Specialist marine trades broker acquired

Everards Insurance Brokers Limited, which has just been acquired by the Seventeen Group, is based in West Malling Kent, controls a gross written premium of £10 million.

“Having developed the business and its reputation over many years we are keen to see these foundations built upon,” said Tim Gilbert, joint director, Everards.

“We can add enormously to [the group] in terms of our specialist knowledge and will likewise gain from being part of a specialist dynamic group”.

Branching out

Everards’ vendors Stephen Roper and Tim Gilbert have confirmed that they will be remaining with the business, along with all staff. The company will continue to operate out of the existing West Malling premises and operate as a specialist division within Seventeen Group’s broking subsidiary James Hallam Limited.

Seventeen Group is a privately-owned insurance group which includes James Hallam insurance brokers, Touchstone Underwriting and 4Sight Risk Management.

“The acquisition of Everards is consistent with our strategy of growing and creating specialist lines of business,” said Paul Anscombe, chief executive officer of Seventeen Group.

“The team in West Malling are hugely knowledgeable in their field and are ambitious to grow the business. Everards have excellent relationships with their key insurers which we are keen to maintain and to expand the product range.”

By Anne-Marie Causer