – As licensed professionals, insurance brokers have a wealth of knowledge and expertise so they can offer you excellent advice on products, how to manage risks, comparing insurance solutions and purchasing insurance. Brokers are impartial and their advice is meant to serve your interests, not the interests of a particular insurance company.
Knowing your options – Insurers won’t always offer you every type of cover when you go directly to them. Brokers will work with you to understand your unique situation and offer you a range of pre-vetted options to choose from, meaning you can rest easy knowing you are getting the right coverage at the best price.
Find the right product for you- a broker will ask you about your personal circumstances to find you the right policy. They will be able to tell you if you are already covered by your existing insurance policies and get you a good deal by comparing prices and product features. They can also be more flexible on price than comparison sites.
Choice and Price – Dealing with a broker means you are gaining access to the best insurers, some of whom do not sell directly to the public. Insurers will sometimes offer better rates to brokerages, meaning more savings for you. Why would insurance companies offer these lower prices? Lower cover.
Find a specialist provider – Comparison sites may not offer cover that should be tailored to suit your needs. You also will not find special or bespoke cover on there, so if you want to insure something unique like a high-value antique or a collection, a broker is your best option.
Claims are dealt with – If you ever need to make an insurance claim, you can lean on your broker to help make sure you receive a fair and prompt payment. If you find yourself in a disputed claim, your broker will act as an advocate with your insurance company and do as much as possible for you so you do not have the hassle and worry.
If you are looking for insurance, contact us at James Hallam. We offer a wide range of insurance products and can help you to tailor your insurance to your precise needs.
Mint Insurance Brokers Ltd (Mint) are delighted to join the Appointed Representative Partnership Programme with James Hallam Limited (JHL) with effect from 23rd November 2020.
Mint is a new trading name for an independent broking team of 18 people based in Lime Street, a stone’s throw from Lloyd’s of London.
“We are delighted that Mint is joining the JHL Appointed Representative Partnership Programme and very much look forward to developing mutual business interests within the Group” said Brian Bendle, Managing Director of Mint Insurance Brokers Limited.
Roy Standish, JHL’s Partnership Director, added “The Mint team are an excellent addition to our family of AR Partners alongside AIM, Blackford, Liability & General and Talisman. I am very much looking forward to working together.”
Paul Anscombe, CEO of JHL concluded “We are really excited to welcome the team on board. Like all of our existing Partners, they will add tremendous value to the Group in terms of their knowledge and market relationships and I know, in return, that we can help them in many ways
