'For us, this is about more than acquiring a book of business': Northern Ireland insurance firm opens door to broker acquisitions and partnerships

A Northern Ireland insurance group is inviting independent brokers across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain to explore partnership and investment opportunities, including full acquisitions and phased transitions.

Based in Co Antrim Prestige Insurance Holdings Ltd said its new investment programme was designed to help independent brokers plan for succession or retirement, while also supporting businesses seeking to grow and access wider resources and insurer markets.

The group said rising costs and regulatory pressures were creating challenges for independent brokerages, prompting it to offer options that would allow local businesses to retain their identity and customer relationships while benefiting from the backing of a larger organisation.

Prestige Insurance Holdings has acquired a number of independent brokers in recent years, including Find Insurance, BMG Insurance, Martin Carey Insurance, Down Insurances and Wallace Insurance Brokers.

The acquisitions have brought established local businesses into the group while providing continuity for customers and access to its wider resources and insurer relationships.

Julie Gibbons, managing director of broking, said the group recognised the importance of the relationships and reputations built by independent brokers over many years.

“We know that independent brokers have built their businesses over many years and that their clients and teams are hugely important to them,” she said.

“We want to work with brokers who share our values and people-centred culture and are looking for the right next step for their business.

“That might be someone thinking about retirement or succession, or an owner who wants to reduce some of the regulatory and compliance pressures while giving their business access to greater resources and insurer relationships.”

Julie said the group was open to different arrangements depending on individual business needs, including retaining established brands and allowing existing owners and managers to continue running them.

“Every business is different, so we don’t believe in taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We are open to having conversations about what might work best for the individual broker and their circumstances,” she continued.

“Continuing to trade under an existing heritage brand managed by existing owner/managers supported by our investment is absolutely an option.”

The group said maintaining continuity for clients and recognising employees’ contributions would remain central to any acquisition or partnership.

Its local management team would support partner brokers while providing access to the group’s wider resources and insurer relationships, with an emphasis on preserving personal service and local knowledge.

Julie added: “For us, this is about more than acquiring a book of business. We want to understand what the owner has built and what matters to them, and find a way of moving forward that works for everyone involved.”

Independent brokers interested in discussing succession, investment or acquisition options can contact the group’s acquisitions team at [email protected]. The group said initial conversations would be confidential and carry no obligation.